Stay Fired Up!

Stay Fired Up!

By Kurt Stuke

 Here are some tactics I have used to keep fired up and to keep on the fitness track!

• Journals/Logs – I think both the “high-tech” and the “low-tech” approach work when logging hours. Most running store and local book stores will have logs available. MapMyRun (http://www.mapmyrun.com)  and Fitness Journal (http://www.fitnessjournal.org) have great training logs available. I get a sense of satisfaction from seeing the icons in place and am held accountable when the number of workouts and hours spent presented in plain view. There is no hiding from the stats! I also think there is something quite motivating about tracking vital stats and actually seeing improvement! Additionally, I have used Fitday (http://www.fitday.com) to log my daily food intake. Fitday can be an incredibly motivating tool as it displays visually the macronutrient balance and other ad-hoc information.
• Speed/Distance & Heart Rate Monitors – I have used many devices from various manufacturers, ranging from the “bargain basement” to the super deluxe in price and functions. I really like the Polar line of equipment and tend to favor non-GPS technology. I find the pod based equipment to be easier to use and to calibrate. I have found that most of my clients not only benefit from having speed and distance information displayed on their watch/heart rate monitor but that it is fun, i.e. it keeps them off the couch and on course! Most of the high-end gadgets also have an online component where you can upload your information and track your progress. My most current tool is the Nike+ kit. I use an Ipod Nano (with the Nike+ equipment) and log all of my runs. The kit sells for approximately $29.95 – very affordable! On the website (http://www.nikeplus.com), I am able to log my runs, create and track goals, and participate in an online community. I have made friends with runners from across the United States using this piece of equipment. My favorite challenge consisted of Red Sox fans running against Yankee fans. The challenge ended on the day I completed a twenty miler. Because of my twenty miler, the good guys were able to defeat the bad guys – I felt like Pre for a day! If price is a concern, a watch with a second hand can be used in conjunction with MapMyRun.com -  talk about affordable!
• Subscriptions to fitness and sport specific magazines – I subscribe to Runners World, Bicycling, and Men’s Health. Reading these magazines has helped me to stay focused, has kept me abreast of the latest sport specific and overall training trends, and has also given me a library of healthy recipes. If price is a concern, these magazines (and many more) are available at libraries and at local book stores. Also, all of the above mentioned magazines have websites that are free to access. The sites contain free training schedules, event calendars, contests, articles & excerpts, and much more.
• Local athletic clubs and training groups – Another great way to build a support network is to join local clubs! I have participated in track workouts through a local running club. I have trained for triathlons using local groups and a national group called Team In Training (http://www.teamintraining.org) Whether it is a local or national group with a local presence, the environment is supportive and there are experienced athletes within the respective sports to help beginner endurance athletes cross the finish line for the first time and to help the experienced endurance athlete hone their craft. Most major events have training groups listed on their websites. Be warned that these groups typically require fund raising for their cause in return for training.
• Membership in sport specific associations – This year I joined the U.S. Masters Swimming Association (http://www.usms.org) in order to participate in their Virtual Swimming program. I am also a member of a local YMCA. Many YMCAs have a 50 miler swimming program. Both programs require you to log your swims and upon completing a pre-specified distance, you get a certificate suitable for framing and the all-important t-shirt! You also get your name on a plaque in the YMCA. The Road Runners Club of America (http://www.rrca.org) also has a program (under Programs/Personal Fitness) that allows the user to pick among varied goals and awards the user for completion. Membership within the USA Triathlon (http://www.usatriathlon.org) offers the member discounted entrance fees at all USAT sanctioned races (due to liability insurance reasons). Membership also comes with national ranking if the user completes more than 3 sanctioned events during the year. The association websites are also great places to find local training clubs.
• Gym memberships – While working out at the YMCA, I discovered a virtual reality stationary trainer by a company called Expresso (http://www.expresso.com). During the month of January (2008), they held a contest on their stationary trainers. It involved a video game type program that kept me entertained and the contest kept me coming back. I also discovered the above mentioned 50 miler swim club through my membership. Most clubs offer spinning classes and many other training options like boot camp fitness classes, Pilates, strength training, etc.