Fitness Friday Guest Post: Mary!

It’s Friday! Whoop! Today is my rest day and I couldn’t be happier about that. My poor legs need a break. It’s also challah-making day which is always bananas.

Who’s training or racing this weekend? I’ll be running 4 on Saturday and then 9 on Sunday. This is when my half marathon training starts getting intense. I love it but also hate it. It takes a lot of time away from my family but I usually end up feeling completely awesomesauce after a nice, long run.

I’ve been working on bringing a new Friday series to the table, and I’m happy to say I have my first guest post ready for today! The new series focuses on healthy living, fitness routines, and how to stay focused in the face of injury/adversity. Plus, some advice for people just starting their healthy lifestyle and/or fitness journey.

Without further ado, my first guest poster is Mary from Four The Health Of It. I hope you enjoy her wonderful words of wisdom!

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What is your favorite fitness day/activity?

I really look forward to run days! I love being
outside and running is my way of getting out there, clear my head and enjoy
nature.

What is your favorite fitness routine?

Currently, I am loving daily yoga in the evening
especially anything that involves leg balances. Warrior lll makes me feel
strong and confident!

Why do you choose to stay fit?

I am trying to be preventative with my health. My
family history of heart disease, cancer and other issues is not the greatest. I
am trying to break the cycle. Seeing MY future in older generations really
scares me.

Aside from physical exercise, what other ways
do you incorporate healthy choices into your life?

I try to stick to a clearer way of eating (80/20
ratio). Eating 100% clean is not realistic to my family life. We do love to go
out to eat- a lot! I do not eat processed box foods anymore but stick to white meat,
fresh veggies and sometimes brown rice or baked sweet potatoes. I rarely eat
pasta either. I am dairy free because everything dairy except butter bothers
me. I honestly do not miss the cheese and cream based heavy foods that I used
to eat.

How have you dealt with any setbacks (injury,
family crisis, etc.) that have prevented you from working out, staying in
shape, or eating healthily?

Luckily, I have not had an injury to set me back
(knock on wood!). It’s usually a food related set back. I just tell myself,
“Okay, it happened. Move on.”

Crisis situations drive me to work out harder.
It is how I reduce anxiety or stress.

I have a motto taken from a Tom Petty song:
“If you don’t run, you’ll rust.” If I fall off the workout wagon,
this usually does the trick to remind myself to get back at it.

What advice do you have for someone just
beginning their journey into healthy living and/or exercising?

Diet is a dirty word. Erase it from your
vocabulary. You are making a lifestyle change. Once you starting thinking this
way, you will have better success. Start with small goals while keeping the big
picture in mind. Remember to take it one day at a time. Set backs and plateaus
happen to all of us. Don’t get caught up in the compare game. figure out what
works for you and what does not. Keep a workout schedule, meal prep and stay
focused on YOU and YOUR goals.

You can follow Mary’s blog Four The Health Of It, and also on Facebook or Twitter.

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Hope y’all have a great day. Be strong, be awesome, be you!

Want to join the fitness journey discussion? Email me!