Category Archives: Lifestyle

lifestyle

just do it

Recently I wrote a short piece for ACTIVE VERMONT, my page in the Rutland Herald/Times Argus Sunday newspaper, that sparked interest and generated comments from a number of readers. Clearly we all suffer from the same reticence to perform certain deeds,complete particular training plans or take the steps needed to meet goals. Several have told me that they connected with this concept, they aspire to the notion that sometimes we need to “pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps,” (wherever did that saying come from? surely it’s obsolete but we get the point), and, well, just do it.

July is a month packed with notable sports that lure us to the home screen. Wimbledon Tennis (June 23-July 6); FIFA World Cup Soccer (June 12-August 13); Tour de France (July 5-27); MLB All-Star Game (July 15); British Open (July 17-20): and surely more draw us like magnets to a cooler indoor setting and a comfy chair. That’s fine. There’s room in our days to spectate as well as participate. There’s a place for R&R, team spirit, camaraderie, and some level of motivation that sneaks in the back door when playing the observer position.

But, don’t forget, there are always two sides: left and right, forward and back, offense and defense, (we’ll leave right and wrong off this field), and, of course, spectator and participant. Sometimes to assume the latter role one needs a push, to “just do it.” Read on.

Just do it. I say it often. I say it to my clients when I ask them to do a particular training exercise and they look at me with that are-you-nuts look. I say it to myself when I am dragging and need to walk into a room and appear energetic and encouraging to a group of individuals who are unsure about their fitness commitment. I say it when I sit down at my computer after a long day and know that I must say something significant in response to emails, post a blog or write my Sunday Active Vermont page. Sometimes I say it before my treasured training rides or even when the alarm goes off.

It works. JUST DO IT (stylized in all caps), coined by Nike in 1988 by Dan Wieden of Wieden and Kennedy ad agency, has become the go-to motivator for a large cross section of the world’s population. Last summer the slogan celebrated its 25^th anniversary as one of the most recognized and often uttered phrases in all time. Remember, this was before the media and digital explosion erupted in texts and tweets, before “going viral” was a model.

JUST DO IT is more than a means to sell running shoes and appeals to far more than runners. The phrase is simple and invites definition. It is individual, offering a very personal connection.

In fact, the story of the inception of the phrase demonstrates the simplicity of the time as well. It seems that in an early ad, 80-year old Walt Stack jogged across Golden Gate Bridge. While doing so he shared tales of his daily 17mile run and quipped that in the winter he kept his teeth from chattering by leaving them in his locker.

Smith Rock is a well-know climbing mecca in Oregon that attracts climbers of many levels and abilities. In 1992 a French climber, Jean-Babtiste Tribout (known as J.B., born in 1961) scaled a route that had not previously been climbed. He named the ascent “Just do it.” Today that route is rated as a 5.14. Its overhanging wall is known as the most difficult climbing in America.

Is there a connection between Smith Rock and Nike? Presumably it is merely coincidental, but the spirit is the same.

Perhaps that is the magic of JUST DO IT. It is a sentiment that works for each of us; it easily rolls off the tongue. Basic or erudite, the concept can be found in any collection of memorable quotes. For example: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” (H.Thurman, African-American writer).

Or: “Do it no matter what. If you believe in it, it is something very honorable. If somebody around you or your family does not understand it, then that’s their problem. But if you do have a passion, an honest passion, just do it.” (Mario Andretti, and we all know who he is.)

Often there is no right or wrong, no hard and fast rule, no all or nothing. Often there is “just do it.”

didn’t get lost on this century

DON’T MISS THE SCENERY ON YOUR NEXT ROAD RIDE

Cycling on the road requires vigilance and almost intuitive awareness. In addition to working hard to maintain speed (and not get dropped by companions) and working even harder to climb (especially if you live in hill country like I do – Vermont), we cyclists also need to guide our skinny tires away from cracks and potholes, anticipate terrain changes in order to refrain from popping a chain, know where oncoming and following traffic is at all times (hard to rely on hearing with the new quiet cars) and ride predictably to give motorists a few guidelines.

We need to carefully plan rides (especially for those of us who get lost easily and really don’t want to backtrack over that climb), prepare well for emergencies (tires and tools, energy bars and waters), and, of course, the inevitable surprise rain shower or drop in temperature.

This past week, for example, one group ride was cancelled due to rain, black skies, and forecasts of everything from hail to tornados. As luck would have it, at ride time the rain stopped and none of the other things occurred. However, best to be on the safe side. We did not ride. The next day appeared to be gray but decent – until we got about 3 miles from the start, realized the roads were wet and we were wetter. What is the moral of this story? There is none. Plan as carefully as possible and then be flexible enough to deal with reality, I guess.

There are some things I did learn this week however. Wet roads do not necessarily mean that narrow bike tires are destined to slide out from under the rider. Of course, when faced with wet roads it is important to ride conservatively, avoid the slippery painted lines and don’t choose that day to practice cornering aggressively. Other than that, you should arrive back at the start without incident.

Then there are those sunny days. If one comes along, drop everything and add a just-for-fun ride. I am accustomed to riding purposefully and considering each ride as a training ride. I do realize, however, that some days it is equally important to ride unplugged – leave the heart rate monitor or power meter numbers out of a casual jaunt. Even more, take the time to stop now and then to check out the scenery. Sometimes I ride along and, out of the corner of my eye, note the redwing blackbird that sits on the sign at the side of the road clearly standing guard over a nearby nest. I might smell the scent of fresh cut grass or notice the proliferation of wildflowers tempted to stop to take a picture of a common field made brilliant by dandelions.

It’s ok to do that, you know. With most of us carrying smart phones, a nice camera is sitting in a jersey pocket. This week I rode past a sight so familiar to me that I took it for granted, until I noted the way the light was cohabiting with the shadows (photo above). While I may not know what my average HR was on that ride or what watts I used going uphill nearby, I will remember this view. Now, as my computer wall paper, it reminds me to go ahead, ride unplugged and don’t miss the scenery – at least once in awhile.

VERMONT SPRING

Periodized training often dovetails neatly with the seasons. Those whose sport of choice involves warm weather, find themselves eager to move beyond the base building phase of late winter into accelerated training. There’s nothing like a spring thaw to motivate and build both strength and speed on the strong foundations out down in winter.

“If you plan to participate in an organized event, you need to be ramping up your training now. Over the winter you may have diligently spent hours establishing a base, but your base is just that, a foundation on which to build. It is time to do so. In keeping with the season, move to the next level, literally or figuratively “put a spring in your step.” As you have steadily logged miles at moderate intensity, your body has become stronger and more efficient. You find that you are able to travel farther in the same amount of time and that you are now eager to reach for more.” Linda Freeman, Active Vermont, Sunday April 13, 2014, Rutland Herald and Times Argus.

Though a Vermont spring brings its challenges: swollen rivers and brooks, mud and more mud, pot holes and debris, wind and chill, even random snow, the season ignites an anticipatory feeling, a guarantee that Vermont’s incredible, clean, dazzling summer is just around the corner. Spring teases. Spring is playful.

Early a.m. April 16, 2014 Vermont.

“Putting a spring in your step may mean spicing up your outdoor activity with some pick-ups, or brief bursts of energy. Short and sweet, pick-ups are also fun. Go ahead, play. Skip, hop, run, chase, tag and race. These mini bouts of effort, or intervals, teach your body to accelerate as well as recover. Consistent, moderate intensity exercise is vastly important in your overall plan, but segments of hard work spike capability, confidence and fitness. Not surprisingly, the byproduct of intervals is as much mental and emotional as physical. Energy is not depleted by exercise. As it increases, so does enthusiasm, motivation and a sense of optimism. As you pick up the pace, you find you will identify your progress and become eager to see how much more you can achieve. You learn to accept tests as part of the process. Small victories suggest possibilities that you approach with appropriately eager anticipation, with a spring in your step.” (Active Vermont ibid)

Wherever you live, whatever you do, pause to take stock. It is time to spring clean body and soul as well as house and home. It is time to organize and tune up sports equipment, gardening tools, and recreational gear. It is time to shed winter’s stored body fat.

Remember you cannot pick up where you left off last fall. You may be fresh and eager, but you must merge mindfully with your spring training. Accelerate yes, but only when you are warmed up, strong and fleet enough to do so. A pre-season injury is maximum disappointment. Bit by bit increase the intensity, add the pop and fizzle, and put a spring in your step that will become a force to reckon with as it develops over the season and gives you a summer of satisfying play, sport, competition and recreation.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Challenge yourself. Go ahead. Do it. A challenge is, in part, a call to perform. Often proof is demanded. A challenge may be a “summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort…” (dictionary.reference.com)

Challenge is subjective. A challenge to one person is not so to another. Furthermore, a challenge must be accepted in order to be proven. We must choose to put ourselves out there, to identify a goal, to reach for something that tests us.

Challenge involves commitment, fear, effort, doubt, discomfort, fatigue, hunger. Somewhere along the road to achievement, we may meet negativity, but we are just as likely to be spiked by enthusiasm. Small victories become meaningful pieces of a very large pie. Reaching expands.

Whatever our fitness level, athletic experience, age or professional demands, if we want to, we can articulate an achievable goal and then take the necessary steps to reach it.

My friend Jeb Wallace-Brodeur just completed all 48 Winter 4000-footers in New Hampshire. He met his final challenge skinning up Mt. Garfield and skiing down on what he characterized as a wild ride.

This is huge. It takes a seasoned athlete to be able to summit this goal, but Jeb is also a professional photographer and a family man. (Photo by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

Everyday people do amazing things every day. While I don’t advocate doing what Cheryl Strayed described in her popular book, “Wild,” (alone for over 1,000 miles on the Pacific Coast Trail with “no experience or training”) I do suggest that each of us has within us the skills and strengths needed to accomplish a challenge that calls uniquely to us. Training and preparation, equipment and education personalize the quest.

Clare Porter is a real person with a real life. Her activity of choice is hiking. Prioritizing her opportunities to do so, she determinedly hikes literally rain or snow throughout the year. She underpins her weekly ventures outdoors with strength training and yoga. She is not a professional athlete but she enjoys embarking on trips that would daunt a lesser person. Here she is on Picacho Peak, Arizona. “The trail we took (Hunter trail) is only 3 miles,” she said, “but rated difficult. The peak is only 3374’ but the 1500’ we climbed was straight up! Gloves were a necessity with all the cables.”

We all know friends and neighbors who do remarkable things: century ride, marathon, walking tour or a local 5k. The scope of the event is irrelevant. The challenge may be real or perceived; physical, mental or emotional. Or all of the above. But a challenge will never be met unless we choose it, unless we sign on, unless we begin and continue the journey. If we do so, we will surely cross the finish line.

Today is the First Day of Spring. (This is what Spring looks like in Vermont.) Today, not tomorrow or the next day, is the day to challenge yourself; to begin, to continue and to finish.

MARCH NOTES

Spring Sledding

Mid March and the snow blowers are blowin’ while the skiers are skiin’! Though for some this week’s snowfall has been problematic, and I’m sorry, it sure has been a boon to recreational athletes. (Photo-Sledding in Hubbard Park, Montpelier. Jeb Wallace-Brodeur)

But it is, however, mid March – even in Vermont. It is time to take stock of the changing seasons. Last week we startled our systems by springing forward into daylight savings time. Just as families were returning from school break vacations, life resumed at a different time of day and now, more school closings. We know, it won’t last.

This is the time to transition. As the snow sports slowly come to an end, it is important to check through all sports equipment, make repairs, and pack gear safely – good to go next fall.

It is also the time to dig out our spring “toys” and be sure they are in working order. Cyclists, it’s time to get that spring tune up. Many bike shops (like Onion River Sports) are offering specials right now. It’s good to get this done before the cycling season bursts into action.

I am a strong proponent of professional bike fittings. These take time. Scheduling early (like now) is helpful to all concerned. Because I am located in Central Vermont, I am headed to Fit Werx for a thorough assessment and bike fit. In a future post I’ll let you know how it goes and what I learn.

While you’re at it, pull out your calendars and note events in which you’d like to participate. Now is the time to define your goals, strategize your training, and put your dreams into action.

Finally, an update on our Pedal to End Cancer event. Donations are accepted for this event through the month. At this point, we are grateful to our many contributors. We have reached 90% of our $7,500 goal! Thank you all.

Denise Palmer of Ameriprise Financial flexed her creativity muscles when she provided seed packs for schwag bags, P2EC. Great idea, don’t you think?

Pedal to End Cancer 2014

Be inspired by those facing cancer and experience the benefits of indoor cycling a whole new way as you raise funds to support the life- saving programs and services of the American Cancer Society. Cycle for the entire three hours, or form a team and take turns.
The Spinning® program at First in Fitness in Montpelier will once again host the 2014 Pedal to End Cancer. This three-hour ride gives us each an opportunity to DO something in the ageless war against an unspeakable disease that respects no one. Perhaps it is safe to say that everyone is touched by cancer – self, family, friends, neighbors. Won’t you join us either for the event (which is also tons of fun and chock full of goodies and prizes) or to support a participant, team or simply the cause? For more information, to register, or to donate, go to the Pedal to End Cancer Website. Thank you.

Space is limited – Register Today!
Pedaltoendcancer.org
1.800.227.2345

Welcome & Happy 2014!

early a.m. from studio

Welcome to www.lindafreemanfitness.com. If this is your first visit, don’t make it your last. Hopefully you and I will travel together the journey to fitness and well-being. We will share ideas and concerns, successes and doubts, goals and some of life’s small victories along the way.

Recently I read: “Last is just the slowest winner.” I really like this. Sure, it applies to athletic events – races, group practices, and just about anything that has a finish line. But it is also applicable to the quest for improved fitness, strength gains, aerobic endurance, increased flexibility, changes in body composition, better exercise and nutritional habits.

If you are reading this post, you are most likely interested in how you live your life, how you move through your days, and take ownership of your health to the best of your ability. As each of us chooses to make the most of what we’ve got – eat healthfully, exercise daily, get adequate rest and recovery, stimulate mind and body by taking on achievable challenges – each of us realizes that we are but one of many embarked on similar journeys.

This is not a race. There is no finite finish line. The boundaries of our possibilities, our potential, expand as we grow stronger and dare to dream bigger dreams, formulate greater goals and celebrate those victories along the way.

Each of us progresses at a different pace. But as long as there is progress, there is no “last.”

There is, however, a very definite starting point. Perhaps you have begun time and time again to swap out bad habits for good ones, to begin again to exercise regularly or to give up those useless foods that sabotage your daily diet. Perhaps you begin well, but end poorly. Perhaps it is time to think of wellness as a continuum, a lifestyle, a personal choice that supersedes negative suggestions to act or react in ways that impair rather than nurture.

Today, now, this very minute as you read this post, you are on your own personal road to the destination of your choosing. Of course there will be obstacles, detours, potholes, wrong turns and breakdowns. But that need not stop us. These are only deterrents, not dead ends. Each challenge we meet makes us stronger and cements our determination to finish. Each challenge met gives us history and fuels confidence. There is no “last.” We can all win in our own time.

Linda Freeman Fitness

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