Just thinking...

I've had a few things on my mind over the last few days regarding fitness...

1. Plant based diets

2. Suspension training systems exercise ideas

3. Caffeine: are we slowly destroying our nervous system?

If you have thoughts on any of these topics please respond to this post or email be at brad@bcsfitness.com . I'd love to dialogue more. I'll share my thoughts on #1 thus far.

Plant based diet

In my opinion, there is nothing sexy about a plant based diet. Just typing it is boring. However, I read a really interesting article in Triathlete magazine about muscle recovery and illnesses (or lack thereof) of athletes that are vegans. Supposedly, these folks have quicker recovery rates and improved immune system function due to a healthier alkaline levels. We also discussed Genesis 1 in church Sunday and I was reminded of this...

Genesis 1:11-13

¹¹ Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. ¹² The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. ¹³ And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

Often times, I forget that these foods, although not sexy at all, are what was created for us to eat. How much better would you and I feel if vegetables and fruits made up even half of our diet? I'm not there...but I'm going to make an effort to subtract some processed calories from my eating routine and expand my use of plant based foods.

All Things in Moderation

I'm back from my blogging sabbatical. I had a blog update on my "to-do" list for about 2 weeks now...but it never seemed to float to the top of the list.

I've been trying to experiment a little in my workout routine and I think I've found a nice place relative to my other commitment in life (for now.) Here is my set-up...

2-30 min weight training workouts (same exercises as 12WC HD sessions)

2 -30 min yoga workouts (this is new and outside the box for me...but I've been enjoying it)

2 -running workouts (1 long run which last 1hr-2hrs and 1 speed work of less than 30 min)

2 -Bike workouts (1 short ride bricked with running and 1 hour long cadence push on the bike trainer or spinner.)

*no swimming until I find a really warm pool.

Total workout time per week: 5-6 hours per week

Food is going well...however I do have a birthday coming up...which means I could see an influx of M&M's from mean mean clients. Last year I gave about 4 lbs of M&M's to Cowboy Jeff...thanks Linda and Kim. ; ) We'll see.

I've signed up for the White Rock Half Marathon in Dallas and hope to cut some serious time off from my last half marathon. I finished my last 13.1 at an average pace of 9:01 per mile. I ran 9 miles this weekend at an average pace of 7:58. I'm flirting with the idea of shooting for a similar pace for the half marathon, that still seems really fast to me. If I can manage that pace, that will be a reduction in overall time by around 12 minutes...which would be really sweet. I'm only running twice a week...so my expectations probably need to be tempered a bit.

Jams of the Week

Chevelle-"Shameful Metaphor" (rock)

Kanye West-"The Good Life" (rap)

B.o.B- "Don't Let Me Fall" (rap)