Purpose

Let me begin by stating that the purpose of this blog is to share ideas and experiences as a Paleo runner. I competed for Colorado State University from 2007-2012 and am now pursuing a post-collegiate athletic career. My husband also ran for CSU but has switched to road biking in recent months. He and I decided to follow the Paleo Diet to improve athletic performance and recovery. I decided it would be beneficial to share some of my experiences/recipes/thoughts with other Paleo athletes. I am by no means an expert on the Paleo Diet. I can only speak of my personal experiences and any factual information will come from other sources. If you are an athlete looking to improve your diet, I highly recommend "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" by Loren Cordain. This book is an excellent resource and offers research behind the claims of the Paleo Diet.

That being said, I would also like to encourage those of you who are, or who are thinking of becoming Paleo, to not take this diet for granted. I have found numerous recipes and posts on the Internet that are not encouraging what Dr. Cordain recommends as the ideal Paleo diet. This diet is high in lean protein, fresh fruits, and fresh veggies for a very specific purpose. If you are someone who cannot sacrifice eating cookies (and just so you know, anyone can...) so you create your own Paleo cookie recipe, you are not, in my mind, a true Paleo. The goal of this diet is not to replace all the ingredients in the foods most Americans love with "acceptable" ingredients and re-create the same dish. Paleo cookies, though made without dairy, flour and refined sugar, still contain a ton of calories, fats, and sugar. I believe treats are completely acceptable to consume on a limited basis, but honestly, just eat a normal damn cookie. The Paleo Diet is a LIFESTYLE choice, not a quick fix, fad diet. Therefore, it accounts for the fact that being 100% Paleo is nearly impossible in this day and age. So go ahead, pick up a frozen yogurt with friends, have some chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant, or enjoy the occasional bowl of air popped popcorn (my personal weakness). If that is the difference between being able to adopt the Paleo Diet or not, it is well worth the occasional "slip" to pursue a lifetime of healthy benefits. And don't try to trade out every ingredient in your pantry. This diet doesn't work like that. In fact, your pantry should be nearly empty as much of the Paleo Diet is made with fresh foods.

Next, I would like to encourage everyone who isn't already an athlete to get out the door and exercise. It makes a world of difference, not only in your health, but your happiness. I promise, that no matter how hard and painful a workout is, you will feel better about yourself once you finish. And I wouldn't expect to adopt this diet and lose weight without accompanying it with exercise. Even something as small as a 30 minute walk can improve fitness and help you lose weight. Not everyone is going to train to become a marathoner, and those who do are not better than the person who goes for a walk three times a week. Any effort at exercise, no matter what level is a personal accomplishment for that individual. I don't care if you are Kara Goucher preparing for the Olympics, or the man jogging in the park, by getting your body moving, your heart rate up, and your blood pumping you deserve the same amount of credit and recognition for your efforts. Start slow, and don't panic. You can't go from a couch to running for an hour in a week, or even a month, or maybe even a year. Start getting your body in the routine of exercising but only do what is slightly out of your comfort zone. I am planning on writing another post outlining this process more closely, but for now start small and SLOWLY build your fitness. Trust me, it will come.

Well, thanks for taking the time to read this little introduction. I am really excited about the opportunity this blog has in store for me. Hopefully I can reach some other Paleo athletes in the process. And if not, at least I can call another little piece of cyber-space mine. ;-) Until next time then!

e.