Ahhh…in the midst of family, work, travel, friends and training for triathlons-life at times can seem just a hair out of balance or slightly crazy. I’d like to think of it as slightly crazy. But whatever you call it, there is always a need for true balance in life and to make sure the things we do in life are for the right reasons.
Living a healthy life is very important to me, but it’s not just about physical health. It’s mental, spiritual and social. It’s a very holistic approach but when it’s all working right, the balanced life is sweet. But know this… I’m not always living a balanced life… why? Because life sometimes is Slight Crazy.(see first paragraph)
One of the guys I swim with is Richard Baker. Richard is an encourager, motivator and triathlon coach under the name of TriSwami. What you will read below is an article he wrote that has balance written all over it. This can really be applied to life in general…not just the physical side of being fit or healthy. I read it in an email update from our swim coach Ashley Whitney and it’s such a great reminder for me. I’m hoping you will be able to learn from it as well.
Being Fit vs. Being Healthy:
Recognizing when you have crossed the line.
Richard Baker, aka Triswami
Some triathletes are among the fittest and healthy people around. Unfortunately, many triathletes are some of the fittest and unhealthy people around. For the purposes of this article let’s define fit as- moving really fast, jumping really high, cycling very far, lifting lots of weight, winning many races, looking lean and muscular. And, let’s define healthy as- high energy, well rested, maintaining a healthy weight, in touch with your world, thriving relationships, annual trips to the doctor for routine labs etc. and rare trips to the orthopedist or the O.R.
For many, the status of being super fit and super healthy are mutually exclusive conditions. Many athletes struggle with the battle of being as fit as they can be, while maintaining their overall health. Endurance athletes can be the worst of the bunch and competitive endurance athletes take the cake!!! They are the absolute worst (best?) at simultaneously achieving uber fitness and declining health. It needn’t be one or the other. The driving force behind what makes them competitive can be their worst enemy. That driving force can be different for everyone, but for many of them it’s- the challenge or a desire to compete, a diversion from “real” life, weight loss, social interaction, an underlying obsessive/compulsive trait, addictive personality, improved fitness and, not surprisingly, improved health.
Ask yourself-
1. How was my commitment, energy level and motivation to train?
2. How was my commitment, energy level and motivation to family?
3. How was my commitment, energy level and motivation to work?
4. Did I take/have time for other hobbies?
5. What/who did I ignore or neglect?
6. How was my physical status? Was I losing/gaining too much weight? Was I always sore?
7. Did I battle injuries? Did they resolve or become chronic?
8. How was my libido?
9. How was my sleep pattern?
10. Was I happy?
11. What did I accomplish?
12. Did I feel healthy? (Not “Did I feel fit?’)
11/01/2009
Life Application, Triathlon