Running Series

I was never a runner.. in fact, just like David Goggins I HATE running.  I was football player in high school (offensive lineman) and a bodybuilder for three years.

My best 3 mile run was in the Marines at 19:20.  My best marathon was 3:41.  Decent, but not a pro.  I enjoy running now because it sparks many of my innovative ideas and thoughts.

I was a NASM personal trainer while I was in college.  Much of my specialties was bodybuilding and strength and conditioning.  I was introduced to endurance sports from one of my clients who was a marathon runner and long distance biker.  I gave running a shot and never turned back.  Since then, I’ve been researching and training with various trainers and athletes on how to improve my running.  I’ve complied my notes and put this post together.  Keep in mind, I will always be a student not the expert but looking to improve myself to the next level.

Since I work full time and enrolled in the Executive MBA.. I have to make time to run

Sundays- Long Run 8+ miles or run for 1:30 minutes plus

Mondays- Short Speed Run– 1.5 miles to 2.5 miles

Tuesday – Medium- (usually done on the treadmill) 4-5 miles

Wednesday – Speed Intervals

Thursday- Optional

Friday- Speed Run

Saturday – Classes — rest

I combine my running with my lifting routine..  I switch up my workouts every 4-6 weeks.   Before I switch my workouts, I take a week off from weights and let my body rest.  One thing I have to mention is LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.. I may write down my workout plan on paper.. but if my body needs REST.. I make sure I rest.. Overtraining can lead to injury.  Along with rest,  I make sure I stretch often and foam roll.
I will post my running progress and my fitness regimes in the future..

The body can achieve what the mind perceives

The human mind needs the body to perform action.  Without the body what can the mind perceive?
Many people are dreamers like myself.  I imagine running 100 mile distances, swimming 5-10 miles, biking over 200 miles.. but can my body achieve it?? I am sure with the proper training and timing it can. It is one of my life goals.  I imagine it and test my body day by day inching my way past each destination before embarking on another journey.

We all heard the mantra Fitness is 10% physical 90% mental. I agree with that statement and I always keep that mind when doing an intense workout to break through that wall and fight that little voice inside me that is telling me to quit.

If you read the book “Mind Power” by John Kehoe he talks about an experiment that visualization can produce the same results as physical practice.

The first group practiced shooting free throws for an hour each day. The second group visualized shooting free throws daily. The third group didn’t play basketball or think about basketball. After 30 days, all the players in all three groups took another free throw skill test. The players in the group that had practiced daily improved by 24 percent. The players in the group that hadn’t done anything didn’t test as well as they had the first time (no big surprise). The players in the third group, those who had ONLY visualized, improved by 23 percent, nearly as much as those who had physically practiced!

This is the power of the mind.

The mind is a very powerful TOOL.  You have visualize what you want.  You have to visualize small and large dividends and create a strategy to overcome them.  Sounds complicated?  Perhaps for some it maybe easy to visualize and to put it down on paper.  Just like the experiment, action needs to be taken.  I can not visualize myself running a 100 miles without physically training myself for it.   The body can achieve what your mind perceives.. until you test yourself it just a pretty quote to post on your facebook wall or twitter .

Use your mind and use your body.. anything is possible if you have perseverance. 

Ryan Enriquez

Note: I am not a pro athlete, nor am I someone with spectacular times and physical achievements.  I simply put philosophy into my own practice and challenge myself for self growth.  I don’t intend to be a motivational speaker.. I write to document what goes through my mind and use it for reflection.  I am ordinary person just like yourself and I know what I am currently capable of.. but I can’t settle for what I have done, I want to keep seeing what I am made of.. and by doing that it has enhanced my personal and professional life.

The more I put into my body.. the more I get from life..

Two years ago I signed up for Universe Weekend to challenge myself against the top fitness models from around the world.  It was remarkable and unforgettable journey as one of my good friends volunteered to train me for that event.  I am very grateful until today as training with him has taught me values I will carry onto life.  The level of commitment was extremely high and he demanded nothing but excellence and my best effort.  Everything was planned out from my daily tasks, training, scheduling, and including my budgeting for food and supplements.  After a few months training for this event, my bodyfat dropped to an all time low of 4%.

I had the opportunity to be graced in front of hundreds of people in attendance and thousands watching live over a webcast.  The competition was exciting, backstage was much more fun than I expected.  We shared stories, jokes, and laughed about how we can not wait to eat pizza after this show.  Many people projected me to place top 5, but I ended up placing 25th overall.  I was not disappointed in the results as I felt I was in the best shape of my life.  I never thought I could ever accomplishing such a journey but I am proud and never looked back. 

As I reflect three years ago on the grueling journey trying to be a fitness model, I learned emotional intelligence to be competitive and most of all committed.   The journey as a fitness model was endless as I apply the same principles into my current goals today.

Ryan Enriquez

Fitness Universe 2007- I placed top 25 over 150 competitors from around the world.  I did not win first place, but in my world I was a champion.  The journey was remarkable as it taught me discipline, self confidence, trust (trusting my trainer and myself),  commitment, and competition (to compete against the best).