Staying Strong
The Scoop
We are in Idaho right now. We came back to take care of some business and check on the house. Boy has it been winter here! It is snowing like crazy as I write this post. I don’t mind it though. It’s kind of pretty. It has been colder than cold too. I ran two different days in below 20-degree temperatures. It felt like old times when we lived in the mountains and I would run while jumping over snow and ice patches.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what to do during these times of great stress in our country. All the things are so upsetting to me that my pulse literally increases. I try to do what I can. I vote, donate money, sign petitions, etc. But really, I am helpless. I know one thing for sure. Life is full of ebbs and flow. Things change and we adapt. So, while the rest of the world is wonky, I am taking some time to take care of me. I can’t do anything if I am not strong. When the going gets tough, I get tougher.
Fitness Journey Update
Turning 65 this summer. I missed posting on the blog for a week or two because I was so focused on my health and wellbeing. I am feeling much like my old self now that my HRT is balanced again. It is like a light turned on in my head that had been snuffed out. I would like to give credit to myself for how much better I am feeling but to be honest, exercising and eating right is much easier when you feel good in the first place.
I realize now that in the past I gave myself too much credit for how healthy I felt. I thought I was special because I would exercise regularly and eat right. But the truth is, it was my healthy body producing hormones and amino acids that kept my mood up, my muscle mass, clear mind and my desire stay strong to keep moving.
When I went off HRT (short period of time), I felt the hammer hit hard and learned not to take these things for granted. But I am back in the driver’s seat for now and very grateful.
Exercise Routine
Yoga and weight lifting on alternate days. 3 times per week (45 minutes)
Running training program on alternate days. 3 times per week (30-40 minutes)
If I feel I need more recovery time I take a day off. I can’t improve fitness if I don’t take the time to rest and recover.
I use elbow and knee braces to support my joints and reduce possibility of injury for both weight lifting and running. They really work.
I do foam rolling exercises every day after a workout. It has helped lesson soreness after a workout. Here is a video showing great foam rolling exercises.
I have added Creatine and Taurine to my supplement routine. Creatine and Taurine are amino acids that may help with exercise, brain health, and other functions. Here is what the NIH shares research wise. But you can find multiple articles regarding the benefits. Especially for post-menopausal or menopausal women. We stop producing or greatly reduce the amount we produce of these amino acids as we age. They have helped me so much with less post exercise soreness and quicker recovery.
I will say my appetite has increased with all the exercise but I try to keep what I eat very healthy. I’m not perfect and do have days that are not optimal. Ha ha!
I want to lose a few pounds; I still struggle with extra weight around my waist. Looking for the best way to manage that without sacrificing muscle mass.
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace!
