In the spring of 2022, I began working with an old friend who is an ultrarunner. He created a training plan, and I monitored the effects of nutrition on athletic performance. Since childhood, I have been interested in sports, but for some reason, my body has not cooperated with me. I started asking questions in elementary school, as I did not want to live with unpleasant symptoms. I have seen older relatives suffer, which created a sense of helplessness. But how do other people over 60 exercise, cope with difficult moments, and live well?
Let's talk about athletes. Some are healthy and strong and have no problems consuming various supplements, dairy products, eggs, gluten, etc. However, there are many people like me who react negatively to these things. Some people use sports to relieve anxiety or express strong emotions like anger, while others just love sports and believe in themselves.
I've been on both sides. I've felt great after a workout and have suddenly fallen exhausted after just 15 minutes of light exercises. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and other life challenges, a sporty lifestyle took a backseat. Thus, I found more time to focus on myself: noticing small details in my dietary habits, understanding the effects of foods, emotional challenges, and overall movement on my body and soul. Thanks to information from Medical Medium, I learned to understand my body better.
During the summer training period of 2022, I noticed some significant changes. Taking a break from sports for at least a couple of years was very beneficial. During a raw food period, I set new running records, felt lighter, and my self-confidence slowly returned. I had no stomach problems, and my eczema improved. My well-being was stable, and I had enough energy for other things.
Hydration is crucial. I couldn't drink tap water due to its strong chlorine taste, so I found a temporary solution: a battery-operated filter jug. It worked well, but I will test it again next year. Water with lemon juice helped me a lot. Additionally, I ate melons and watermelons during heatwaves, which also hydrate very well. Freshly squeezed juices are top-notch.
Celery juice is the best "sports drink" so far. Also, just water with lemon (mineral salts) and green juice or other freshly squeezed juice after a workout.
My body doesn't tolerate fried or filler foods. This includes oatmeal, quinoa, and millet. Instead, I eat more smoothies, light foods, steamed versions, salads, fruits, vegetables, and berries. This makes my recovery faster and alleviates the chronic symptoms.
If I eat filler or fatty food, workouts are difficult and uncomfortable. It took me 3-4 days (with raw food) to make training successful again. In March 2023, I started running training with the same good times because I had been eating more raw food and less fried food since January.
Addiction to oil-fried foods is still something I deal with. But since my body has had positive changes due to changing my eating habits, it is easy to stay on course. The body does not like heavy food during the training period. Rest days are a better time for me to eat these heavy foods.
If last year I followed a workout plan, this year I listen more to my body. Running workouts come out better when I'm in harmony with myself. This means finding inner peace, having no worries, and being in a rested state. Additionally, giving myself the right fuel is important. Currently, raw food works for me, but I may make changes to my diet in the future.
If I feel good and energized, then I'll work out. If not, I'll do something else like rest, spend time with my loved one. Or I do some light exercises, strength training, dance, read books, work on my project. I also pay attention to my lifestyle habits and make changes if something isn't working for me. For example, if I ate cooked food that didn't agree with me during a training period or ate/drank too little.
I believe in being compassionate with yourself. The classic attitude of "no pain, no gain" does not apply to me. Instead, I have learned how to properly support myself when I really want to work out. And I focus on effective recovery and preparation for the next activity.
I have had experiences working long hours, 12-hour days. I also got a opportunity to work for 24 hours straight. I recognize that many people have demanding jobs and lives, such as mothers who are there for their children 24/7. Construction workers exposed to dust and chemicals. Firefighters, police officers, ambulance workers who must act under high pressure. Cleaners who work with chemicals, store clerks who work in demanding jobs. Office workers who are exposed to electromagnetic radiation, and animal breeders who do heavy work. These people are heroes who give their all to their jobs and lives.
Sometimes, job can take more energy than exercises, and this is one reason why I have pushed sports into the background at times. During busy periods, I find that heavy food doesn't work for me. Perhaps, I am sensitive to stress, and that's why raw food suits me better. Drinking celery juice and heavy metal detox smoothies in the mornings has been a lifesaver for me. Right now, I have no appetite for fried foods because I've given myself the right fuel throughout the day.
To exercise or not to exercise? Both options are correct. It depends on the state of the body.
