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How to Keep It All Together During COVID-19

I am writing this blog post speaking not only to athletes but to everybody else as well. These are tough times, and just for today I am speaking to the masses.

I've been seeing a lot of posts, articles, emails, and blog posts about taking advantage of this time at home and getting projects done, not wasting time, keeping moving, setting goals, making progress, not letting your foot off the gas etc. Let's face it though, this is a HARD time for all of us. Elite athletes are feeling lost looking for places to work out. Moms of small kids are at home trying to work a full time job, home school 3 kids, keep food on the table, and keep from losing it every day. Hair stylists, nail technicians, personal trainers, physical therapists, restaurants, and most service businesses are suffering. Jobs are precious, money is tight, businesses are failing and some of these are never coming back. People are scared that they may not have money for next month's expenses. Social distancing can be very lonely, especially for those who already live alone or are at high risk for infection. It's hard to think about setting goals and achieving greatness during this time. Most people are just trying to survive.

I guess what I am saying is that it is OK to let up once in a while. It may even be healthy to blow off an entire day, go for a walk or run, and binge watch Netflix for several hours. Give yourself a break. We don't always have to be "chasing it" 100% of the time. I am not saying it's not healthy to be setting goals and working toward them, but when times are stressful, it's ok to give yourself a reality check and slow down. Or even stop for a day.

As far as training, I would say that maintaining CONSISTENCY is the best thing you can do. You don't have to be CRUSHING it every day, especially since we aren't even sure when races/events will be starting again. Work more toward building a beautiful badass BASE for running and cycling. That and several strength training workouts per week will help set you up for success. You don't need a ton of equipment- a few sets of dumb bells, a jump rope, and some stretch bands will do.

I also HIGHLY recommend meditation, prayer, yoga and things along those lines to help calm your mind. Whatever your higher power is, start engaging with him/her. Prayer and meditation eases anxiety and gives you a sense of control over your situation.

Create and stick to a routine. I don't know about you, but I love knowing what is coming each day. I wake up, drink coffee, read personal development, workout, then get to business. Planning out your day gives you a sense of control. Create blocks for family, work, and training and stick to the schedule.

Interact with others, even if it is virtually. Start conversations with 5 people every day in Messenger, text, or email. Reach out to friends or family who live alone and might need some support at this time. A simple "How are you doing?" goes a long way. It doesn't hurt to have regular ZOOMS with your friends or driveway talks more than 6 feet away from each other.

Get outside everyday. Take the kids on their bikes or go for a walk. Put on your rollerblades, running shoes, or get on the bike and just go. Fill your brain with endorphins and much needed serotonin. In most places, Spring has arrived so get out and smell the flowers.

Lastly, pick one day a week to try on your jeans just for a reality check. I'm serious about this one. Sweat pants, jammies, and leggings are made of elastic and can be deceiving when you're taking many trips to the refrigerator each day. Refuse to let weight gain creep up on you.

We must all stay positive, see the silver lining, and continue to press on. Need workouts, training plans, base building, or some accountability? Shoot me an email by clicking HERE!

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