That's Fit

While our neighbors head to church, a friend and I plan to hit Great Falls National Park on Sunday morning and sweat it out on the trails. We're both going through very challenging times and we need to escape and work our bodies and breathe and take in something much bigger than us and our worries. Something tells me God approves. In fact, He will be there.

There's something about waterfalls. The power. The beauty. The refusal to stop going. That's it. They just keep going. So that's what we'll do. We'll take a lesson from the waterfalls. The Stone Roses song comes to mind:

She'll carry on through it all.
She's a waterfall.
She'll carry on through it all.

I'm a bit of a sucker for memoirs. I even read A Million Little Pieces after James Frey was deemed a fraud. (He's still working, by the way. No such thing as bad press, right?) I just finished The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan.

Jacki Donaldson read and posted about the book a while back. But I read it after a new friend of mine recommended it. She recently went through the excruciating experience of losing her mother to ALS while living an airplane ride apart. I am currently going through the same thing.

The Middle Place instead involves dealing with cancer, but the themes involving parent-child relationships, distance, disease, and faith are the same. Kelly, who survived her cancer, struggles with all of it, but particularly faith. She is baffled by the Buddhist truth of detachment, "even to people." She still struggles with faith to this day, several years later. I struggle with it a bit as well and I suspect all of us do to some degree. It's the very nature of faith, after all. It's transparent, intangible.

When my body isn't moving so much, my mind goes to a bit of a blue place. I'm not quite there, but I feel myself getting close. Ironically, this week my body has traveled thousands of miles and I've seen my favorite blue place in the world -- the Pacific Ocean.

As most of us know, traveling usually means our health suffers a bit due to lack of exercise, increased stress and the subsequent effect on our mental state of both. I travel from my home in the mid-Atlantic to my native California at least twice a year. I am writing from my mother's home in the Los Angeles area right now. Before heading home a week from tomorrow, we will have traveled by air and navigated airports for more than 12 hours and spent almost 20 hours in cars in order to visit family and friends on opposite ends of the state. So much movement, so little exercise.

Thankfully, visiting the loved ones we live so far away from keeps my mind a bit happier during these sedentary vacation days. And I do try to adhere to some of the common tips for maintaining good health and fitness while traveling, such as making good food choices and drinking lots of water. I also follow certain prevention guidelines.

When I get home, I'll run through the neighborhood, hop on my bike or swim laps at the rec center in an effort to kick those endorphins back into high gear and then some. I'll certainly have to in order to heal the little bit of homesickness and heartsickness that's sure to crop up after leaving so many loved ones behind.

Maintaining health in my mind and body has always been important to me. But it became more so after I became a mother. I've been fortunate, for the most part, to be one who enjoys motherhood and has been able to achieve a good balance most of the time.

Still, I was intrigued when my friend and neighbor handed over her copy of Mother Nurture to add to my bedside table. It's a fabulous resource regardless of how well a mother might be coping, or not. It could be a lifesaver for some.

If anything else, reading about preventing depletion, building teamwork with your partner and achieving balance in your life is fabulous motivation to keep moving forward and enjoy being a parent rather than viewing it as a task to be completed. I'm actually putting it on my short list of great baby shower gifts. I suspect it would be a lot more valuable than another blanket in the nursery.

I completed my first marathon six years ago. June 23, 2002 in Kona, Hawaii. I refer to this event as my first because I'm considering when to start training for my second as I'm craving the intensely satisfying mind boost such an experience provides.

As most marathoners will say, running 26.2 miles is a life-changing experience that has more to do with the mind than the body. Certainly, I trained rigorously over six months in order to accomplish the feat. But believing I could do it was key. Despite being an active person in general who loved to walk, hike, swim, etc., I had never run even a mile before training for the marathon. Others along the course on that hot and humid Hawaiian summer morning were clearly similar. Some were quite overweight, even obese. Some had disabilities. Some walked the entire way. Some were in wheelchairs. Some had lived beyond 70 years. But everyone was welcomed by the running community, a group I found to be kind, supportive and nonjudgemental.

So, if you're saying to yourself right now "I could never run a marathon," that's probably true. But if you think you can, that's true as well. And I encourage you to embark on the adventure. Pure elation lies ahead.

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

I have long been a believer in exercising outdoors as much as possible. Of course many folks stay healthy via treadmills, ellipticals and the like more times a week than I log a sweat session. And I make use of those too. But those who rely solely on machines are missing out.

The sensory benefits are pretty big. Breathing fresh air, smelling seasonal blooms, feeling the breeze and seeing your surroundings of sky, clouds and everything underneath all combine to fill your head with the happiness your heart feels after beating several more times per minute for an hour or so. It's invaluable to me. I run, walk, bike or just stretch in a meadow, on the sidewalk, on a dirt trail. Sometimes a brisk stroll through town provides a nice changeup too while enjoying the architecture and human company.

I admit during the heat and humidity or bitter wind chill that can be part of summers and winters here in Northern Virginia, I am happy to partake of the air conditioned air, humming machines, televisions and sometimes views of unfortunate outfits on my fellow exercisers in the gym down the street. But if you've found yourself in a rut that leaves you staring at walls for every workout, try breaking away for a change. You'll be glad you did.

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

My mother-in-law just had her third hip replacement surgery. She's 82. She's a breast cancer survivor. She was always in great shape when her hips cooperated. I remember her hiking with us in her 70s and keeping up better than some folks half her age.

But lately, being religious about the regular walk schedule she should be keeping to ensure ongoing mobility and recovery hasn't been a strength of hers. Adding a religious element just might change that. My sister-in-law recently wrote to us about such a strategy when it comes to Mom's roadblocks with walking:

"She doesn't like walking alone and needs to push herself to just do it or to call some friends ... She mentioned that walking seemed like a 'chore.' I suggested she offer the walk as a prayer of gratitude for the gift of mobility and use of her senses to enjoy the day."

My mother-in-law is also a devout Catholic. And so, when I read about my sister-in-law's suggestion of exercise as an offering of prayer, I found myself thinking of her as an ingenius saint. Nothing like Catholic guilt to get Mom to do something. And, I thought, that just might be the answer for the rest of us, too. Rather than taking our working bodies for granted and blowing off exercise for some sedentary activity, maybe we should all be a little more grateful for our working bodies and get moving more often.

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

A few years ago, I was in a grief support group for people who'd lost their parents. The discussion naturally weaved in and out of the topics of spirituality and religion. My father's religion was running, said one girl. His church was the outdoors: a wooded path on a cool morning, a open field bathed in warm sunlight. I've never forgotten it.

I'm a spiritual person, but organized religion hasn't taken a big role in my life. This is a religion I can see myself being a part of. Running is the cure for what ails me: A heavy heart, a nagging conscience, a gut feeling that doesn't sit well. When I have a problem I can't figure out, I run. When something's stressing me out, I run. When I feel tired or lethargic, I run. And it's never let me down: I always feel better afterwards. No exceptions. It's not that I've found God in pounding my feet on the treadmill, but it helps me find balance, and it helps me find peace.

What activity helps you find your spiritual side?

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

Christina, 44, says: As you stand before this photograph looking at me, this woman in black and white facing her image in a mirror, I doubt that you can really see me.

Why? Because I'm an expert at hiding: I've been doing it for decades. On the outside, I'm a successful businesswoman, well educated, well paid, in control -- I have a perfect life.

But there's another me on the inside: a woman with a 20-year history of bulimia. A woman with so much rage and self-hate inside that all the binging and purging on this earth can not wash it away.

Photographer Frank Cordelle's book Bodies and Souls: The Century Project is provocative, powerful, and honest. It captures the true essence of 100 courageous women and girls from the moment of birth through 100 years of age. Like Christina, the individuals celebrated in this book come in all shapes and sizes and have all sorts of life experiences.

At the very least, you must take a look here to see a sample of The Century Project online. You'll see a series of photographs that will surely move you. The entire book, available from most retail booksellers, will open your eyes even more. It will remind you -- I promise -- that there is no "normal" when it comes to the body of a woman. There is no standard by which each of us should be measured. Every women is different and beautiful in her own way. Just look. You'll see.

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

When you're happy, you feel better, look better, and may even live longer. Seems you ought to be happy more often then, doesn't it? OK, easier said than done on the days you find yourself feeling downright blue. You can always try, though, to bring more joy into your world. I say take a stab at happiness every day. Here's how.

• Go outside. When you're bored, anxious, or feeling bummed, head toward nature. Sit and soak it up. Or move around. The fresh air and exercise are sure to boost your mood.

• Head to bed. Go to bed an hour earlier tonight. The world will look a lot brighter in the morning. While you're at it, sleep late on the weekend. You deserve a lazy day.

• Share. Give a gift for no reason at all. Make a batch of low-fat mini muffins -- here's why you should keep them small -- and pass them out at work. Or offer a friend some hand-picked flowers. My little boys and I shared the fruits of our recent strawberry picking extravaganza with some neighbors, and we all felt happy after delivering smiles to so many faces.
  
  

• Reflect. At the end of the day, think of at least one good thing that happened over the course of the previous 24 hours. Yesterday, my four-year-old told me he loves me with all his heart. Giving thanks for great moments does wonders for perspective.
  

• Jump for joy. Really. Jump. Jumping up and down will fill your body with energy. It's good for the bones too.
  
  

For another 45 ways to brighten your days, click here.

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

Aside from a wedding here and there, I haven't really dressed up in seven years -- ever since I had my first baby and decided to trade a professional job for a mommy job. No need for dress pants and tops or suits and fancy shoes.

For all these years, my office attire has been hanging in my closet because all I wear nowadays is fitness gear. Track pants and shorts, short and long-sleeved t-shirts, fleece pull-overs, a ski jacket, and tennis shoes make up most of my wardrobe. I don't even care much for jeans. I prefer comfy clothes for my at-home ventures. They suit me well. My suits? Not so fitting anymore.

My suits are fitting for some homeless folks in my area, says a mommy friend who works with this population. So I'm donating them all. Just packed them up and loaded them in my car in fact. I plan to transfer them tomorrow morning when I see this mommy in our kids' school parking lot.

I feel fit in most areas of my life. I feel physically fit, emotionally fit, and pretty financially fit. Not everyone enjoys my luxury. Some people are busy simply surviving and don't even have physical fitness on their radars. Many are depressed, deep in despair over their life conditions. Most have no money at all. Some live outdoors and spend their hours seeking warmth and nourishment. Not much chance for a fit lifestyle. Yet, despite their misfortune, some are trying to come back to life. That's where my suits come into play.

My friend told me some of the homeless people she serves are trying really hard to get jobs. But they don't have the proper clothing for interviews. That's why I'm donating mine. And why my husband will go through his closet tonight so can donate too. It's the least we can do, in celebration of our fitness and in hopes others find theirs.

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

The internet is our key to the unknown. Need a definition for a tough word? Forget the trusty dictionary sitting on the bookshelf. The internet is quicker, easier, and so much more convenient. Need a quick recipe for chicken, potatoes, or say, cookies? No need for a visit to that old recipe box or cookbook. A quick search of the internet can score bunches of tried and true blueprints for the cravings that consume us. And when it comes to our health? Heck, who doesn't self-diagnose by way of the keyboard?

At times, we all share the same doctor. Austin Fit Magazine calls our collective physician Dr. Google and while many of us might highly recommend the good doctor, it's possible we're relying on this seemingly trusty source of medical information a bit too much.

Surveys reveal that nearly 40 percent of web-using adults have gone online to research a medical condition. Some use sites like Web MD. Some simply type a symptom like "ankle pain" or "sore throat" into a search box. Such investigation can be helpful but it can also lead to panic, anxiety, and plain old misinformation. Without an actual person who can offer comfort and explanation, online searches can be downright dangerous.

As with everything, using the internet for medical pursuits is all about balance. Too much information from this source can undermine the real patient-physician relationship. On the other hand, knowing our stuff before we head into an exam room isn't such a bad idea.

Whether you call it empowerment, useless wandering, or something in between, perusing the internet requires an open mind and a whole lot of common sense too. The bottom line is this: Use Dr. Google's free-flowing information as you will. But remember that medicine was never intended to become a do-it-yourself project.

Fill a room with sweaty, determined, and time-crunched people, and some feather ruffling is inevitable. To help prevent you from becoming persona non grata at your local gym, here are five fitness faux pas you would do well to avoid:

1. Not Recognizing Someone's Turf. If you see a dumbbell, a towel, and/or a water bottle on a weight bench or work station, this is enough of a signal that it is being used by someone else (even if they are nowhere in sight at the moment). Don't take liberties and take up residence. Instead, either do a different exercise or wait a minute or so for the person to return, at which time you can ask them how many sets they have left.

2. Crashing Your Weights. Nobody says that a gym has to be as quiet as a mausoleum, but allowing your weights to slam to the ground is just plain obnoxious. As the popular gym saying goes, if you're strong enough to lift the weights, you should be strong enough to put them back.

3. Wardrobe Malfunctions. When getting dressed for the gym, try to keep in mind the specific types of exercises you're going to be doing that day. Those loose-fitting basketball shorts may work fine for the day you're running on the treadmill, but not so much for the day you have to do overhead leg lifts.

4. Being a Space Invader. If a person is working out in front of a mirror, it's because they want to make sure that they are using correct form. Or, it's because they just really pleased with the way they look. Either way, walking across their line of vision is a big no-no.

5. Leaving Traces of Yourself Behind. If you're the type that sweats profusely, chances are your sweat ends up all over the gym. So, to keep the rest of the gym population on your good side, towel off your benches and machines once you're done with them.

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

I once read this inspiring story by Dr. Bernie Siegel in his book Love, Medicine, and Miracles. It was about a group of people who were told they were receiving chemotherapy. Some got the treatment; some did not. Of those who didn't, some lost their hair. They believed they would And they did. What powerful minds they had.

If thoughts are powerful enough to make people sick -- or cause spontaneous hair loss -- then they surely can make us well. That's the whole basis of Siegel's book, that cancer patients with positive thoughts can outlive even the lowest of expectations.

Yep, thoughts can heal.

"The body responds to mental input as if it were physically real," explains Larry Dossey, a physician and advocate for mind-body study since the 1980s. Under clinical hypnosis, for example, someone who is told he is being touched by a red-hot object will often get a burn blister, even though the object was no warmer than room temperature.

What we imagine in our minds really can affect outcomes. You may know this phenomenon as the "placebo effect." When a patient believes something will relieve pain, the body actually releases endorphins that relieve pain. Medical research suggests that 30 to 70 percent of successful treatments may be a result of the patient's belief that the treatment will work.

Now that we've established that good thoughts and feelings can mend our broken parts, here's a few ideas for getting into the right frame of mind.

Take a deep breath. Hold it, exhale, then repeat for 10 minutes. Take a walk, preferably in nature. Breathe in the fresh air.

Laugh. You'll pump more oxygen into your lungs, improve blood flow, and boost your immune system.

Keep a journal. Writing about emotionally charged events helps us deal with them mentally and physically.