Summer Running Check {Finding Balance in Fitness}

Hey there everyone!  I hope you all are enjoying the weekend.  It has been a few weeks since I did a running check in, so I figured it was about time.  This summer has definitely been a struggle to stay consistent with my running.  The temperatures and humidity always put a bit of a halt to any distance running for me, but I've also had a few other interruptions making it an even bigger challenge to keep up consistency.  The beautiful thing about fitness, though, is there are many forms of it which means I can always find ways to be active even when my running is not at its strongest!

I think I am averaging about 2 runs a week for the last month or two, which really is not terrible since even at my peak I usually only run 3 times weekly.  I do very much enjoy my running, but also love my time in the gym which means I try to find a balance between the two.  As I get older (not that I am old by any means, haha) I find it is even more important to maintain not only cardiovascular endurance, but also strength, stability and the biggest chink in my fitness armor--flexibility.  No matter what your favorite activity is it is important to make sure you are including a little of each of these elements of physical health into your weekly routine.

Though I may not be improving or really working towards my running goals at the moment (I feel a bit slow right now, as you can see from my latest times above), looking at my recent activity I think I am quite pleased in the balance I have found for this time in my life.  After having a flare up of a recurring hip/back issue a month or so ago I have really incorporated more functional core work to try to help strengthen up some muscular imbalances.  I teach a corporate core class once a week that I started jumping in and doing it with the employees that come down and join the fun.  It has been a great way to be able to get in at least one solid core workout a week, and I think they enjoy seeing me actually do the challenging workouts I put together for them. ;)

I have also been finding more time to try to continue to improve my mobility, flexibility and mindfulness through yoga and meditation.  Yes, I think meditation can actually count as part of your fitness routine!  It is not "active" in the traditional sense, but it can be a great tool to help you get more out of your workouts and to help train you to take time for self-care.  Many of us (myself included) just go through the motions of exercising without really focusing on what we want to get out of a particular session.  Being more mindful of your long-term goals and short-term for what you are looking to accomplish for that hour of activity can vastly improve your success in hitting those goals and also your enjoyment of the process. I haven't tried it yet, but the app that I use (Headspace) has even created a specific series of meditation just for running!

As a final note, I may have an opportunity to grow my local wellness business in a way that could encourage me to get back out on the trails or the pavement on a more regular basis.  Though I have worked in the fitness world for years, I am finally taking the steps to create my own business to supplement my work with the awesome studio I have the pleasure of working in.  I love having a wonderful home to do my personal training in and partaking in the corporate wellness opportunities that the studio provides to some local businesses.  However, I have been getting a little antsy to branch out a little more on my own to focus on the supporting the local plant-based community.  In addition to adding different nutrition and wellness coaching, I am thinking about taking my business outside a little more and possibly hosting some run groups!  Our local track club is really great and has a ton of membership, but as an introvert myself I know there is always a need for some smaller and possibly more flexible options for people who may not be as keen on joining in with a large group.  I also really like the idea of being able to bring together other runners and athletes who also follow a plant-based lifestyle!

It is a little scary working on the business end of things, but I have a lot of great support all around to help me work on these new professional goals.  I will definitely look forward to sharing with you how things go as I start to bring my ideas to reality!

Speaking of support...check out the totally amazing design my dear friend @woman-onthe-wing made for me!  It incorporates so much of what I was hoping to evoke in choosing my particular username and now company name.  Having made so many wonderful friendships and gained confidence on here has definitely helped with my motivation to continue growth in all aspects of life. :)