the balanced ENDURANCE ATHLETE

If you’re like me and like to test the boundaries of your physical limits — always exploring ways to see what your body can do, how hard it can go and how long it can do it for — we have a lot in common. I’ve raced four IronMans, ran multiple marathons and completed three 50 mile Ultra-marathons. I’m not braggin’ — I’m just establishing the fact that I like to constantly test the limits of what my body can achieve. They call people like us “Type-A”, which is good, but sometimes our innate drive gets in the way of seeing things clearly.

I’ve always been active. I grew up as a swimmer, took up running, then triathlons and lately ultra-marathons. Yet, throughout these years I always thought I was healthy. I defined health with what I ate and how long I exercised. Did I mind my weight? Did I do annual physicals? Nah… I was fit, so I was healthy, right? Think again.

Now I understand the picture of being fully healthy. From a holistic and integrative standpoint, being healthy does include food and exercise, but not at the expense of all the other things that nourish us: relationships, spirituality, work and yes … rest.

Like I did for over twenty five years, you’ve probably neglected some or all of these areas as you became a slave to your workout, the distance you needed to cover and the hours you needed to log into your training regimen. I’m not judging, I’m simply stating and reflecting what I used to see in the mirror when I looked at myself every morning. Things have changed now. Through some challenges of my own I learned that I needed to take better care of myself. Health was much more than what I ate or the amount of exercise I did. Health was how I felt, what I thought, how I disconnected and how I interacted with those around me. I needed to start paying attention to my whole self, not just part of me. 

So, let’s stop and assess some areas in your life:

• EXERCISE: Do wish you had more energy to complete your workouts? Do you feel sluggish sometimes? Do you bonk or hit the wall often?
• FOOD: Are you eating to achieve your optimal athletic performance? Are you nourishing your body with the right foods for what you’re doing or are you just feeding yourself mindlessly? Are you eating as clean as you can or is it all processed “health” food?
• RELATIONSHIPS: Are you neglecting those closest to you? Are you starting to feel emotionally disconnected? Are you truly connected?
• SPIRITUALITY: Are you in touch with your body and your intuition? Do you listen to the voice inside to help guide you as you deal with everyday life stress?
• CAREER: Are you working as hard as you’re training? Are you fulfilled or is your current job draining you? Do you know where you're going?

I understand your drive and passion. I understand your desire to compete and to kick-ass. I understand that you will stop at nothing to achieve your goal — whatever that might be. And because I’m just like you and have learned to balance my life I decided to also pursue Health Coaching for Endurance Athletes. There is a need in our endurance community for better self-care and I want to provide this valuable service to you and others.

If you’re ready to break through, exceed your athletic goals and reach the highest version of yourself by Paying your Health First, I’d be thrilled to work with you and help you get there. My endurance athletic experience coupled with my Integrative Nutrition training will help you lay the foundation for better self-care as you power through life and work. 

What are you waiting for? Commit to Thrive and be confident that when you ask your body and mind to perform .... they'll respond like you never thought possible.