Articles

Run Baby Run!!

My Crossfit workout today involved running. That was it, just running. It consisted of intervals of 1,000, 800, 600, 400 and 200 meters, with three minutes rest in between. What could be more straight forward?

Anyone who knows me, will know that to say running isn’t my jam, would be a fairly sizeable understatement. I hate it and it hates me right back. Up until very recently, and I am talking like yesterday, I would have done anything in my power to avoid doing this workout. I would have either skipped training entirely or if I had gone I would have come up with 101 reasons (read excuses) why I “couldn’t” run.

That has been my default stance since I began strength and conditioning many years ago. I have lost count of the number of times I have told anyone who would listen that I can’t run. Of course, what I actually meant is that I can’t run fast. It is not a strength of mine. It isn’t in my wheelhouse as they say in the biz!

You see, I have this innate fear of coming last. I am mortified at the thought of my glaring weaknesses being exposed and of letting people know just how much I suck. This has led to me sidestepping occasions where I think this could potentially happen. Not exactly the best mindset for growth.

Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying that I am wonderful at all, or indeed any, other aspects of Crossfit, but nowhere do I feel more exposed and vulnerable than when I am running. Huffing and puffing and being overtaken by little old ladies out walking their pugs. It’s a struggle, and it’s painful but it’s also the only thing that has even the slightest chance of making me a better runner.

At the beginning of the summer I had started going out for some runs. But before long I had picked up a tiny injury. I wasn’t hurt so badly that I had to stop training, thankfully, but it was just enough to completely knock my new found confidence. Within a week or so the old thought patterns and self limiting beliefs had taken hold again.

It is extremely difficult to break a habit that you have had for a lifetime. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone again and again and again. Eventually it gets easier, but not over night. It isn’t a case that you face your fear one time and it never rears it’s ugly head again.

All week long I had been dreading today’s workout, and only half jokingly said it was giving me anxiety. I kept playing it out in my head. Forcing myself to feel the shame of being last to finish before I had even started. Talk about setting yourself up to fail!

When it came time to actually do the workout, it wasn’t so bad! Yes, it was a struggle and as predicted, I finished last. I would still say it wouldn’t be a workout I would choose, but I got through it, and also predictably, nothing bad happened. As Pat Sherwood would advise, I high fived some people and made it the best hour of my day.

I have always said that comfort zones are for resting in, not for living in. I believe that you should push yourself sometimes in your training and be prepared to leave your comfort zone. Because that is where growth happens. However, there is a pretty big caveat to this. Your training environment needs to be a safe space. You need to feel supported and empowered enough to allow yourself to risk failure.

If you are made to feel ashamed or humiliated every time a workout doesn’t go to plan, you will never take risks. If the atmosphere is super competitive, you will only want to do the workouts you know you are good at. I am so fortunate that I have great coaches around me and incredibly supportive team mates. This has been the biggest game changer for me this year. Knowing the guys and girls are rooting for me and genuinely want to see me progress, even when I am dead last makes a huge difference. Now if I could just get out of my own way…

Be well and keep putting one foot in front of the other xxx

Uncategorised

Fitty & Fatty – Ep.44

This week Fitty talks about non scale victories and Fatty tells us about Lifestyle apps.  There are giggles a plenty about Fitty’s new favourite podcast and we take a look at the controversy around the American Ladies Football Team.  Thanks for listening xxx

https://fittyandfatty.podbean.com/e/fitty-and-fatty-s2-ep44-non-scale-victories-and-lifestyle-apps/

Follow Fitty & Fatty on our Social Medias:

Website:https://fittyandfatty.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fittyandfatty/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pg/FittyandFatty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=866899313502196

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andfitty

Snapchat: fittyfatty1

Email: fittyandfattypod@gmail.com

Uncategorised

Fitty & Fatty Ep. 42

This week Fitty talks about loneliness and social isolation.  While Fatty gives us some tips to tackle food waste.  Thanks for listening

https://fittyandfatty.podbean.com/e/fitty-and-fatty-s2-ep42-loneliness-and-food-waste/

Follow Fitty & Fatty on our Social Medias:

Website:https://fittyandfatty.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fittyandfatty/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pg/FittyandFatty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=866899313502196

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andfitty

Snapchat: fittyfatty1

Email: fittyandfattypod@gmail.com

Uncategorised

Fitty & Fatty Ep. 40

https://fittyandfatty.podbean.com/e/fitty-and-fatty-s2-ep40-the-health-at-every-size-movement/

This week we take a look into the Health at Every Size Movement, we discuss the Nike controversy and tap into body acceptance.  Thanks for listening xxx

Follow Fitty & Fatty on our Social Medias:

Website:https://fittyandfatty.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fittyandfatty/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pg/FittyandFatty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=866899313502196

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andfitty

Snapchat: fittyfatty1

Email: fittyandfattypod@gmail.com

Uncategorised

Fitty & Fatty Ep. 36

https://fittyandfatty.podbean.com/e/fitty-and-fatty-ep36-saying-no-depression/

This week we talk about how important it is to learn how to say no and ask for help.  We also take a close look at depression.

Follow Fitty & Fatty on our Social Medias:

Website:https://fittyandfatty.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fittyandfatty/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pg/FittyandFatty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=866899313502196

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andfitty

Snapchat: fittyfatty1

Email: fittyandfattypod@gmail.com

Articles

Dear Florida Man – America’s Gun Violence Epidemic

Straight out of the gate, I am going to let you know that this is not the type of article I usually write.  Normally, I am very careful to avoid voicing my political opinions on this blog.  I try to stay in my lane as it were.  Gun violence is definitely not my usual scope.  However, a headline caught my attention this morning that made my heart hurt.  It had such an affect on me, that I cannot stay silent.  It was this.

“Florida lawmakers to approve bill allowing teachers to be armed.”

There is so much wrong with these ten words, that I scarcely know where to begin.

Gun violence is a huge problem in America.  It’s a problem I thought I understood the scale of, until I went to research this piece.  In the month of April alone, there were 35 mass shootings.  That is more than 1 per day.  I struggle to wrap my mind around this, as I scan the seemingly unending list of numbered but unnamed victims.  So far this year, 120 people have lost their lives in mass shooting events.  Hundreds more have been injured.

I don’t know why this phenomenon has come about.  In the 20 years since Columbine, mass shootings have become literally a daily event.  I can’t tell you why this is.  Neither can I speculate as to why this seems to be a uniquely American problem.  I don’t know what the answer is.  I do, however, know what the answer is not.  More guns.

The idea that the solution to gun violence is more guns, is akin to thinking the obesity crisis can be solved with more cheese burgers.  It is ludicrous.

As I read this story on the RTE website, I felt my stomach turn.  My morning coffee soured on my tongue.  I experienced a deep sense of foreshadowing, and all I could think was how long will it be before we see a headline reading “Florida teacher shoots unarmed student.”

I understand that, as Americans, your right to bear arms is protected under your constitution.  Similarly, I understand that a lot of you are fiercely protective of this right.  For many American people guns are a part of life.  But what about your child’s rights?

Surely a child’s right to be educated without terror should be just as inalienable.  It makes me incredibly sad to think of the lasting impact the trauma of gun violence will have on the survivors.  However, the ripple effect goes far farther than I think we realise yet.

The kids in school now are the first generation of children who have had to deal with this crisis as part of their reality.  They are the first who have had to practice drills, and make their way through metal detectors.  They are constantly reminded that the threat of violence is very real.  I honestly cannot imagine trying to survive in such a high stress situation.  Let alone trying to learn in it.

These kids are in their formative years.  The time spent sitting in classrooms and fooling around in the hallways will absolutely shape the adults they will become.  How can they hope to grow into trusting, whole hearted adults when they spend the years between 5 and 18 facing clear and present danger every single day?  Your children are growing up in a warzone.  Unfortunately, there will be no refugee status for them.

On March 15th, New Zealand had a mass shooting incident of its own.  Within one week, their Prime Minister had taken steps to ban automatic weapons.  America, and in particular Florida, seems to be taking the exact opposite approach.  Putting guns in the hands of those who may never ordinarily have owned them.

Teachers, educators, those responsible for nurturing your young child’s mind and imagination.  Those responsible for empowering your son or daughter to reach their potential, will now be able to literally end their life.  I have dealt with angry, bad tempered teachers in my time, but I never had to worry about them shooting me.

It is not a question of if an innocent child gets caught in the crossfire, or if a stressed-out teacher mistakes a child reaching for a cell phone for an attack.  It is a question of when.  Under the new legislation, teachers would be required to undertake 144 hours of training before carrying guns, but that doesn’t reassure me.

The internet is littered with “Florida Man” memes.  We all like to joke about the crazy, surreal things that go on there.  Somehow, I don’t think that particular Florida Man headline would evoke the same response.

There is a saying that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The second-best time is now.  Some would argue that American gun laws should have been tightened up on April 21st 1999.  I would count myself among them.  However, it’s not too late.  The time to to speak up and take whatever action we can, is now.

This outrageously wanton loss of life is becoming part of our culture, we cannot allow ourselves to be numb to it.  We need to stand up and fight for every child’s right to come home from school.  We owe them that much at least.  Be well xxx

Uncategorised

Fitty & Fatty Ep. 34

Fitty and Fatty Ep.34 – Gratitude and the HPV Vaccine

April 29, 2019

In this weeks episode Fitty discusses the importance of gratitude for our everyday lives while Fatty talks about the HPC vaccine.

Follow Fitty & Fatty on our Social Medias:

Website:https://fittyandfatty.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fittyandfatty/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pg/FittyandFatty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=866899313502196

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andfitty

Snapchat: fittyfatty1

Email: fittyandfattypod@gmail.com

Uncategorised

Fitty & Fatty Ep. 31

In this weeks episode, Fitty sits down with Dominic Munnelly;

https://fittyandfatty.podbean.com/e/fitty-and-fatty-ep31-a-sit-down-with-dominic-munnelly-one-of-irelands-leading-personal-trainers/

Dominic Munnelly is one of Ireland’s leading personal trainers having worked in the business for over 20 years. He has supported many clients on their health and fitness journey advising them on training, nutrition, mobility and wellness and in the process helped people lose weight, get fit and lead a happier and healthier life.

His background is Sports Science had he holds a degree from the University of Sunderland and as well as training clients, he co-owns a gym in Kildare.

Check out Dominic’s book Move, Train, Nourish here:

https://www.easons.com/move-train-nourish-dominic-munnelly-9781848893351