By Freespirit PT Andi Dunn
The last of the mince pies has gone and my focus is now on the new year and my ‘training’. For many years I have wrestled, mostly unsuccessfully, with trying to work to a plan and whilst happy with the results of my physical endeavours, always felt a little disappointment and wondered ‘what if?’ So, in 2019, I plan to do things differently and my plan is …
NOT TO HAVE A PLAN!
Instead, I intend to let my body and wisdom (humm!?) be my coach. Asking myself each day, how am I feeling – physically and mentally – what time do I have, and what would I like to do today; a run, some Pilates, yoga, a walk with the dog (our new arrival Maddie – see pic below) or maybe a nap – resting is training! Sure, I still have aspirations for the year with regards to my running and personal fitness. But I have, too, other activities that I wish to explore and I hope to maybe share some of these with my clients in the future.
One thing, however, is definite: I will be spending as much time as possible outside and amongst nature. I have always been a ‘fan’, and I think this has been a huge driver in my chosen pursuits. But recently I have become hugely interested in trying to understand better the psychological benefits of being outdoors and being ‘Primal’ in my fitness and lifestyle. The benefits of being outdoors and amongst nature are still, I think, underestimated – although many are now scientifically proven.
And being ‘Primal’… Possibly the best description I have read is from a book written by Mark Sisson and Brad Kearns and entitled; “Primal Endurance”. On the cover they suggest enjoying a ‘refreshing alternative to the “Struggle and Suffer” approach’. By slowing down in our training, chilling out in life, eating healthily (escaping carb dependency and becoming fat adapted), properly integrating shorter and harder workouts, getting strong, mobile and flexible and taking time to unwind. The latter consists of enjoying and integrating complimentary lifestyle and recovery practices, one of which I am increasingly interested too… ‘Tree Bathing’(you NEED to google this!). As a consequence of my being outside, I am becoming interested in the part that trees play and have played in our world, and also how they live in theirs. Am I becoming a tree hugging hippy, or have I always been one? I think possibly the latter. But either way I am hugely excited and if you are interested – happy to share what I learn 🙂
And Jerry Springer… For those of you that remember and those of you that don’t:
‘TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, AND EACH OTHER’
Andi xx
