What about my knees?!

How many times have you heard people say, "I don't run. Running is bad for your knees." We've all heard it at some time. Generally this is a person that has never run before in their life, an ex-runner that has torn up their knees from abuse, or just a lazy out-of-shape person making another excuse for their current state. Well, is running actually bad for your knees? Yes and No. What does this mean? I will try to answer this based upon my past running experience. First of all, anything in excess can be bad for you. Yes, even beer, wine and pizza! I think we all know that, but did you know that water can too. Yes, too much water can kill you. It's called hyponatremia. Getting back to the point, too much running and only running can tear up your knees. Again, nothing in excess. I will use myself as an example here. I have run 56 marathons to date and many 100+ Milers around the world. Plus, I weigh 195 lbs. That's a lot of abuse on my poor old knees. Sorry guys. And, knock on wood, have never had a major knee problem. Oh, I've had the occasional standard runner issues like ITB syndrome, plantar fascitis and tendinitis in most joints, but nothing serious. You may wonder how a short, stubby, balding guy can run so many miles and escape serious knee injury. Well, here's my story and I'm sticking to it. I started serious strength training around the age of 14. For many years I was a Powerlifter only. No running. I actually got into running because my meathead buddies like myself said, "Dude, you're too big to run." Of course that was all I needed and like Mr Gump, I started running and have not looked back. Luckily though, I have never stopped strength training. I continue to perform squats, deadlifts, lower body calisthenics and plyometrics. This, combined with a good amount of cross-training, has been my saving grace. I strength train heavy, 2-3 times per week, and I listen to my body, especially my knees. I love to run, but when my knees say,"leave me alone for a couple days," I do just that. When this happens, I'll substitute a run for a bike ride or jump on the elliptical machine. In addition, I try as much as possible to keep my body fueled with wholesome, healthy foods and lots of water. Of course I still enjoy the pizza and beer on the weekends, you've gotta stay human. To sum my rambling up, if you are going to run, you need to make sure you implement a couple days of strength training, incorporate some cross training and keep your body properly fueled and hydrated. Will this work for everyone? Who knows, but it'll definitely help and has certainly worked for this 37 yr old UltraRunning Clydesdale. "Running doesn't tear up your knees, the lack of a well rounded plan does!" Stay Long. Strong. Fast. Fit.

"Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'!"

Hey Gang,

Sorry for the disappearing act, I've been busy trying to come up with new and exciting challenges for myself. Like many of you, I start to lose motivation now and then and have to step back, reevaluate and drive on! Well, I've come up with a couple new adventures with the help of some interesting friends. I'm currently working on a trip to the Amazon with famed Naturalist, Richard Fowler. We're going to parachute out of plane into the Peruvian Amazon, hike through the jungle and try to survive for a couple weeks while meeting indigenous peoples along the way. Still in the process of finalizing but that's the gist of it.
http://www.iquitostimes.com/rfowler-index.htm

The next adventure may have be climbing Everest or a trip to the North Pole. You may ask why? My answer will be, "Because I can." I truly believe that we are not on this old earth for a long time. So the short time that we are here, we need to make the best of it. The "best of it" is different for each and everyone of us. Individually we need to determine that. Before my grandfather past away he would say "Too old too fast." These words motivate me to experience as much as I can while I am still physically capable. Think about. This is our deep thought for the day!

Here's a link to my latest podcast interview. Check it out if you get a chance.
http://www.enduranceplanet.com/

If you are ever in San Diego, come join my Outdoor Fitness class. It's the best in the World and the most fun! Get Fit with the World's Fittest Man (San Diego, CA) - Meetup.com

I'll try to update my Blog more often. Please let me know if you have any particular questions you want answered. I hope that everyone has a great day!

Joe

Joe Decker
"World's Fittest Man"
858-342-2993
www.Joe-Decker.com

"i ran. i ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. then i ran some more."

More fun stuff

Hey Gang!

We're going to have a GREAT workout tomorrow! I hope that most of you can make it. It'll definitely be a good time.

I put together a Workout Log for some of the employees of AMN yesterday. If anyone is interested in getting a copy, follow this link- AMN's Workout Log - Bodybuilding.com If you want to develop your own Strength Training Log, this is a pretty cool tool and it's free. Bodybuilding.com - Printable Workout Logs - Create Your Own!

If any of ya are interested in beginning a structured Running Program, talk to me first. But if you need some good running resources, here are a couple of my favorite sites. They're loaded with info. http://www.halhigdon.com/ and http://www.run100s.com/

I've added a couple of the races that I'll be doing in the next couple months. If any of you are interested in participating in any fun events of your own, please let me know. I'm sure I can help get ya pointed in the right direction.
Camp Pendleton Races: Mountain Warfare Training Challenge
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon - June 3, 2007 - San Diego, California

In addition, I'm going to start putting together Mountain Bike, Rock Climbing and Kayaking clinics. Please let me know if you might be interested. This is the good stuff in life! Have a great weekend!

Joe

Joe Decker
"World's Fittest Man"
858-342-2993
www.joe-decker.com

"i ran. i ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. then i ran some more."

Doing it for the kids

Hi Joe!

This is Bill Eaker from Northside Elementary in Geneseo, Illinois. You just spoke to our students today at our Fine Arts Fair and I helped you set up the DVD. I just wanted to tell you how inspiring you were to the kids. When I got back to my 5th grade classroom, you were all the buzz, so I know you made a great impact on them. I heard one specific girl comment to a friend, “I think I’m going to start running!” This is a girl with self-esteem issues, so I think it is important that you know that you had an impact directly on her. My son, who is also in 5th grade, was talking about all the things you had done and how impressed he was. He and his friends were playing X-Box and talking about it the whole time. After they were done playing, they went on an “epic” bike ride across town. With all the childhood obesity that we see everyday at school, I just want to tell you that it is awesome that you take your time to talk to the kids, encouraging them to exercise and eat right.

Melanie Rice has talked to me about you for years, and it was a pleasure to finally meet you. It would have been nice to have some time to talk to you about biking and kayaking. I have been an avid mountain biker for years, and have been kayaking now for 7 years now. I have to admit that you inspired me a great deal today as well. I have always talked about planning, training, and completing the entire length of the Mississippi River by kayak, and you brought those thoughts back. Sometimes the doubt that sits in the back of the mind keeps me from larger accomplishments such as these. I’ll just have to set some short and long term goals, take baby steps, and you never know, I just might get around to doing that. Anyway, enough of my babbling. Keep up the great work and inspiration for the kids. I hope you had a safe trip home.

Bill Eaker
Northside Elementary
Geneseo, Illinois

From Kyle in Canada

I just received this email from Kyle in Cananda. I thought you guys might enjoy it. It's a great story.

hey joe!

So everyone has a story, heres mine.

I live WAY far north. In a town called yellowknife, nwt, canada. Here we have winter for 8 or more months of the year. I always made excuses for myself, not working out in the winter and saying ill wait for the summer....but guess what? I never did.

I grew up as the BIG Boy in school, teased from time to time, but i used my size to kinda intimidate them. I did alot of out doors stuff like camping, fishing, hunting, and all that. And i got plenty of excersize from it. I also played alot of sports, soccer, basketball, hockey, paintball and many more. But what i ate and drank (alcohol) and how much of it was killing me from the inside out. You know the meals im talking about, the momma's home cooked meals. The ones with more meat and white breads and pastas, and sugars. Id sit down and CLEAR 3 PLATES!!

So on new years day (2007) i stepped on a scale and weiged myself....I was shocked. I was a 19 year old guy out of high school, that weighed in at a whopping 307lbs!

This shocked me, i was depressed for a few days, not sure what to do or where to start, it just seemed like an obstacle that i couldnt conquer.

Then i decided to do something about it. I got a gym membership. I was workingout everyday, drinking lots of water, but i was skipping almost all my meals accept dinner. Where i would fill up on more than i would before!

So then i found your book at walmart (where i work by the way). And i flew threw it in just 2 evenings. Your story reminder me of me alot. So then i decided it was time to change. I started the power of eating program. Whole grains, no bad fats, no more red meat, cut the sugars, everything i should be doing i did. Im eating vegies like brocoli, carots, and snap peas (which i love now). I have been substituting mustard for mayo. And i have started the "shock your body" program too. What a difference!

So here it is. I started the program on january 9th 2007. I weighed in at 307 lbs. Now its march 17, 2007. And in just about 10 weeks. IVE LOST 87 LBS! Thats right, im down to 220! My muscles are toner, arms, legs, I even have pecs haha! And the compliment are great!

So heres my question.. I still have my problem area to take care of. My stomache. Its still really big. I was wondering if i were to work the muscles more in that area, ie abs, lats etc. Will this speed up the weight lossn this area?

any way i really hope youve read this and reply, thanks for everything! And im sure uve heard this before, but your a life saver! thanks again,

Kyle

What does Fitness mean to me?

What is Fitness? I have asked many people this same question over the years. Many have said, "It's looking like a super-model or having muscles like a bodybuilder." I personally couldn't disagree with them more. Fitness, to me, is a way of life, a state of mind, a philosophy. Fitness is getting up in the morning and being happy, truly happy with that person looking back in the mirror. Being able to actually say that I love this person. How do we get to this point? I'm sure it's a very different path for each and everyone of us. When I was down and out in New Orleans and contemplating taking my own life, fitness was my savior. It gave me hope. It enabled me to escape from my self-imposed prison. It allowed me to discover the true power of the human body and spirit, to find the fire that dwells inside of us all. The power to believe that anything was truly possible if I only believed in myself. It then allowed me to travel to exotic places around the world to compete in what was once only unthinkable endurance and strength events, inevitably taking this human body as near to death as possible only to come back stronger and more self-confident than ever before. It's a best friend that's always there. It is to be enjoyed and cherished, not loathed and abandoned. It's the ability as I grow older to never stop playing like a child. Most importantly, fitness is my golden path to aging with grace, moving proudly through life and when the time comes to leave this world with dignity. That's what fitness is to me.

It's Not Your Fault

We've all heard the TV commercial for a popular diet pill that states, "If your fat, it's not your fault." It's about time. That's what I always said when I was 80lbs overweight. No one would believe. It wasn't my fault. It was Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Hostess. Not mine. Isn't it such a relief to finally find this out?

Are you kidding? "It's not your fault." Why do we humans have such a difficult time with accountability? Many times we like to play the blame game and point fingers. I've been there and lived that lie. I'm here to tell ya. If you DO NOT hold yourself accountable for your actions, i.e overeating or not exercising, you will continue down the devastating path you're probably currently on.

I know. I sit alone late one night in a dirty New Orleans apartment, contemplating taking my own life. Why? Because I couldn't figure out how I had come to this state in my life. I was overweight, out-of-shape and abusing drugs and alcohol. But it wasn't my fault. Right?

Luckily for me I was able to get it together. I looked in the mirror for hours. I hated the person staring back. But I realized eventually that that person could be weak and pathetic. He was human. He needed to hold himself accountable and not blame the food, alcohol and drugs. He had to accept responsibility for his actions and current condition.

When I was able to do this, it was like a tremendous weight was lifted. Wow. To think, that I could be weak and pathetic. But now I had control. I made the decisions. I stopped blaming everyone and everything. When I was able to do this, it set me free. I was no longer bound. Through my weakness I found strength.

I truly believe that this can be applied to many of us out there. Listen guys, many times in life "it is our fault!" There's nothing wrong with that. Don't give someone or something else that ability to have control over you. Set yourself free! Break those chains. Repeat after me, "It is my fault and I control it!"

Have a great weekend!

Joe

You're Never Too Old!

Hey Gang!

It's been a couple months since I last signed in. 2007 started off with a month full of fun-filled fitness events. I started with a Powerlifting meet in LA, then the Death Valley Trail Marathon followed by the Strongest Man in Arizona competition. Let me tell ya, I'm pretty beat-up but in a good kinda way. These sort of events don't let you forget that you are alive.

Speaking of being alive, I have worked with and continue to work with people that tell me, "When you get to be my age, you won't be doing these crazy events." Most of these people are 40-50 years old and the majority have set on their ass their entire life. Now that they've gotten older and haven't engaged in any prevention, like a fitness program, they are starting to fall apart. Most people that tell you that running destroys your knees, have never actually run. Or that tell you that weight lifting will destroy your shoulders, have never lifted. These people have done nothing and are paying the price.

I believe that engaging in activities like running and weight lifting in moderation do not destroy your body but have the opposite effect. They help you to continue through life with your head held high and to live with pride. We do not have to become these helpless little crippled people that we generally associate with aging. Yes, I'm only 36, so what do I know. You've got a point there so how about I give you a couple examples from some incredible individuals I met over the last couple of months.

I met Ryan at the LA Powerlifting meet in Jan. This competition consisted of a one rep max bench press and a one rep max deadlift. Pretty serious business even for us youngsters. Ryan told me that he started lifting weights when he was 15 years old. Back then it consisted of picking up heavy things around the farm. He's watched the industry grow over the years. And he's watched many of his friends get old and feeble and die. Ryan is 71 years young. He can bench press 275lbs and deadlift 365lbs. He looks like he's 50 and acts like he's 21. He said, "Lifting weights all of these years has kept me looking and feeling young and strong." Who would you listen to? Your overweight and lazy neighbor or Ryan? Hmmmm?

I met Tom and Kate at the Death Valley Trail Marathon in Feb. This is one of the most scenic and beautiful courses in the country. 26.2 through lovely Death Valley. Marathons are not easy, especially one in this location with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. This would be tough for a young person. Tom and Kate have been running their entire lives. They have done countless marathons and races together all over the world. It is their passion and their first love. Not bad considering Tom is 76 and Kate is 69. I asked them about their knees. They said, "Yes, we've had the normal aches and pains, but both of us would take this any day over sitting down and actually growing old. Running together is our fountain of youth!" Who would you believe? Hmmmm?

I've come to this conclusion, never stop playing like your kid. Try to continually enjoy your body and let it take you to far away exotic places to do incredible things. "We're not here for a long, just for a good time!"

Holiday Fitness Tips

It's that wonderful time of the year again. A time for friends and family to get together to eat, drink and make merry. Now there's nothing wrong with this, just be careful that you don't over do it or you'll start off the New Year looking like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man! Here's a couple tips that might help you out during the next couple weeks.

We all know how easy it is to avoid exercising during the holidays. It's easy to make the excuse, "Oh, I want to spend more time with my family and friends." Who doesn't? When I'm home, I try getting up a little earlier than everyone else and go for a jog or hit the gym. Get it out of the way in the morning. That you won't put it off during the day. You really feel so much better the rest of the day after a little morning sweat. It's also a good way of cleansing the system from the night before.

How do we avoid over-eating and filling up on all those goodies? This is very difficult. I grew up on a farm and my mother can cook. Unfortunately most dishes are made with old-fashioned Crisco. The good stuff. To avoid over-indulging as much as I possible, I go shopping for myself even before I get home. I like to stop by the store and buy fruits, veggies and lean meats. I know I will not find a lot of this at my parents. When I'm sitting at home and the urge strikes to munch, it's nice to know that I have some healthy alternatives. It's not a 100% guaranteed, but hey, every little bit helps in the battle of the bulge.

I hope that everyone has a very Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!

Death Valley Marathon recap

We got to Death Valley Friday night around 9:00PM. It's been six years since I was there. I really forgot how incredibly awe inspiring the place was. Plus, I forgot how darn cold it can get there at night. The temperature was around 37 degrees. I pitched the old Sierra Design tent and we crawled in our warm and cozy Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags. Race day was bright and sunny. We checked in at the Furnace Creek Saloon to get our race numbers and chips. Nicole's goal was to run a sub-4 hour marathon. My plan was to pace her. At 8:00AM we were off. It was a pretty small group of runners and spread out fast. I forgot how darn hilly Death Valley was which really affected our mile split times. Still, at the turn around point we were right on mark. But the hills did catch up with us and we crossed the line at 4:05:32. Not bad for a December marathon in a beautiful place like Death Valley.

If you ever get a chance, you've got to do the race in Death Valley. It really is an incredible experience. If the marathon isn't for you, they have a half-marathon and a 10k. For marathon, half-marathon or 10k training info, check out www.HalHigdon.com I've been using Hal's programs for years to get ready for races. Hope this helps!

Death Valley Marathon

We head out today to run the annual Death Valley Marathon on Sat., Dec 2. www.envirosports.com/events/displayevent.php?eventid=1611 Ahh, 26.2 scenic miles through lovely Death Valley. Well, maybe not so lovely, but it is definitely an awe inspiring place. I have run across the length of it twice now while competing in the annual Badwater 135 http://www.badwater135/ . 135 miles of running on asphalt, in July, from Badwater, 282 ft below sea level, to the Mt. Whitney portals at roughly 8,600 ft. Why? Because it's there of course. It is an extremely challenging race but what an empowering achievement once completed. Tomorrow will just be a little stroll down memory lane. A chance to ponder how totally alive I felt in a valley named after Death. Hmmm...Interesting. It's hard to believe that my passion for running ridiculous distances all started with my meat head buddies in the gym saying, "Dude, you can't run. You're too big and bulky." I replied, "Yes I can. I just choose not too." And then actually thinking to myself that maybe I couldn't run. I didn't like the thought of not being able to do something. So I grabbed my old worn out pair of Chuck T's and hit the pavement. And just like Forrest Gump, I kept runnin' and runnin'. Hopefully this will inspire of few of ya to dust off those running shoes and do the same. "Life is about the journey, not the destination." Have a great weekend!

The Gear

I get tons of questions about gear. I've added some to Joe's Gear link for you to check out. It's very important that you get the proper gear if you're going to start a new fitness program. Here are just a few of the products that I like. You may not like these or may have your own favorites. That's fine, just make sure you're well equipped and ready to rock-n-roll!

Shoes- For road running, I like the New Balance 1221 or the Asic's Gel Kayano. These shoes are not flashy but are very high quality. I use these and their off-road shoes for trail running too because they have great cushioning and support. They come in bigger width's for those of you with Fred Flintstone feet like me. Also, I would definitely recommend Salomon's shoes for adventure racing and anything in the wood line. They are comfortable and very durable. Try on different shoes to find the right brand for you. Your feet, knees and joints will definitely let ya know.

Workout Clothes- Under Armour is my favorite. Their stuff is durable, comfortable and looks cool too. You gotta look the part. Just remember to get something that wicks the moisture away from you skin. Try to stay away from cotton.

Outdoor Clothing- When it comes to rugged outdoor gear, you can't beat Mountain Hardwear or Patagonia. Their stuff is the state of the art, lightweight and extremely durable. It kept me warm and dry when we raced 520-miles across the Himalayas a few years ago.

Socks- I'm a big fan of Feetures performance socks. They kept my feet blister free while running through Death Valley and crossing the Sahara Desert. www.feeturesbrand.com

Toys- Boys do like their toys and I'm no exception. I love my Garmin, Suunto and Casio watches. The Garmin is great for plotting the distance of running and cycling routes. Suunto is the ultimate Adventure Racing watch. It can be used as a compass, an altimeter and even a barometer. Casio is my Boot Camp and gym workout watch. All three are tough watches. My IPod is a must while doing cardio in the gym or getting pumped up before an event. Nothing like rocking out to some Metallica before a heavy lifting session. Plus, I like to keep my small Cannon camera with me at all times to take awesome photos while training, competing, or wine tasting with friends.

Misc.- Oh, I almost forgot the most important thing of all, BodyGlide. Trust me this stuff works. www.bodyglide.com

This is some of my favorite stuff. I'd love to hear your recommendations. Drop me a line and let me know what makes your list of must have gear.

Event Locater

You're inspired! You're motivated! You're dedicated! You've set a goal and now it's time to find a cool event. Here's a list of some of my favorite websites that should help you find something fun in your area.

Running Events
www.runnersworld.com
www.trailrunnermag.com
www.coolrunning.com
www.run100s.com

Strength Events
www.nastrongmaninc.com
www.rawpowerlifting.com
www.celtichighlandgames.org/index.htm
www.bodybuildbid.com/upcom/abaupcom.html

Multi-Sport
www.insidetri.com
www.usara.com
www.urbanadventureracing.com/wildonion.html

Fun Stuff
www.muddybuddy.com
www.sundayriver.com/summer/wifecarry.html
www.camppendletonraces.com/mud_sun.html

Crazy Stuff
www.badwater.com
www.adventurerace.com/eng/about-race.htm
www.toughguy.co.uk
www.texaswatersafari.org/index.htm

Charity Events
www.komen.org
www.teamintraining.org

The Goal

Ok gang, you've all had enough time to get motivated and hopefully start thinking about some challenging and interesting event that you'd like to undertake. This is where you draw that line in the sand and come up with a goal. Not an unrealistic goal like looking like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie. Sorry guys, that ain't happening for any of us. Or the same old goal of losing weight and getting in shape. Set a fun goal, like a race, strength contest or charity event, and work systematically towards achieving it. I tell people not to focus on weight loss, but to let it become a by-product of your training. That way you're not constantly obsessed with food, not eating and the good ole scales. For instance, I have a group of ladies training for a Jan. marathon. They're all getting in shape, having fun together and losing weight. Weight loss is the by-product of their training. You don't have to choose a marathon. Your goal can be a 5k, 10k, Cancer March, Triathlon, Muddy Buddy, Strongman, Highland Game, Bodybuilding show or Ultramarathon. You pick it! Make it fun, adventuresome and exciting. Gather some family and friends to join ya. That's the best part. For instance, here are some very cool events that me and some friends are doing in 2007;
-the Death Valley Marathon, http://www.envirosports.com/events/displayevent.php?eventid=1673
-Arizona's Strongest Man competition, http://www.nastrongmaninc.com/pdf/entries/20070120az.pdf
-La Ruta de los Conquistadores, http://www.adventurerace.com/eng/about-race.htm
-North American Wife Carrying championship, http://www.sundayriver.com/summer/wifecarry.html Come join the fun. Life's too short. Work Hard and Play Harder!

Veteran's Day Reunion

Saturday, Nov. 11th, was Veteran's Day. A time for Americans to pay tribute to the US military men and women that have defended and are currently defending this great nation. So many times we forget about those around the world that are protecting our freedom and putting their lives on the line. As a Vet, I have seen this day come and go many times without really giving it that much consideration. This year I wanted it to be different. I decided a few months ago to attempt to break a World Record on Veteran's Day to pay tribute to our troops and create national patriotic awareness. I told an ole Army buddy, Morse, about this venture and he decided to help out. Within a couple weeks, Morse, had tracked down Hobbs, Trim, Dunn and Donahue. All of us had gone through basic training at Ft Benning and were eventually stationed together at the 10th Mountain Division in Ft Drum, NY. It had been 15 yrs since we had last seen each other. Where does the time go? It just seems like yesterday that a group of snot-nosed 18yr old kids were hitting bars in Kingston, Ontario on the weekends and training how to kill with sophisticated weapons during the week. Ah, the good ole days. They traveled from all over the country and got into San Diego on Thursday evening. I met the gang at the Hilton in La Jolla. It was hard to believe that it had been 15 years. It really seemed like only yesterday. We talked for hours about all the crazy stuff we had done back then and how we were all very lucky to be alive today. The group met up on Sat. morning, Veteran's Day, for our big one-mile run. I wanted to attempt to break a world record and Morse just wanted to complete the mile. As we ran the course together, some of us Vets and some still serving, I really felt proud to have served my country and to have served with this group of great guys. This I thought to myself, is what Veteran's Day is about. If any of you are Vets and haven't made the time to see the friends you served with, take my advice, make the time and get together. This past weekend spent with the guys I served with will be one I'll never forget. Life is short. Too many times we let it slip on by. I challenge all of you to take a moment, stop, and try to contact someone special that you haven't talked to or seen in years. Like the VISA commercial states, "It's PRICELESS!"

Let me hear ya!

I've talked about motivation, accountability and setting goals. This I'll continue and will be a weekly part of the blog. In addition, I want to hear from all of you. What motivates you to stick with it? What sort of goals have you set and how do you hold yourself accountable? Believe it or not, we just might be able to learn from each other. Feel free to send me any questions that you might have about training, eating, shoes and clothing or just getting started. I'll pick out a couple questions and post them on the blog. Also, we'd love to hear suggestions about must try wine, beer, cigars, books to read, where to eat, places to go and people to meet. That stuff is every bit as important as exercise in the broad scheme of things. For those of you that have been asking about products, I do have some that I like to use on my website under the "buy products" tab. I'll add more as time goes on. Send any recommendations that you might have for necessary or outstanding gear that you think others would be interested in. Of course I had to find a couple links to help motivate you through the rest of the week. This link is to an amazing human being that has overcome extreme adversity to motivate other's. http://www.chrismoon.co.uk/ And this is a story from a 29 year old kid that I know continues to motivate him today. http://www.badwater.com/stories/1999/99decker.html Remember the old Chinese proverb, "The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with one step." Today that journey begins with putting down the chicken wings and remote control. Get out there and enjoy this fabulous day! Work Hard and Play Harder!

Those Monday morning blues!

As a kid, growing up on a farm in the Midwest, every week my Dad would tell us that he was going to start his eating and exercise program come Monday morning. As you can imagine, Monday would roll around and Dad would inevitably postpone it until the following Monday. Well, it's 25 years later and Dad still hasn't started that program yet! Like most of us though, he does have good intentions. Mondays can be difficult. You've had the weekend to relax and indulge and now it's time to get back to the ole grindstone. How do we keep that promise that we've made to ourselves on Friday to take control or our eating and exercise on Monday? Many times, just like Dad, we only half-way commit. We know in the back of our mind that we're not seriously ready to make the change. Change only comes with commitment. You've got to take a good long look in the mirror and decide that you are 100% ready to make that change. Next, you've got to set goals and develop a plan of action. You can do this. Yes, it will take hard work and dedication. The things that we value most in life are the things that we've had to work the hardest for. It is well worth it. Physical fitness is the closest thing that we have to a "Fountain of Youth." Here are couple of examples of people that have drank of the fountain their entire lives, Jack Lalanne, http://www.jacklalanne.com/biograph.html and Helen Klein, http://www.leadingladiesmarathon.com/pdf/Helen-Klein-MB.pdf . I hope that these incredible stories of everlasting youth will help to motivate you on this Monday morning. Drink up!

It's Friday!

T.G.I.F. Thank God It's Friday! The week is over and it's time to kick back and relax. The weekend is almost here. This is usually the point that most of us destroy what we've worked so hard all week to accomplish. All week we've been good about watching our food and alcohol intake (somewhat), we've got plenty of sleep and actually exercised. The weekend rolls around, and BLAM, all of our hard work goes to hell in a handbasket. How do we gain control of this vicious cycle? If any of ya know, please tell me. I'm just as guilty. You can't beat pizza, wings and beer while watching the football games. I've found if you can't beat'em, then join'em. The key is to try to get a workout of some sort in on Sat. and/or Sun. morning before the big games and life gets in the way. This will keep you on track and help with those Monday morning doldrums we all experience after a rough weekend. And try setting achievable goals throughout the year to keep ya motivated. I'm currently teaching an Outdoor Fitness class on Sat. and running with a group on Sundays that is training for a Jan. marathon. Plus we have the Death Valley marathon coming up in Dec. http://www.envirosports.com/events/displayevent.php?eventid=1611 These and other events keep me motivated and on track. Set health and fitness goals and go for it. Have fun. You can do it! Like Baz Luhrman said, "You are not as fat as you think you are and do not read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly!" Work Hard and Play Harder!

Motivation

On Nov. 11th, Veteran's Day, I'll be attempting another World Record. This time for running a mile while carrying a 40 lb pack all in 5 min 35 sec. People ask me all the time why I contuinue to attempt these crazy stunts. For me, it's just to challenge this incredible human body that we were all given. To see what this thing can do. It's not for the glory or the ego. The human body was meant to be challenged and tested and pushed. It was not meant to sit behind a desk all day punching a key board. I know at times it can be difficult to motivate ourselves. And I know that it is something we all have in us but just need to find. I like to call it, "the fire inside." Think about this for a second. Are you happy with you current fitness level or state of mind? No. Then do something about it. Set a goal. Make a serious promise with yourself to take back control of your life. It is your life and doesn't belong to Nintendo or McDonalds. If you still need a little motivation, check out this video. I guarantee that it will fire you up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE Remember, "We're not here for a long time, just for a good time!"

Here we go!

Finally, after countless emails from around the world and lots of poking and prodding from family, friends and clients, I've decided to enter the new millennia and start a blog! I've put numerous hours of thought into "what" I wanted the content of this blog to be. Should it be just about extreme fitness, or proper diet and exercise, or what fitness means to each of us or even books, beer, wine and cigars? I've decided it should be a little of all of that good stuff but also motivational, inspirational and thought provoking. I want this blog to provoke you to think outside the box. I want it to "fire" you up and get you motivated. I want it to inspire each and everyone of us to really "live" and not just "exist." Oh yeah! I'll try to answer interesting and timely relevant health, fitness and life questions that I get sent daily. And I'll post current training info, upcoming events, inspiring people, and any thing else that will help us rock-n-roll through the daily grind that many of us call life!