So Long Chronic Cardio, the Primal Lifestyle Is My New “Go To!”

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WAY back in the 70’s, I jumped on the running bandwagon. Energized, invigorated, and inspired, running became part of my life, my “go to.”

Feeling “blue”? Go for a run!
Feeling “fat”? Go for a run!
Feeling “bored”? Go for a run!

I was going to run forever – I had the golden ticket to aging gracefully!

In ’97 I ran my first (and what turned out to be my only) marathon. I had visions of doing one marathon a year, glancing sideways at the possibility of an ultra. My body had other ideas, however.

Most runners know and experience physical obstacles of some sort, but usually we can find our way back on the literal and figurative track! I got back to running again when a friend invited me to do a RAGNAR! What a trip! I was re-hooked!

I started planning for a half-marathon for my 50th birthday. My training felt a lot different than it had 13 years ago, though. But I pushed along, ran my half, and celebrated finishing. Golden ticket in hand, I started training for the next half-marathon!

However, training was not getting any easier and pain was setting into new places. I spent the next two years searching out the right massage and/or physical therapist who would get me to where I could run pain free. Wasn’t happening. (I should also mention that strength training was not part of my half-marathon training. I just figured I just needed to run MORE.)

In the meantime, menopause was revving up and taking the lead. Yes, menopause is an obstacle that needs some savvy navigation. How was I going to tackle this obstacle without my “go to,” my “golden ticket?”

About this time, a co-worker and my hairdresser told me about Abstract, a place in town that does “precision exercise” in just 15 minutes. Unbelievable – right?

Precision exercise is strength training based on “Power of Ten” and “Body by Science.” I voraciously read both books and learned why my training was not the same as 13 years ago. (Sarcopenia)

These books also mentioned the “Paleo Diet” in their nutrition discussion. This is where my discovery of the Primal lifestyle and Mark’s Daily Apple drops in! Not having heard of “Paleo” as a diet before, I jumped on a search engine and discovered MDA. I have been an Apple junkie ever since!

I voraciously read the free e-books and the blogs put out by MDA. I couldn’t read enough. I dropped 10 pounds (mostly that stubborn belly weight) in the first month. My menopause symptoms seemed less intense. I felt more confidence in my daily routine because I felt better and stronger than I had in a long time. Relearning how to cook and eat was new and exciting. MDA was my new “go to.”

I continued “precision exercise” for awhile, but have since moved to another gym where I do more body weight exercises (push-ups, squats, planks and a plethora of variations!). There are several references to this type of training at MDA. I really like the added challenges of coordination and balance.

I am running pain free these days, though not quite the same distances that I used to run. I don’t need to. I feel too good.

I am maintaining my Paleo/Primal eating strategy. It is SUSTAINABLE AND SMART! If I need some information and/or motivation, I go to MDA and can pretty much be guaranteed an answer to my question or a renewal of my energy.

The Primal lifestyle is my new “go to!” It works! I truly believe it helped me through menopause.

Two years later, I am grateful for not only the paleo diet, but the Primal lifestyle, especially the sleep, fitness and fun rules! It’s a total package.

Nancy

Filed under: Fitness