Nature provides an amazing array of resources to improve our health and boost our immunity.  Mushrooms are a type of fungus that are enjoyed by people all over the world and renowned for their nutritional benefits.  In recent years, scientists have studied the medicinal benefits of the cordyceps sinensis mushroom.

Mushrooms have been used as food, medicine, poison, and in spiritual mushroom practices in religious rituals across the world since at least 5000 BC.  They have been used in tonics, soups, teas, prepared foods and herbal formulas to promote health and longevity.  The mushroom fungus, Penicillium, was the raw material used to create the antibiotic penicillin, which transformed the medical world.

What is Cordyceps?

This oddly shaped mushroom grows native to China and grows around the Tibetan area.  For years, it was thought to be a living worm rather than a mushroom and was nicknamed the caterpillar fungus as it is seen growing on the sides of trees.  Cordyceps is actually a fungal spore that kills insects such as caterpillars and moths and feeds off their tissues.

The Cordyceps mushroom has been described in old Chinese medical books from ancient times and is also found in Tibetan medicine. Traditional Tibetan healers have recommended Cordyceps as a tonic for all illnesses.  This is because they continually witness how it improves people’s energy, sleep habits, digestion, stamina, libido, and endurance.

Cordyceps first became popular in the western world when the coach of the record breaking Chinese female runners credited it with the team’s extraordinary success.  Today, many researchers believe Cordyceps to be one of the most powerful performance and longevity promoting herbs (1).

Cordyceps Improves Adrenal and Hormonal Health

The adrenal glands are critical for maintaining healthy energy levels, physical and mental performance, and good sleeping patterns.  Adrenal fatigue is a state where the adrenal glands are overworked and unable to perform their functions effectively.  Individuals with adrenal fatigue suffer from low energy, poor hormonal function, and chronic inflammation.

Adaptogenic substance is a term originally defined by Russian scientist Dr Nikolai Lazarev in the late 1940’s following research done on the eleuthero root.  Israel Brekham, PhD and Dr. I.V. Dardymov formally defined adaptogens with three major characteristics:

1. Adaptogens are non-toxic – this means they don’t have harmful effects on the body and are safe to be taken for long periods of time.
2. They produce a non-specific biological response that improves the body’s ability to resist physical, chemical, emotional, and other biological stressors.
3. They have a strong influence on the body towards homeostatic balance. This means that they move the body in the direction of a normal homeostatic set point.  If stress hormones are too high, they lower and stabilize them, and if stress hormones are too low, they raise and stabilize them.

Cordyceps Improves Performance

Cordyceps is shown to help the body produce and balance cortisol and other stress hormones (2).  The adaptogenic qualities allow them to influence the body towards homeostatic balance.  This means that they move the body in the direction of a normal homeostatic set point.  If stress hormones are too high, they lower and stabilize them and if stress hormones are too low, they raise and stabilize them (3).

In a 2003 study, Cordyceps extract was shown to improve a group of rat’s physical performance in an endurance swim by over 16% .  The rats also showed signs of reduced stress during the swim compared to the placebo group (4).

A 2014 study showed that Cordyceps markedly reduced exercise induced oxidative stress in a group of rats.  The study showed that the rats using Cordyceps has significantly increased production of intracellular anti-oxidants superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase in their serum, liver, and muscle.  They had considerably lower oxidative stress markers in their serum, liver, and muscle (5).

For more indepth information on Cordyceps, including  the best forms to take it in and the best teas, raw products, and supplements to get online, see my complete article here:

Sources:

1. Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim – National Institute of Health
2. The in vivo effect of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on plasma corticosterone level in male mouse – National Instite of Health
3. Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine. – National Institute of Health 
4. Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis – National Institute of Health
5. Polysaccharides from Cordyceps sinensis mycelium ameliorate exhaustive swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress – National Institute of Health

Working out and dieting can be tedious, tiresome, and generally undesirable. But since treating our bodies with care is of the utmost importance, maintaining healthy exercise and eating habits is essential. Luckily, there are ways to add zest to the practices of working out and dieting, making both – dare I say it – fun.

The easiest way to enjoy healthy eating and exercising is to mix up your routine. Break out of your everyday rut of the same workout, same meals with new activities and new foods.

Spicing Up Your Workout Schedule

The gym is not the only place where you can achieve a decent workout. Challenge yourself to be creative and explore all the options around you.

1. Get outside.

Doctors started prescribing outdoor exercise for individuals suffering from a slew of medical problems. Why? It’s extremely beneficial, and, for some reason, people find it easier to adhere to a workout regimen when it takes place outside. Here are some outdoor exercises to include in your workout schedule:

• Trail running through a local park
• Biking to a destination (rather than driving)
• Playing tennis with a friend
• Surfing or skimboarding at the beach
• Jumping rope
• Lap swimming (or just swimming around) at the pool

2. Join a class.

Working out in a group is great. There’s increased motivation to keep going, accountability to show up to the session, and camaraderie that accompanies group activities. There’s always a chance of making new friends, too. Here are some classes/group activities to consider:

• Spinning
• Yoga or pilates
• Boot camp
• Running/walking group
• Zumba

Make Your Healthy Food More Fun

Dieting doesn’t have to be boring, limiting, or even a struggle. There are ways to make it more fun and satisfying. Just get creative.

1. Enhance Presentation and Appreciate Every Bite

No food reaches maximum satisfaction potential when it’s consumed in mere seconds in the standing position. Instead, put effort into your food’s presentation and take your time eating it. Dress up your table, light some candles, and beautify your meals as much as possible. Make sure you’re eating from a plate (or bowl) while sitting.

2. Explore New Foods

As with exercising, mixing up a routine adds fun to dieting. Without variety, you could become bored and stray off course. Sticking with just a few meal options also makes you feel limited. In reality, healthy eating offers a limitless number of meal possibilities. Ask fellow healthy eaters for recipes or peruse recipes online and try something new when you’re feeling bored.

3. Challenge Yourself on Paper

A healthy diet is one that’s balanced: made up of different colors, different vitamins, and minerals, different tastes. Make sure you’re getting all that you need by keeping a chart and documenting your consumption. Forget calorie counting and aim instead to achieve balanced, clean eating. You can even invite friends to do it with you, and make a competition of it.

• Doctors’ new prescription: Don’t just exercise, do it outside – the guardian
• How to Skimboard – Outdoor Board Sports 
• 3 Reasons It’s Better to Work Out With a Group – Active

We all know that exercise is good for our bodies. We’ve known it from our earliest school days when we were encouraged to take up sports and stay active. However, what many of us don’t know is just how deep this positive impact can go.

New research suggests exercise could have an effect that’s as far-reaching as our DNA. Rather than just honing our muscles and reducing our risk of illness, exercise could actually be changing the shape and functioning of our genes in a complex and dynamic manner.

The Study of Epigenetics

The human genome is fascinating. Far from being static, it experiences a continuous cycle of change, with genes constantly turning themselves on and off in response to biochemical signals from the body. The easiest way to understand this is to imagine these genes as traffic lights. When the green light is on, proteins are released, catalysing physiological responses throughout the body.

It has long been understood that exercise can cause these “traffic lights” to switch on or off, becoming more or less active as it impacts the body. However, the exact cause of these fluctuations had always remained a mystery until the study of epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to a process whereby the DNA remains unaltered, yet the operation of the gene is changed. These modifications occur on the outside of the gene, via an event called methylation. This is where methyl groups – essentially clusters of atoms – attach to the exterior of the structure much like molluscs on a rock. As a result, the gene is rendered more or less able to receive and respond to the biochemical signals it receives.

The Effect of Exercise on Methylation Patterns

One of the main catalysts for changing methylation patterns is lifestyle. This means that environmental factors, from certain food types to chemicals that we’re exposed to, can cause these ‘traffic lights’ to become more or less likely to show green or red in response to stimuli, thus affecting the likelihood of certain proteins being expressed. Depending on the exact changes that take place, this can affect our health or our chances of developing some diseases.

The exact impact of exercise had not been fully explored until recently. Interestingly, the first tentative research suggested that a single bout of exercise was capable of causing immediate changes to methylation patterns of some of the genes in our muscle cells. It’s thanks to these findings that scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm were inspired to carry out a more in-depth study into the effect of long-term physical training on gene structures.¹

The Karolinska Study

The scientists in Stockholm decided to answer their questions with a specially formulated study. They recruited 23 young men and women and asked them to undergo a series of physical performance and medical tests in a laboratory environment. They were then asked to go away and exercise their lower bodies for a period of three months.

In order to rule out other environmental causes for altered methylation patterns, it was requested that they only exercise one leg so that the two limbs could be compared.  Each participant became both a test subject and a member of the control group.

The changes discovered within the cell structures were intriguing. Genomic analysis revealed more than 5,000 altered methylation patterns in the genomes of the muscle cells they biopsied.

A large number of these changes were on parts of the genome known as enhancers, which are responsible for exaggerating the expression of proteins by genes. Most were identified as influencing energy metabolism, insulin response, and muscle inflammation i.e. the level of health for the muscle.

What Does This Mean?

Although further research will be required to fully understand the impact of exercise on our genes, the message should be enough to encourage all of us to review our lifestyles. As Malene Lindholm, one of the progenitors of the study so succinctly puts it, “Through endurance training  – a lifestyle change that is easily available for most people and doesn’t cost much money – we can induce changes that affect how we use our genes and, through that, get healthier and more functional muscles, which ultimately improve our quality of life.”

Could it be time to break out your exercise gear and step your fitness regime up a notch?

Contributor’s Recommended Products:

• Keeping hydrated for exercise

OLM Recommended Supplements:

• Fitness Nutrition

Further Reading:

• Four Things Gym Goers Usually Do Wrong
• 80% Raw Food Diet
• Yoga – A Beginner’s Guide
• What to Expect When You Hire a Personal Trainer
• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula

Sources:

1. An integrative analysis reveals coordinated reprogramming of the epigenome and the transcriptome in human skeletal muscle after training – NCBI
2. Long-term endurance training impacts muscle epigenetics – Karolinska Institutet

In a nutshell, dietary supplements help us get all the necessary nutrients needed for building lean muscle mass. When combined with a good diet, they can improve your training performance and results. However, there are some big truths and even bigger lies about supplements. While experts agree that vitamin or mineral supplementation is beneficial in our diets, they also point out that they are supplements, not replacements, and that they should fill in the nutrient gaps, not take over our diet.

Secondly, supplements are of little use if you don’t push hard in the gym. The same goes if you are feasting and overeating three times a day. In other words, you should make everything else right before supplements enter the scene. This includes regular training, proper diet, and enough recovery period and sleep.

Dietary Supplements, Supplement Food

Dietary supplements are not designed as a substitute for food. They simply cannot replace all the nutrients that whole foods contain. They can patch nutrient holes here and there, but the true power lies on the plate, not in the powder. There’s no doubt that whole foods are the best source of nutrients, as they contain phytochemicals, fibers, and other elements that contribute to good health. They simply cannot be simulated with a pill or a supplement powder.

Supplements and Health

Supplementation is a great way of boosting nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which modern lifestyle and popular foods often fail to contain. In this case, vitamin and mineral supplements are helping the body alleviate nutrient deficiency and reduce the risk of chronic medical conditions. And while it’s true that you can build a good body based on proper diet like guys did back in the 50, it’s much more time consuming, and it requires regular tours to the supermarket. For bodybuilders, supplements are the more convenient way of ingesting enough muscle-building nutrients.

Fibers

Fiber has many advantages in maintaining normal cholesterol levels. It regulates the amount of cholesterol our body absorbs from food. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes are natural sources of fiber. And while, as always, it’s better to ingest fibers directly from food, you can enhance fiber intake by 25 to 30g of fibers from supplements. Psyllium husk, which is a common ingredient in fiber supplements, is known to reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol while raising good HDL cholesterol.

Creatine

The role of creatine monohydrate supplements is to boost the creatine level in you muscle tissue. The level of creatine phosphate in muscles is directly related to the amount of weight you can lift and your ability to perform short-term maximum strength reps. High-intensity anaerobic workout performance can be increased by creatine supplementation.

Glutamine

This amino acid makes up over 61% of your skeletal muscle. Its benefits include improving immune function, which is crucial for athletes in high-intensity training. It was also shown that glutamine may prevent muscle catabolism. Glutamine supplements are believed to boost the amount of growth hormone levels.

BCAA

The group of branch chained amino acids consists of valine, leucine, and iso-leucine. These amino acids are compounds that your body cannot generate, so their level must be increased through diet and supplements like casein protein. Not only has BCAA supplementation shown better results in gaining strength and muscle mass, but it is also essential for energy production during workouts, while reducing post-exercise muscle soreness.

Editor’s Note:

Creatine is hard on the kidneys. There’s much debate about this, but it’s a fact. This is why creatine is known to cause flatulence. Do not take creatine if you have any kidney related health issues. Other supplements commonly taken by body builders are typically acidic and toxic to the body, but the supplements mentioned above can be purchased from qaulity companies. I recommend you avoid bodybuilding supplements from body building companies.

Also, when body building, be sure to eat an alkaline diet. No matter how much protein you feel you need, if you’re eating an acidic diet full of refined foods and factory farmed meats, your body will stay sore longer. Speed up recovery time by eating a diet that is balanced with lots of produce and healthy fats. When the body is healthy, bodybuilding is easier and much more beneficial for overall health.

Recommended Supplements:

• Shillington’s Total Nutrition Formula (Perfect source of protein with vitamins and minerals)
• Hemp Protein & Fiber Powder (Additional protein and a great fiber)
• Arctic Cod Liver Oil (Get some vitamin D and omega 3s for better muscle recovery)
• Liquid Light (Mineralize the body and balance the pH while supporting vitamin bioavailability)
• Bio-Gest (For anyone eating large amounts of meat at a time)

Further Reading:

• 80% Raw Food Diet
• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula
• The Vegan Bodybuilder
• What to Expect When You Hire a Personal Trainer
• Training and Your Heart Rate

Sources:

• Casein Protein Powder – Supplement Empire
• Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system  – NCBI
• Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber – NCBI

For a newbie, going to the gym can be a daunting experience. All those machines, muscular, toned regulars cranking the weights, the fitness and nutrition advice and exercise routines you’ve seen in magazines whirling around in your head. However, even the most seasoned gym veterans get it wrong. In fact, sometimes those who have been hammering the gym the longest are the ones with the worst habits. Take a look at our hit list below to see how you can tune up your workout and eliminate the bad habits that may be holding you back from getting the best results.

Not Asking for Help

If you’re unsure of something – ask! So many people feel intimidated at the gym. They never ask for assistance or find out how to use the equipment for optimum results. At best, people simply use the same machines over and over again or they use them wrong. At worst, they can be put off so much that they never return. If you don’t feel able to ask someone in the gym or a member of staff, then turn to the Internet. There are so many sites and resources online brimming with information. So think about your goal and get Googling.

Not Eating Properly

Nutrition is actually more important than what you do at the gym. If you don’t get that right, your workout could be null and void. People still skip meals or eat convenience or junk food believing that it won’t affect their workout. Sadly, this isn’t true. Make sure you’re getting a good mix of healthy carbs, protein, and fresh vegetables throughout the day. Snack when you are hungry and never starve yourself. Hydration is also key. Feed your body properly and it will thank you, but most importantly, the benefits will come back to you tenfold.

Not Compensating for Dietary Gaps

Eating right and ensuring your body is getting the essential nutrients it needs is easier said than done. It is important to be aware of the gaps in your diet so that you can take measures to resolve them. While food should be your primary source of nutrients, vitamins and other dietary supplements can compensate for the minor gaps in your diet. It is important to understand that they do not by any means replace all of the nutrients and benefits of whole foods. They are purely a supplement to your diet that can help prevent deficiencies. Supplements have been scientifically formulated according to goal, gender, and age so you can choose a supplement that matches these attributes.

Not Changing It Up

Lots of people get stuck in the same routine – a routine they feel comfortable in, one that they like – the same time, the same machines, the same classes. However your body soon gets used to one type of exercise, so you have to keep it guessing in order to stay fit and toned. Sure, you might know what works for you, and that’s fine, but make sure you’re switching it up now and again and adding new things that will shock your body and produce some surprising new results. Identifying the mistakes you are making is the first step to self-improvement. Nobody is perfect, we are all guilty of a few bad habits. But, if they are hindering your personal goals and objectives, isn’t it time to make a change?

Further Reading:

• 80% Raw Food Diet
• Yoga – A Beginner’s Guide
• What to Expect When You Hire a Personal Trainer
• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula

Let’s be honest. Yoga is not the first thought to come to mind when you’re in that mid-day slump at work, trying to find a way to power through until quitting time. Practicing yoga may be great to unwind or clear your head, but for energy? Usually you’d avoid such activities, but actually, it might be just the thing to recharge you during the day.

Yoga concerns the flow of energy through the body, especially along the spine.  The correct movements and postures can allow prana, or life force, to flow through the spine and the body, reawakening your central nervous system from the center outward, literally giving you a new infusion of vitality. After hours of sitting behind a desk, a few yoga postures can clear up the energy that’s been blocked by sitting for so long.

While there are any numbers of yoga poses that can help, here are seven relatively easy poses you might consider if you find you need some extra energy during your daily routine.

Right Nostril Breathing

Breathing through the left nostril is believed to bring calm. It’s opposite, right nostril breathing, energizes. This very simple pose raises your body temperature and is effective in part of a weight loss plan, as well. Not only does it lift your energy level, it can lift your spirit, brightening your mood.

You can perform this pose sitting in your chair, though you can also assume a cross-legged position on the floor, if you like.  Block your left nostril with your thumb and extend your fingers. Inhale and exhale with deep breaths, only through your right nostril for about five minutes.

Half Sun Salutation

As the name implies, this pose is excellent for waking up in the morning, even before you’ve had a cup of coffee. It fills your body with energy, awakening you and preparing you for the rest of the day.

Start by putting your feet together, toes touching, heels slightly apart. Hang your arm from the sides, palms open. You may recognize this as Tadasana, the Mountain Pose. This is the starting position for the Half Sun Salutation.

Continue by inhaling, moving your arms up over your head as you do so. Exhale and bend forward. Inhale and lift your torso up about halfway, then put your hands on your shins and stretch out your spine. Straighten back up smoothly on the next inhale and bring your palms together as if praying. Repeat several times.

Warrior II Pose

The pose will bring strength to your legs and it stretches your spine to bring energy into your body. The name of the pose suggests power and strength, and that’s exactly what you’ll feel.

As with the Half Sun Salutation, this pose begins with the Mountain Pose. Exhale and move your feet a few feet apart. Lift your arms until they are parallel to the floor. Turn your  left foot about 90 degrees, keeping the heels pointed at each other, then turn your left thigh until your left knee cap lines up with your left ankle. Exhale and bend your left knee until your shin is perpendicular to the floor. Stretch out your arms, keeping them parallel to the floor, then turn your head to the left, and look toward your fingers.

You can get even more energized from this pose by utilizing the “breath of fire”. Breathe rapidly from your belly while holding the pose. Focus on the exhalations — the inhalations will handle themselves.

Triangle Pose

The Triangle Pose is a good follow up to the Warrior II Pose. It focuses on expanding the body and expanding the body’s energy, allowing it to flow through your entire being.

Keep your front knee straight while extending your arm forward. Bring your arm down toward your shin. Raise your other arm high and look upward. Take five deep breaths, then do the same on the other side.

Locust Pose

The Locust Pose engages the muscles of your entire back, along with your hamstrings. Your entire body is involved in trying to lift you from the earth, bringing energy from the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes.

Lie on your belly and place your arms by your sides with your palms facing the floor. Slowly and carefully lift all your limbs, your head, and your chest from the floor, and take a deep breath. Breathe deeply several more times, and try to lift yourself just a little higher with each breath. Your neck should not be strained as you do this. If you feel comfortable in the attempt, you might even try to stretch your arms out over your head.

Chair Pose

We call it the Chair Pose, because the practitioner looks as if he or she is seated while doing it, but in Sanskrit, it is known as Utkatasana, the Powerful Pose. Using the power contained in your leg muscles and glutes, it sends energy up your spine to awaken your body.

Stand with your feet touching, or place them hip-width apart, as you prefer. Flex your lower body as though you were going to sit in a chair. Then, lift your arms to ear-level and push your chest upward to complete the pose.

Bridge Pose

Poses that involve bending your back are good for freeing energy bound in your spine, and the classic Bridge Pose is one of the best for releasing that power.

Lie on your back and bend your knees, placing your feet flat on the floor.  Put your arms flat at your sides and lift your hips high. You can lock your fingers together or keep your hands at your side, whichever your prefer. Inhale and exhale five times, deeply, then repeat.

Getting that boost of energy during a day doesn’t require tools or tricks, just some yoga. There are many more poses which can help balance your body and boost your energy.  We hope that you’ve found this information to be helpful, and that you have all of the energy you need to take on the day.

Further Reading:

• Yoga – A Beginner’s Guide
• Desk Jockey Yoga

Relationships are hard work. Sometimes they suck. But sometimes (most of the time, hopefully), you wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. Everyone faces the same difficulties from time to time. Arguments can happen. They’re normal, but they shouldn’t be tolerated.

That’s why I want to talk to you about how marathon running can help your relationship. Whether it’s the strongest it’s ever been or you’re nearing a divorce, marathon running, as a couple, could be the best thing you could do for your relationship. Literally, the best thing.

Getting your spouse to run will be half the battle, and convincing them can seem as plausible as convincing them you’re a witch with eight toes and can fly on a broom. But it must be done.

Here’s a list of reasons why marathon running can help your relationship:

1. You’re in it together

Cheesy or not, it’s true. You’re not alone, and you’re not just  friends. You’re with someone you’ve dedicated your life to – someone who understands you. Someone who feels the same as you do about them.

You’re going to experience some rough patches, times when you want to rip your partner to shreds. It’s all part of the journey, the journey that you will be embarking on together. Together is the key word here. You’ll both smell worse than the breath of a dog after eating its own excrement, but at least you’ll smell like it together. That’s all that matters.

Put all that behind you, and it can be fun. You’ll each have your own goals. You’ll be more empathetic with one another. If nobody can be bothered to cook or clean, it won’t result in a fight. But it will result in  “put your feet up and watch TV for a while.” When times get tough, you’ll begin to appreciate one another more. Who needs conventional counseling when you can run a marathon?

2. Anger outlet

Being angry is never a good thing. It sucks, and it’s the root of all evil.

Imagine this. You’ve had a rough day. Your boss is annoyed that you didn’t finish your report on time. Your friends don’t have time for you right now. There’s absolutely nothing good on TV for you to watch. You just got a bill from your credit card company that seems like someone’s playing a nasty trick on you. As you can imagine, you’re having a bad day.

Now, DO NOT let your anger get the better of you. Go for a run with your partner.  Discuss your feelings. Use this as an opportunity to show a bit of that good ol’ emotion. You’ll feel resoundingly better afterwards, and you probably won’t even care what your boss has to say. You could even turn it into a game: just don’t get fired.

3. The marathon itself is worth it

The training is just the start. The 26.2 mile race is just a distant thought. But when you’ve done the training, you’ll know you’re ready for the marathon. The journey with your partner only gets better from now on.

Not only will you be running alongside your partner, but also the thousands of other runners in the race. Not to mention all the people watching – chanting your name as you run past them.

The excellent thing about this is that your partner feels the same. You’ll be running together and get to experience the same emotions. Nothing says, “true love” more than enduring torture together and getting through it. Just remember that it gets easier. Not only the running, but being a couple. Because being with one person can be hard sometimes.

And, just a warning: crying like a baby at the end is not uncommon.  I don’t care how much of a man (or woman) you are. Don’t hold back. Don’t be emotionless. If you cry, you cry. If you’re a “man,” you may feel your masculinity take a hit, but who cares? Don’t try and please other people. If they mock you, then stuff ’em.

4. Sharing travelling experiences

We know marathon running is a continuous, never-ending sport. If you’re lucky, you’ll be 90 before you consider taking a much needed break. You don’t just run one marathon and stop there. That’s not how it works. If you’re a serious runner, you’ll run as many different races as you can. This means you’ll have to travel. A lot. To other countries, states, and cities.

But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll be with your partner the whole time. Providing the plane or car doesn’t crash in the process, you’ll find yourself traveling the globe in search for the best marathons. And you’ll run them together. Sure, it can be expensive, but so can any other hobby. The experiences are ones you’ll never forget.

Just don’t spend your days away from home cooped up in your hotel room. Get out. Experience the culture. Do something you’ve never done before. Go skydiving. You only get one opportunity. Don’t waste it. Do something fun with your partner. It’ll be worth it.

Conclusion

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Marathon running is, in time, going to be something that couples participate in to grow, heal, and strengthen their relationships. Think outside the box. Make your spouse read this article, from top to bottom. It could be the start

Have your spouse read this article, from top to bottom. It could be the start of something great, even if you feel your relationship is as healthy as it will ever be.

Further Reading:

• Running Without Knee Pain
• BikeRiding – Life without a Car