I cannot believe it is already September. Although I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures of fall, it seems like beginning in October, the rest of the year is like that first downhill of a roller coaster ride. It goes fast. And, if you are not ready for it, it can be terrifying. I find myself feeling like I’m holding on with white knuckles until everything calms down in January. That is why September is the month to get yourself ready for the rest of the year so you can set yourself up for success.
I start my planning by printing out a blank calendar (one month per page) and fill in the important dates from now until January 1. Then, I’ll lay them out side by to get an over-all feel for the last three months of the year. This allows me to identify areas where I may get into trouble food-wise or time-wise. If I know that in one week, I have three birthday parties, I can plan in advance to get the gifts, get them wrapped, and ready. Same thing with holiday parties. I can identify weeks where I will have problems cooking so I can make alternative plans (cooking and freezing before or planning where I’ll pick things up). It also reminds me of parties I’m giving and allows me to start planning for them.
The idea is to know what is coming up so that you can plan for action. So that you can make decisions about what you are going to do when you are not under pressure.
I can hear that cranking noise that you hear as the cars are pulled up that first hill. . . can you? I’m not scared of that downhill though. In fact, I’m looking forward to this ride!
It was because of this second accident, and the love and hard work of his friends that Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) came into being. CAF helps those with physical challenges become athletes. CAF helps purchase the equipment they need to stay in the game of life through sport. CAF has established a Memorial Fund in memory of Jim. If you want to watch a video of Jim, the one they made when he was presented with the Arthur Ashe award, go here. It is an inspiration. You can also make a donation to the Jim MacLaren memorial fund on that page.
1) Do you want to nail your race day nutrition? I’m now offering race day nutrition planning. Email me at penny@eatingforperformance.com to find out more.
2) Based on the responses to the Ironman nutrition distance coaching survey, I’m working on a monthly nutrition coaching package for those competing in Ironman Texas in May, 011. I’ll keep everyone posted about when it will be available and what it includes.