So...what's going on in my life these days?
Well, change in my life continues to be a constant. Not just with regard to training, but overall. I have been training hard, working with the other Agents and clients, preparing for a 5K race with the other Agents...and I've gone Vegan to name a few! Oh, and I am training my wife...more on that in a moment:)
Recently one of the other agents and I were having a conversation regarding my own training/nutrition. I was specifically talking about my own challenges and what I needed to change in that area of my life. Over the past couple years as my training became more and more intense, my diet became more and more restrictive. And, I don't mean I didn't eat enough...at one point I was up to 5,000 calories a day and 300 plus grams of protein. However, maintaining such a regimen of eating 7-8 times a day had become all consuming. Not so much the preparation or actual consumption (I always enjoyed the consumption:), but the virtual prison I had locked myself in....and somehow lost the keys! Same meals (clean and healthful of course), same times, day in...day out. I had become trapped.
This agent looked at me and said "Josh, you know that what you are so great at teaching all of us, is your own greatest challenge". I suppose that makes sense, as I obviously base my approach on many of my own experiences.
No long ago I decided to become vegetarian, which for me was really no biggie...I already was fairly close to being one. Over the past 6 weeks, I have spent quite a bit of time researching and absorbing everything I could on vegetarian and vegan diets/lifestyles. Why you ask? Well, it started when Olaf (005) and I met with a holistic nutritionist to learn about vegan approaches to correcting insulin levels - remember Olaf is a Type I diabetic. That was really what kicked off my interest.
Long story short...if it's not already too late:), I decided for a variety of reasons that I would attempt the vegan lifestyle for 1 week; and after the week I would see how I really "felt". I was excited about the potential health benefits, eating more whole and nutrient dense foods and gaining some flexibility in my life. Of course, I had concerns too. Would I get enough protein from a plant based diet, what and when would I eat, what would my pre and post workout meals be, and many others.
As I mentioned above, I have begun training my wife...a vegetarian for as long as we have been together (17 years). I of course discussed my plan with her. Two days before taking the vegan plunge, I was in the kitchen preparing something. She looked at me and said, "would you like me to try going vegan with you"? Would I, heck yes!
So, Susie and I took the leap together. Today is day 11. I'm not going to bore you with all the details, but I can tell you this, both Susie and I feel absolutely tremendous! 4 separate individuals have commented on how different my skin tone looks. Both Susie and I have more energy and we are really enjoying all of the new foods we are consuming. As a side note, those who train with me can tell you that our workouts are intense - so Susie who is now doing 3 days a week of functional training plus a day or two of cardio should not really have so much more energy! I guess I need to kick up her training a bit. Additionally, being able to share this experience with her has had it's own rewards. We are shopping together, eating together and supporting each other in this change...very fulfilling.
By the way, you would think that eating this way would cost a whole lot more...not really. When you don't buy 20 protein bars at a time, frozen meals or many boxed items...your total at the register is a pleasant surprise. Now, on the other hand, you do find yourself visiting the store far more often to get fresh fruits and veggies, but a small price to pay for the way we are feeling.
On to the training of Susie. A few weeks ago I took Susie on as a "client", inspired in large part by the success of the other Agents. Again, sharing in this experience has been truly fulfilling. Even after all the years spent together, being able to share in this area of our lives has been so great.
Other goings on...
We have formed "The Agents of Change" team for the Susan G Komen Indianapolis Race on April 17th. So, we are all training for that event.
Due to my own experience with Susie, I am developing a couples training program. I feel that sharing in a common goal of wellness with your significant other has many great benefits beyond just the physical aspects.
003 (Erin) has just begun a 2 week "overhaul" of her own training and nutrition program. You'll be hearing more from her over the next few days as to her experience. Can you guess who else is trying the vegan life?
Overall, the Agents are all rocking and rolling...stay tuned for more on everyone's progress.
Josh