Oh, What shall I wear to run?

I am a girly girl.  I like all things pink, purple and dainty.  And of course I like shoes, purses, clothes etc... but I am far from superficial.  A little vain at times, but not too much, LOL!  However, ever since I have been living a fit and healthy life, I think I have gone crazy!  I, Akilah Smith, now walks into a clothing store and go straight to the workout gear.  Crazy right? NOT!  It's part of my evolution.

I hear stories like mine countless times in my running group.  And the only people who really understand are the people on the same path.  We understand that being fit and healthy is a complete change.  It's a change that not only involves changing your mindset, but changing your possessions to accommodate the change. And if you are truly dedicated, then you will do so freely.

What do you like to wear when you run?  Personally, I like comfortable attire with a little color.  I like tank tops and of course running tights in the summer, and then I'll add long sleeves, running gloves, earmuffs and a running jacket during the cold months.  I can also flow with running skirts, but I reserve those mostly for my races. Some people are flamboyant, some are conservative, some are modern etc.. but whatever your personal style is, make sure it's the correct attire.

As a runner, you must wear proper running gear.  Your clothing should be dry-fit  material to prevent chaffing, and moisture retention.  Although dry-fit is more expensive, it's worth it.  Believe me, running with a burning sensation or being totally wet is not good at all, especially in the cold!  And it goes beyond the clothes!  You CANNOT, and I repeat, you CANNOT call yourself a runner or perform proper running technique without the correct running shoes.  It's impossible!  If you don't believe me, ask the many women in my group that have lost toe nails or have had injuries due to wearing improper or too small running shoes. I suggest if you want to run, walk etc... you go to your local running store and get a gate analysis.  This analysis allows you to be tested and fitted for the proper shoe.  And most likely you will end up with a shoe that's at least one whole size above what size you normally wear.  Does that make sense?  Well, it should! Your feet moves and sometimes expand when you run.  You must allow room in your shoes for them to do so and to be pain free while running.  You also should have at least 3 pairs of shoes for rotation.  Shoe soles swell as well and need time to settle before the next run.  And to round out the shoes, you MUST wear running socks.  There isn't anyway around it!  Many people aren't too fond of running, or exercising and any small discomfort will make them quit altogether.  So I say nip it in the bud up front!  Purchase what you need early on and you will be happier in the long run.

Whether you run, bike, swim, workout etc... there is proper attire for each activity.  Educate yourself on your sport. Go out and purchase what you need.  I'd rather have a handful of the correct running gear items instead of an entire wardrobe of fashion running gear just to look cute!  You can always tell who is serious about their lifestyle by their clothing, shoes and accessories they acquire to perform!

Get it right, keep it tight! Peace!

To Eat or Not to Eat!!!

So once again, it's that time of the year..... another Holiday! Independence Day!

Now if you are like me, you are already thinking about all the different kinds of food you are planning on chomping down on at the 4th of July cookout.  You are thinking about the barbecue chicken, ribs, steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, seafood etc...   Then you have the side items like baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn on the cob etc...  And let's not forget about the desserts; cakes, pies, banana pudding etc...   Ummm Ummm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it all!  And I guess we will wash it all down with the many drink choices of soda, juices, alcoholic beverages or good old fashion sweet tea.  You may even go to more than one cookout the entire Holiday weekend, which starts this Thursday and will end about  midnight Sunday.... LOL!

Needless to say, many of us put on a few extra pounds during the Holiday season because temptation is all around us.  And no matter what we have done up to that point, by eating healthier and staying on track with our clean eating habits, the Holiday food choices set us back about a month!

However, there is hope!

Sometimes it's not about what you eat, it's about how much of it you do eat!  It's OK to satisfy your food temptations once in a while, but it's not alright to glutton yourself with those temptations.  Piling your plate up with food as high as a mountain is NOT healthy.  Going back up for seconds, thirds and fourths just so you can fit in all the food items offered, when you are already full is NOT healthy either.  If you are like me, and you usually like a taste of a little bit of everything, it's easy to get side tracked.  However, how big are your portion sizes?

To stay on track with your fitness goals, try to lessen your portion sizes.  If you must have a taste of everything just because it's being offered, take small spoon-fulls of each item and limit your meat selections to three or less.  Also, think about the choices that are being offered and make the best selections.  You can load up on tossed salad instead of three sides.  You can drink water instead of the pure sugar items mentioned earlier.  If you are able to do smaller portions, then you can fit a variety of selections on your plate, which tricks the mind to believe that you are satisfied because you'll have a taste of everything.  Therefore, you won't have to go back up for seconds, thirds or fourths, because you have had everything already.

But if you are unable to control your temptations and you do overindulge in everything, it's OK!  Before I even go to a cookout, I have already figured out what workout routine I'm going to do afterwards to burn off all those calories and you should to.  And it doesn't have to be a strenuous workout.  You can do anything from walking, to swimming, to a cardio workout or even a bike ride.  You can pick back up where you left off.  Just don't get so off track that you don't get back on the horse at all!

So don't get bogged down with counting calories, or not allowing yourself to eat tempting items.  If you don't indulge in foods you enjoy once in a while it will lead to overeating binges, and sometimes a desire not to continue eating healthy at all.

As long as you stay ACTIVE and your main sources of nutrition are HEALTHY choices, you will be OK!

Happy 4th of July!!!!