I've Moved

Hello everyone. For simplicity, I've integrated a blog into my new site which you can find here at http://www.fitnesstrainingbyjon.com
See you there!

Lately

Lately I've been running around - busy with work, traveling, dogs, etc... but, I have had a chance to stay active. I finished the Solvang Century with a client and a new friend that we met on the ride that was down from Portland, OR. I decided to do the ride despite feeling awful and coughing, and at mile 65 or so it started to take it's toll. While pushing to get on a faster group's tow, I over did it and began coughing continuously. Needless to say, it was a rough 35 miles home!!! But, I was able to drag myself across the finish line and all in all had a really great time. I'll post pics soon.

I also got in touch with (on facebook) an old buddy I grew up and we had a chance to get reconnected via mountain bike riding. He came out 2 weeks ago on a Saturday morning and we rode Sycamore Canyon and overlook trail back home to my place and had a great morning. We plan to do this on a regular basis on weekends when possible - let me know if you would like to join us! All are welcome.

Yesterday I was able to sneak out and paddle surf sunrise at Latigo Point. I had the entire place to myself for about an hour and a half on low tide with some solid 4ft sets rolling in. I was able to catch 4 waves without even getting wet! # 5 wave through #12 saw 2 falls. My balance is feeling very strong, and I still think that this paddle surfing is such a special form of exercise.
As I was ready to paddle home I met a new friend who lives in Cove Colony and we discussed paddle board shape and the unique shape of my 9'6" Naish quad fin and how the 12' Laird is really a table disguised as a surfboard.

There is a new Naish 9'3" board out that looks pretty cool too.
Here are some pics from my buddy Wardog's Blog at Surfing Sports in Santa Barbara

I created a new Youtube video for surfing and standup Paddle board training. It is great for a dynamic balance drill for your particular sport. If you do try this, try to do it on carpet or even on a mat since it is very dangerous. Yes, safety is important!

Malibu Paddle Surfers

My buddy Chris (Cari says he is one of my "Malibu Boyfriends") started a blog for us Malibu Paddle Surfers. Check it out HERE Let me know what you think, and come join us out on the water!!!

FITNESS AS A LIFETIME JOURNEY

Growing up as a gymnast, I never thought of Fitness other than getting stronger, more powerful, flexible, etc... for performance reasons. We trained and trained and trained for years, in order to score higher, get scholarships, win titles, and better our position. The ironic thing was that we hardly watched what we ate (unless top ramen, pepsi, beer, fried cheese sticks, La Bamba at 2am etc...), we hardly did any cardio, and were not all that "healthy" even though we looked like we were.

What I know now it that health is more than just your physical appearance. Health is a daily practice of taking care of yourself. Everything from sleep, diet, cardiovascular exercise, strength and core training, mental health, and beyond. I also know that it is a continual choice that must be made with balance so you don't get carried away and burn out, and on the other hand not think that if you are trying to lose weight that you "deserve" that dessert since you went for a walk that day. It is a tough balance to find, and at first it may be better to be slightly neurotic just to make some progress and get over a hump (usually a mental one).
For me, I found that getting out in the air for my cardiovascular component keeps my mental health in check, and is good for my heart/lungs/asthma. I really enjoy riding bikes. I personally prefer riding Mountain bikes since I live directly off of sycamore canyon in Newbury Park, CA. Also, there are NO CARS! I am not super fast on the bike, but it doesn't matter. The point is just to do it, regularly.
Making health and fitness a priority not only makes you more healthy but it creates new opportunities to meet friends, have more energy to try new things, and gives you a greater ability to diversify your activities.
In 2006, I got into standup paddle surfing (SUP). SUP requires lots of balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. I took to it pretty quickly due to a strong base from gymnastics, and my endurance has gotten so much better from riding bikes and doing triathlon that SUP has gotten easier and easier and thus, added to the list of re-creation activities for me on the weekend and sometimes during the week. And it is fun :).
Whether it is surfing, SUP, bike riding, lifting, etc... doesn't matter, but the important thing is to do it, and do it regularly in some sort of routine. Feel free to ask me any ?'s or tell me what you are doing for fun/fitness...