Forrest's Fitness & Adventure

  One of the oldest, most basic forms of exercise has somehow become laden with all kinds of accessories designed to make running more enjoyable, more data driven and more fashionable. Of course, running with music, GPS, HR monitoring and logging it all online is great. If for no other reason than to change things up every once in a while, a "naked run" has it's benefits. Maybe, calling it a "naked run" is the wrong name.   A "minimalist run" may be more appropriate.  Imagine going for a run in a pair of shorts,  t-shirt and a good pair of running shoes.  No phone,  no watch,  and no worries.  Just go for a run with the intention of enjoying it and being in the moment.  No need to check your watch,  skip the next song or stop for a selfie for Facebook or Strava. In fact,  "minimalist running" might just the kind of running that we need the most. When else are you going to take quiet time out for yourself to let your mind unwind...

There are a myriad of misconceptions about strength training that I've heard from friends and family. Unfortunately, those misconceptions often prevent people from experiencing the benefits of lifting weights. As a young runner, I even remember telling a friend that I didn't want to do too much strength training because I was afraid my legs would get too big and bulky. HAH! Thinking back on that ill conceived notion, I find it hilarious that I ever thought that I could get "too big and bulky". The training and specific effort it would take to reach that level is like saying "I don't want to run too much because I might accidentally do a marathon." Truthfully, I just didn't know any better. Misconception #1 - My sport doesn't require strength. If your sport is tennis, you probably don't need the same type of strength training you might need for football, or triathlon but rest assured, you can benefit from a strength training routine. E...

KC Triathlon Race Report FORECAST:  Rain.  Buckets of rain. SUMMARY:  Bad conditions make for good memories and stories. Backstory It had been at least 6 years since my last triathlon and at least that many since my good buddy, Matt had done one either.  Back in the day, we trained for an IronMan together.  Since then, father time has been nipping at our heels.  Life has become busier.  We're both in our mid forties.  We've both had injuries.  He's even had surgery on his back (twice) and on his shoulder since IronMan.  I've fought through long recurring achilles issue and had just recently finished physical therapy for a knee problem.  Never the less, we thought meeting in Kansas City for the Kansas City Triathlon would a fun way to get ourselves in shape and meet up for a visit. Training My basic weekly plan was 2 swims, 3 runs, 3 bikes and 3 strength sessions each week.  For a month, I did pretty well with that schedule but...