Everyone knows the importance of eating right and getting plenty of exercise, but those who actually do a good job of both are members of a distinct minority. I’ve always managed to stay thin, but I definitely have not always felt “in shape” or maintained a proper diet. In high school I was very focused and dedicated to both. In college I was in amazing shape, but ate a bunch of garbage. I wasn’t super-dedicated to the running, but you can’t fake that level of workouts. I hit the weight room pretty hard and joked (though I still think it was pretty much true) that I was stronger than anyone faster than me and faster than anyone stronger than me. Most people will find it funny, but at 5′ 10″ and just shy of 160 pounds, I was usually the biggest guy on the starting line of the 1500.
In the years since, I’ve gone through various phases of running or not running, lifting or not lifting, and eating healthy or not so healthy. This last month may be the first time I feel like I’ve really been firing on all cylinders. I know it can be hard to find the time or the motivation, but when you’re in the middle of it, you kick yourself for not starting earlier.
The running portion has always been the hardest portion for me. I haven’t ran a race since November 2010. The irony of coaching cross country and track is that I don’t have as much time for my own training. And when I do have time after practice, I’m too exhausted to get my own run in. I also trained at such a high level during high school and college that I just get depressed when my race times aren’t what I think they should be.
What has me running now? Well, it was as simple as being invited to run the 5K leg of a triathlon this August. I said yes instantly, knowing it would motivate me to go run. I’m even leaning toward running a 5K a couple weeks before this one while I’m in Chicago at the end of July. I’m the lightest I’ve been since high school and hoping the weight training can help pack on some pounds, but at the end of the day it’s the same thing I tell my athletes or anyone else trying to get in shape–it’s not about the number on the scale. It’s about your health and how you feel, and I feel great.