That's Fit

I've never been able to follow a training plan. I always check them out, but end up using them as guidelines, when it works for me and my schedule.

This is one of the reasons I don't think I could do a full marathon -- I can't commit completely to a training schedule over several months. I came across this post on Runner's World Daily about a guy who's in Marathon (in the Florida Keys), and he had a 16 mile training run to do, so he did it. In Marathon. That meant eight miles one way and eight miles back on hard, unshaded concrete, in the blazing heat. And, he's leaving tomorrow to go home.

That's some serious commitment. I think I would've put it off until I was somewhere more comfortable and less muggy. What about you? If your training plan called for a big run at the end of your vacation, would you do it? Or would you wait a couple of days and do it later? Or not at all? If you choose to follow one, there are tons of choices -- check them out in the gallery!

If you go out on a date with someone who seems to be perfect in every way, have you ever wondered if they would also make a great romantic partner? A new study is suggesting that when it comes to social butterflies who seem like the perfect date versus those people considered "socially awkward," the latter group makes a better committed partner.

Those individuals who are always on top of their game when it comes to social situations are referred to as "self monitors." They evaluate how their actions and appearances affect those around them. By adjusting how they act and what they say, these people appear to be perfect at building strong relationships.

However, researchers conducted a study by comparing various participants' level of commitment and how much they self-monitored, communicated (on an intimate scale), and their relational satisfaction. The findings show that because these individuals watch what they say and do in order to appeal others, their commitment doesn't run as deep. This is in comparison to socially awkward types who, when surveyed, showed higher commitment and satisfaction. Is this scientific, or moreover, believable? Not across all situations, thankfully -- everyone is different, and even the researchers admit that people often end up with someone in between these two polar ranges.

I made a small goal in January to not have any sugary drinks (alcohol included) for one month. I've done that before -- made that goal in my head -- but I never stuck to it. This time, I did it differently. I wrote my goal down, and told my friends and family of it. Doing so made it seem real, whereas keeping the goal to myself before made it easy to fall off. Maybe it's all down to pride -- once I tell someone else about the goal, it means someone will know if I fail. And I don't want to look like a failure, especially when it's such a simple task.

So here's my suggestion: Write down your goals, whether they involved sugary drinks or not. You want to be making a better salary next year? Write it down. You want to have lost 20 pounds by next summer? Write it down. Once it's on paper, for someone to see (even if it's just you), it becomes very real and I would take a guess that you're 100% more likely to actually follow through.

Do you ever feel like your life is an Eagles song? I do. Pre-baby it was "Life in the Fast Lane." Once I ad the baby it became "I Can't Tell You Why." Now, as I prepare for the marathon of motherhood, a new job and the actual NYC marathon this fall, it's "The Long Run."

I'm finding that I'm spending more and more time out of the house, and less time with my son. It's not just the job and the desire to do a few small things for myself--I finally got a haircut this past week, then we went to a concert in New Jersey--it's all the running.

A schedule for my husband, my baby and myself that worked out well in the beginning is in need of some major adjustment. When I started running again a few months ago, I was out of the house for maybe a half-hour. Now, in August, I'm running seven miles at a time, and am out of the house an hour and a half. The plan is for more... much, much more.

Guys with muscles are sexier, a study posted on Diet Blog has found. Built and toned guys were rated by women scored better on overall desirable than guys who are brawny, slender, chubby or average. And yet, the same study found that chubby guys rated best in terms of commitment. Does this mean that women think that the less attractive a man is, the more likely he is to be unfaithful in a relationship?

Moreover, slender guys are least likely to be dominant or volatile. Built guys, however, were seen as dominant and volatile, so does this mean we find men who exhibit these traits attractive? The study is pretty interesting, in that it shows that women do apply personality traits to men based on their appearance. Does it show that we women do judge a guy by his appearance, even if we don't realize it? I think so.

As for why we find muscles more appealing, I think perhaps it is an evolutionary trait. Our instinct is to find a mate who can provide for us. What do you think?

Have you ever heard the stereotype about women being desperate for commitment? That stereotype used to really bother me a lot, especially since I was totally independent and never felt I needed anyone to be whole. Now that I am a little older and a lot wiser (I hope), and certainly a lot more fit, I wish that stereotype were at least partially true--but probably not in the way you think.

See, when I was about twelve years old I got tired of being the pudgy kid no one wanted to pick for the kickball teams. I wasn't obese or anything but I wasn't even able to make it around the block. And I was tired all the time. And bored. If I had been in better shape I could've played sports with all the other kids, and probably would've liked it.

When I was twelve I made a commitment to myself to get in shape and to stay that way. It has been twenty years since I made that commitment and I've held to it. I've smoked, I've eaten for therapy, I've lived off spaghetti, I've done it all. But I always came back to fitness. I always reminded myself that no one else was going to give me the body or the lifestyle that I wanted but me. I couldn't hire someone to run those miles or eat that salad. Nope, it had to be me.

I'm married to an amazing man who's gorgeous, charming, bright, funny, and in incredible shape. Even though I'm the fitness trainer girl, he was uber-fit way before I ever laid eyes on him. He has a simple workout routine which hasn't changed in years. He goes for several five to seven mile jogs per week, does the stepper a few times, and lifts weights on his lunch break at work.

I admire is commitment, endurance, strength, and amazing physique. For some reason though, I've found it important to tease him about the nerdy way he addresses his ab work. After each cardio session he religously announces "I'm going to do my crunches". I've always found it silly that he refers to them as "his" crunches.....as if he invented them or owns some sort of license on them. Lame as it sounds, I've probably had about 2,000 laughs at the expense of poor Rob and "his crunches".

Today I had an epiphany. As my stinky sweaty man trotted across the house on the way into our home gym to do his crunches, I finally figured it out. The very thing that allows me to poke fun at the poor dear is the same thing that will keep him strong and capable into our golden years. He does own those crunches, and because of that he is committed to doing them. Shouldn't we all take such pride and owenership over our fitness routines? We should. So from now on, I'm stealing Rob's patent on crunches because I need to do mine too. I encourage you to violate his patent and maybe create your own as well.