Diet vs Exercise

I am sitting here waiting to go for a nice 15 mile run on this cold, clear morning. I am excited, but I am hesitant because of a fat furry baby that lies at my feet. Jada, our new Aussie puppy, is my pride and joy. I feel like a first time Mom, and I don't want to leave her. I want to play with her all day, kiss her, and teach her the ways of the world. Sounds corny, I know, but I just can't help it. Having a new baby in the house definitely affects my training these days. Instead of long runs, they are short and fast! I don't want to leave her for too long. Oh, well, I am off for a run!


This video was an eye-opener for me. I am sure you will feel the same way. It clearly illustrates how futile it is to try and exercise away dietary slip-ups. It's easy to put away hundreds, or even thousands of calories in just a few minutes, but it takes hours of very intense exercise to burn off a fraction of that. The idea that you can "undo" a gluttonous meal with a trip to the gym or a nice run, keeps many people from reaching their goals. I certainly will be more aware of what I eat now. Since I have begun eating gluten "less", I haven't had a pizza. Sometimes I miss having one, but I am one of those people who can eat five or six big pieces without a problem. Wow, isn't that scary! I guess it is best for someone like me to just avoid eating that. I really have a problem monitoring the amount of food I put in my mouth. I need to practice MODERATION. Get out the door and burn some calories! Remember: You can never out-train a bad diet!

A 120 pound journey.

This video got me off my computer this morning and out on the trails. I hope it inspires you like it did me. Have a GREAT Friday, everyone.

"The distance is nothing. It is only the first step that is difficult."
Author, Marie de Vichy-Chamrond

Your action for today is to put in writing one action item to do regarding an idea you've wanted to accomplish.

Make your life happen!

Brian died on Sept. 5th, 9 months after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He fought to the end, believing that somehow he could conquer this horrible disease. He endured craniotomies, radiation, chemo, and even a trip to Lourdes courtesy of the Knights of Malta. Brian was a UCI graduate and played college soccer. He was just 24 years old. Rest comfortably Brian. You will never be forgotten.

"Treasure each other in the recognition that we do not know how long we will have each other". Joshua Liebman











On Sept. 3rd, we drove 3 hours to buy a beautiful Aussie puppy that we named Jada. She is a blue
merle and we all are in love. She is so smart and so cute!! It is so much fun to have a puppy around again. I just forgot how much work they are!! It's like having a baby all over again.

I signed up for a 50k and a 50 miler today. I am glad that I committed to doing them, as now I have a reason to train!! I wanted to mention that it has been about 5 months since I've had either bread or pasta. I feel so much better and I can run now without stomach pains. Who would have thought?

The Coastal Challenge is my January destination. It is a 6 day stage race in Costa Rica. I am so excited to be racing there again. You may recall that I raced there in 2009 and had the adventure of a lifetime. I am motivated to get out and train with this race coming up in 2011.

My daughter Chelsea is interested in doing a Triathlon. I am so pumped for her. Her and I went to the pool the other night and besides freezing our butts off, she did awesome. I hope she continues to be encouraged to learn to swim, bike and run better.

Have a wonderful week!!

"If you try too carefully to plan your life, the danger is that you will succeed--succeed in narrowing your options, closing off avenues of adventure that cannot now be imagined."
American Diplomat, Harlan Cleveland

Use this week to think of an adventure you would like to have and take a step towards making it happen!!!