MENTAL PLANNING: NO SWEAT 'PREP' WORK

NOW THAT THANKSGIVING HAS COME AND GONE we can start to anticipate the coming Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year, and other winter holidays. Many will become mentally and physically involved in preparing for the gift giving, feasting, and socializing. Others will, well, just get carried along and enjoy them without making much of an effort. You can decide who is who in your family and circle of friends.
 
I find some anticipation and planning activities to be as fun, if not more so, as the actual festivities. Many holiday joys cannot be experienced unless the PREP WORK is performed.  It’s possible to feel the same way about fitness. Researching and plotting out what I WILL DO is quite exciting as I visualize the effect of my future work on my future body: stronger, faster, more capable. Think of it, you can begin to PREP NOW for January just by reading, digesting information, and dreaming, guilt-free.  NO EXERCISING IS REQUIRED. How easy is that?
 
It’s important to recognize that a smart mental approach to fitness will help advance your physical efforts. During this busy holiday time, make things easy for yourself.
 
Start thinking about the coming year and, before sitting down to develop a firm plan after the craziness has subsided, cast a wide net to gather information that serves TWO PURPOSES. FIRST attempt to build an image of the athlete you wish to become. SECOND, seek advice that appeals to you as ‘do-able’ and for which the promised results fit with that image. A smart, individualized plan is an essential foundation for effective fitness work.
 
You have the same advantage as the elites; all have 24 hours a day in which to train, recover, and maintain a positive attitude. You can do this!

RUN HAPPY!