4 Obstacles That Hamper Your Athletic Performance and Self Development

Last week I took off for a  run in my neighborhood. 30 seconds into my workout I was unusually out of breath, my legs felt like cement blocks and my attitude was incredibly negative. After battling it out with myself for a few minutes, I decided to walk. Though I was very disappointed, I just didn’t have the mental fortitude to continue running that day. What in the world was wrong with me? Had my body forgotten how to run?  Or was my body telling me something very important?
I believe there were several factors that contributed to my poor performance that day. I want to share these with those of you who are new to fitness, and with seasoned athletes. They are a good reminder that our bodies are dependant on adequate sleep, solid nutrition and the right balance of rest and activity .
What factors influenced my decision to walk instead of run that day?
Obstacle: I didn’t sleep well the night before. It was really hot in our room and my seven year old had woken me up at 3 a.m.
Solution: If you have a demanding workout planned on a day when you didn’t sleep well the night before, tone your workout down a bit. Remember that sleep is absolutely critical for good performance. I find it interesting that many people I talk with are only sleeping 5 or 6 hours per night. We should all aim for at least 7 hours and most studies say that 8 hours is optimal. Good sleep is critical for muscle recovery, normal heart rhythm and a consistent metabolism.
Obstacle: I probably did not eat enough carbohydrates the day before.
Solution: A diet rich in complex carbohydrates is crucial for good athletic performance. In addition, your brain only derives energy from carbohydrates. It does not have the ability to create energy from protein or fats. If you find that your heart rate is higher than usual or if you are feeling low on energy then it is very possible that you may be taking dieting too far and not eating enough carbohydrates. Remember to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, beans, oatmeal and whole grains. If you are gluten free, then brown rice and organic corn tortillas are also a great source of carbohydrates.
Obstacle: I was likely “over trained” that day.
Solution: Pay attention to your body. If you exercise hard several days in a row, then take a day off or simply go for a hike or a walk to get your heart rate slightly up. If you are new to fitness, exercise 2 or 3 days in a row and then take a day off. Build up slowly and remember that consistency is the key to long term fitness. Also, if you find that your heart rate is higher then usual when you first wake up in the morning then it is very possible you need to take a day off.
Obstacle: I had a bad attitude going into the run because I really didn’t feel like doing it.
Solution: We have all heard the expression “attitude is everything.” For the most part I agree with that. If you are well nourished, well hydrated and well rested then push through the first few uncomfortable minutes of your workout and remember to smile. Consider yourself lucky because you have the means and the ability to move your body. It is a gift so treat it like one!
Identifying the reasons why I walked instead of ran that day was a simple reminder to listen to my body and to treat it well.  Our bodies have high intelligence and support us in knowing how to make good decisions in all areas of our life, whether it be physical, mental or spiritual training.  I’m excited to write in this Transforming the Body category because it has so much potential to transform your life.
I hope my experience will help you on your journey to good fitness, nutrition, health and increased self awareness.