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True fitness can best be defined as a dynamic state of health that is supported by exercise, mental health, and nutrition. I think of fitness as a three legged stool. If I exercise, but I'm not eating right, one leg is wobbly. If I'm eating right and exercising, but am not taking care of my mental and emotional needs, one leg is wobbly. If I'm feeling good, eating well, but not putting effort into my exercise, one leg is wobbly.

What eventually happens to a three legged stool with a weak leg? It breaks when you add pressure to it. 

The great thing is, all of these things go hand in hand (in hand). Exercise and proper nutrition aid in balanced mental and emotional health. A runner who eats right, is less prone to injury and can perform at higher levels. And all of these things together add up to a wellness quotient that gives a person control over lifestyle related illnesses and injury that impact not only the length, but the quality of life. 

We talk a LOT about fitness, and most of know how to attain that. We know that fitness will help with mental health, so that, in essence, kills two birds with one stone. But what about nutrition? How do we know that what we're eating is TRULY right for our bodies. 

It feels like every day there is a new diet out there. And every other day there is some new culprit on the market that is robbing us of our health. Today it might be carbohydrates, tomorrow they're good and now it's fish. What's a person to do?

Go back to the basics. As a trainer and Wellness Coach, I stick to eating a healthy diet based on the USDA Recommended Daily Allowances. I journal my food every day so that I know I'm feeding my body the way I should. The program I use, which is available through Journey Nutrition, calculates how close I am to my daily averages, and allows me to make reasonable choices that add up to optimal nutrition. That doesn't mean I'm eating grasses and twigs. But what it does mean is that I'm able to balance healthy whole foods with a splurge here and there, and I still am confident that my nutrition is excellent.

It must be working because I've run 37 marathons including 4 ultra marathons, and I'm able to coach running classes, bootcamp classes, and work out with individuals, as well as take the odd fitness class on my own. 

If you're interested in more information about Journey Nutrition, visit http://www.runtoryrun.com/Journey_Nutrition.html to see what programs we have available, and check out www.journeynutrution.com to see a demonstration of the Journey Nutrition Program.