This past weekend, I reached my 180 day milestone of my healthy living journey. During the past 6 months, many people have asked about my secret to success, so I thought I’d share my Top 5 Tips for a Successful Healthy Living Journey.
Incredible Support Network
My wife and children are the foundation of my network and journey. They keep me grounded, encourage me to accomplish my goals and, most of all, put up with me and my smelly clothes. They are the reason I do what I do…they are my everything! In addition to my family, I have a team of great people who keep me moving. This includes chiropractors, a massage therapist, physical therapist and nutritionist. I punish my body day after day, week after week and do not stretch nearly enough. Without them, I’d probably be in traction. Finally, it’s important to be around others that share similar passions and goals. For me, that group is the amazing coaches, captains, staff and participants of Team in Training (TNT). I couldn’t think of a better group of people in which to spend time!
Set Realistic Goals and Do It Again
At the beginning of the journey, I set just a couple of short-term, realistic goals. To stay focused and committed to the journey, I continually re-examine these goals and set others to ensure I’m 1) still going in the right direction and 2) able to adjust goals as appropriate. While developing these short and long-term goals, I made sure that each of my goals was actionable. For example, instead of saying I’m going to run a ½ marathon in July, I developed a running schedule that prepared me by race day.
Nutrition: My Fitness Pal
I track EVERYTHING that I eat in My Fitness Pal. Yes, this can be cumbersome but it has made me more aware of what I’m putting into my body, the percentages of macronutrients (Carb, Protein and Fat) in my diet, and, most importantly, keeps me honest. If I think about eating or drinking something that I don’t want to enter into this tool, I’m NOT eating or drinking it.
Wearable Technology: FitBit
I use the FitBit to track the number of steps I take in a day…my goal is 15,000. I usually exceed that goal, but on “rest” (non-running) days, I’m lucky if I break 7,500. My perspective on the FitBit is that it provides feedback on how active I am, or should be. For example, if my steps are low, I might take the stairs vs. the elevator. I also have fun with FitBit specific challenges with others on the app as well as at work as part of my company’s healthy challenges.
On-Going Learning
Certainly social media and the internet provide quick and easy access to resources and information, especially when that information is delivered right to your email. I also subscribe to Runner’s World magazine and have read several books on running. Learning about your passion will only strengthen your commitment to your journey.
“Success is a journey. Not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” Arthur Ashe
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