I’m welcoming February with excitement as the days are getting longer and spring isn’t far away. This means the return of our outdoor sessions and new challenges are getting closer, we have already managed to get a few warm up runs in and it feels so good.
January has been a detoxing month with trying to get as many vegetables in as possible, preparing meals in advance, making healthy treats on hand for those moments of need and increasing my water intake. 5 weeks in and I’m feeling pretty good…. Even managed a dry January (unintentionally) until last Saturday. Members have been sharing recipes in the Facebook group and motivation remains quite high at the moment.
So what’s the key to maintaining enthusiasm and motivation the whole year round?
Having a plan, setting new exciting goals and adding variety into your training sessions. This will give you something to train for and give your body the change it needs to see progression. Remember the saying “if you always do what you’ve always done, you only get what you’ve already got”…. True story!
The following 5 tips will help you on you quest to maintain your fitness until the summer:
1. Make it easy – Avoid setting unachievable goals that will put you off training because you cant maintain the training plan.
2. On the days when motivation is low, make it as easy on yourself as possible! What is the easiest form of activity you could do today? Could you take the dog for a walk and add in a few jogging intervals? Walk around the block… you might even decide to walk further.
3. When you get up from your desk lunge walk, do 10 squats or even 25 jumping jacks! The little energy boost you get from that makes all the difference to your energy and motivation.
4. Don’t think of an exercise as task, think of it as movement and how you will change your thinking to get you moving. If that means setting an alarm earlier than usual to fit in a 10 minute HIIT session then so be it.
5. Find a buddy, accountability is one of the best motivational methods around. If you arrange to meet a friend at the gym, chances are that you’re not going to let them down.
Sport Relief 2016
We have managed to complete 125miles in our first week which isn’t too bad for us to be on track for our deadline of 18th March, we need to be completing 136 miles per week. The pace really seems to have picked up in the last few days so I’m confident we’ll reach this weeks target, plus last weeks 12 miles. I have noticed a shift in energy and attitude since members embarked upon this challenge, (considering I entered every one without giving them a choice!) The motivation to get out and run is incredible, even from members who don’t particularly enjoy it.
We would love you to support us if you can with a small donation to help us reach our target of £1000. This just a £1 per mile and will make all the difference to sport relief. Any amount you can give will be greatly received.
February’s Best
This month Leeks are at their best. This veggie is ,. Try them mixed with sprouts as an accompaniment to your chicken dinner. Try this!
Lemony Leeks & Sprouts
Ingredients
- 300g trimmed leeks, finely sliced
- 200ml light vegetable stock
- 200g trimmed Brussels sprouts
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Seasoning to taste
Method
- Place the leeks in a large saucepan and add the stock. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer on a low heat for 5 minutes before adding the sprouts.
- Stir, replace the cover and simmer again for 4-5 minutes until starting to soften.
- Drain then season and stir in the lemon juice, just before serving.
And Finally…
Thought Of The Week…
“The first step to getting somewhere is deciding you’re not willing to stay where you are”
