In the world of exercise and fitness, it's easy to get carried away with emotion and passion. My story is a testimonial of how an initial enthusiasm for running led me to challenge my limits, but also to face the consequences of not maintaining a proper balance in my training routine. Through injury and self-discovery, I learned the importance of approaching exercise with a holistic and mindful approach.
I remember the day I decided to embark on an unusual and exciting adventure: a half marathon one day in January 2019. The motivation behind my choice was the desire to accompany a friend and experience the vibrant atmosphere of an official race in the city of Miami. Although I lacked running experience, excitement overcame logic, and I jumped into the race without much thought. From that moment on, I was caught up in the energy of running, running longer and longer distances and feeling invincible.
As I immersed myself in my love of running, I neglected a crucial aspect of fitness: strengthening the body as a whole. My omission of strength training and weight work resulted in painful physical, hormonal, and emotional consequences. Injuries began to accumulate, and my body began to resent the imbalance. Despite feeling strong during my runs, I was weakening in other important areas.
The key to success in any outcome is to take action!
The moment of change came in March 2022, when a physical therapy session revealed weakness in my legs. This revelation was a turning point that led me to rethink my approach to exercise. I committed to giving my body what it needed: a balanced approach that addressed both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. I set up a home gym and began working with bodyweight routines, gradually incorporating dumbbells, discs and barbells.
Today, after 17 months away from the marathon world, I have experienced an impressive transformation. My training routine reflects my commitment to balance and holistic health:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: legs and glutes.
Tuesday and Thursday: shoulders, biceps, chest and abs, followed by 20-30 minutes of cardio.
Saturday: Full body, followed by 20-30 minutes of cardio.
Sunday: Rest day to allow for recovery.
This experience has taught me valuable lessons. Passion is essential, but it must go hand in hand with good sense and balance. The body needs variety to thrive, and muscle strengthening is equally essential to prevent injury and improve overall performance. Although I will no longer dedicate myself to running with the same intensity, I still reserve space for an annual long-distance run that allows me to keep the excitement alive without compromising my well-being.
Finally, my journey from unbridled passion for running to a balanced approach to exercise has led me to a complete transformation. Through self-awareness, commitment and adaptability, I have found a way to maintain my love of movement without sacrificing my health. If you are interested in learning more about the lessons I learned and the consequences I faced, let me know in the comments using the phrase "I WANT TO KNOW." Together we can grow and learn to take better care of our bodies and minds.
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