I interact with hundreds of patients each week and get asked a lot of questions. On Fridays I like to share some of the answers I give and hope it has value for you.
Something I’m eating? As you read this it’s probably the day after Thanksgiving so I’m probably eating leftovers. The day after turkey day I like to get out for a good, long run and then from there, I do not skimp on the leftovers. Normally I like to eat very clean but not today. I mention this because many times people think eating well means perfection. This is simply not the case. My goal is to eat well the vast majority of the time but treat myself from time to time as well.
Something I’ve been enjoying for exercise? I’m really enjoying running right now. As an ultramarathon runner you may take that as a given but it’s not. Near the end of my training for the Leadville 100 it felt like a job at times. As I have begun preparing for my next 100-mile race I’ve changed my mindset to simply focus on being fortunate to be outside in the mountains, seeing the sunrises, etc and this has made a tremendous difference. With that simple change in mindset the miles are flying by and I’m running better as well. Plus, this is when I’m at my best in terms of generating ideas, working through problems and alleviating stress.
A book I love? “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Wilink and Leif Babin. These two Navy SEALs use real world experience in life and battle to demonstrate how taking more responsibility for our actions and decisions can dramatically impact outcomes in all aspects of our personal and business lives. My oldest son recently did a project for school after reading this book and I was amazed at the lessons even a 13-year-old got from it!
A recent source of inspiration? For over 8 months now as I walk my dog, I have seen the same woman running on a high school track near my home. Rain or shine she is always out there running on her own. Due to her weight and age she was initially barely running, and I imagine it was not a whole lot of fun. However, she has now lost quite a bit of weight and is moving well. Regardless of what excuses she could have given, she’s been out there making it happen. The quiet commitment to progress I’ve seen in her is inspiring to me.
Quote I love: “You can’t read a book about push-ups.” – Gary Vaynerchuck