Don't Give Up!!!...........Stay on Track During the Holiday Season 12.10.12

Most of us love the holiday season....... and errrummm, especially  the food.......maybe a little to much.

Do you having a hard time staying on a healthy track during the holiday season?    I know some folks who throw their "normal" nutrition and workout plan out the window as soon as Thanksgiving arrives and don't consider it again until New Year's Day.  

Have you ever wondered how people find  the motivation to stay focused on health and fitness with the holiday season in full effect and temptation lurking  around every corner?   

Motivation is the energy that helps us to reach our goals and it can be internal or external.

Staying on track during the holidays can seem nearly impossible, but with a little planning it can be done.

To help keep weight gain to a minimum- stay as active as you possibly can.  Opt for shorter workouts versus not working out due to a busy schedule.   Ask friends and family members to join you for a workout.

The Piper must be paid baby.......before, during and after the holiday season.

Delicious food and treats will be everywhere and deprivation isn't in your program right?  So choose moderation not deprivation.  Don't overindulge or deprive yourself just be sure to choose your favorite treats wisely and use moderation.

Keep in mind that 2013 is just a few short weeks away and what you do today will show up in the New Year and everything that you do or don’t do today will count tomorrow. 

SuperTroops, eat well, train happy and have a healthy and happy holiday season, RR

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I'd like to share my personal story~experience with you of " DLF<DNF<<DNS Dead Last Finish is greater than Did Not Finish which greatly trumps Did Not Start"  (from my January 2011 blog/post)

One of my goals for January 2011 was to do two marathons in two weeks to qualify to join the Marathon Maniacs. January 16th's marathon went exactly according to plan. However, the one on January 30th didn't go so well.

First, since it was a race less than 60 miles from home, I decided to follow Mapquest's directions. Things were going fine until I realized that I was somewhat lost around 0730 and in the middle of Nowhere, USA.

At 0750, I pulled into a Safeway parking lot, jumped out of the car and fought to hold back my tears while asking a man for directions to the Cedar River Trail. Low and behold he did not speak English and told me to go to Customer Service. I burst into tears and ran into the store and approached an employee at the Starbucks counter who was waiting for her coffee. I was unable to speak because I was crying so hard and I handed her my directions and she asked me if I was lost. (hmmmm, I think sooooo.) All I could do was nod. She read the directions and asked a couple of her co-workers for help and no one.......I mean no one knew where The Cedar River Trail was!!!!! Finally, someone got on the all call and asked if anyone knew where the Trail was and an "Angel" appeared and gave me clear and concise directions. My tears stopped, I started smiling again and thanked everyone and went on my way.

It turns out that I had taken the wrong "Landsberg Road". When I finally arrived at the start line, it was 0821 and I had to make a quick decision. Do I go thru with this marathon, finish dead last and accomplish my goal of becoming a Maniac or bag it?

Well, ya know I started my Garmin, started running and handled my business. I did not see another person for what seemed like an eternity!!! The Cedar River Marathon turned out to be one of the best races that I have ever done for several reasons:

1) It was a mental challenge and nearly a struggle to be in the wilderness with no one around.

2) I was reminded of all the reasons I love to run: for my health, spirit and attitude.

3) Even though I finished the race dead last, it was so much better than not finishing or not starting at all.