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Nutrition for Long Distance Running

12/12/2020

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Food is fuel for runners, so it is no coincidence the diet of a marathon athlete greatly impacts performance. Not only should a runner increase food intake, but the quality of the meals will forecast the caliber of the run sessions.

Fat is burned during endurance runs, with the body focusing on utilization of sugar first, then stored glycogen. An astounding aspect of long distance running is how the body adapts to more efficiently burn fat as fuel.
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Below are the main 4 food groups to support marathon training.
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  • Carbohydrates - Carbs provide immediate energy and endurance athletes should aim to construct 60% at minimum of the total food intake with items such as bread, pasta, rice, and dairy.
  • Protein - Protein aids in the building of muscles and is readily available in eggs, beans, dairy, and meats.
  • ​Fat - Fat is the stored backup source of fuel and may be found in meat, fish, and nuts.
  • Fruits and vegetables - Both vegetables and fruits contain anti-inflammatory properties to combat soreness and prevent injuries.

#love #marathontraining #nutrition #running #singtamlee
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Half Marathon Training

12/6/2020

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The thought of running 13.1 miles may be daunting for most, but the good news is anyone can complete a half marathon with the proper training. To start, it is important to be aware of the two opposite training spectrums that will hinder your progress.

  • Overtraining: When an athlete ignores the signs of overreaching and continues to train. This may result in escalation of injury.
  • Lack of training commitment: Failing to maintain a training schedule or avoidance of increasing the run difficulty.

The secret to a successful half marathon training is priming the body to become accustomed to running for long periods of time, with consistent scheduled runs. Allow for three to four months span for the training schedule, as this will accommodate for life events such as illness and injury.

The Olympian running coach Jeff Galloway recommends initiating a three day per week running routine, averaging 30 minutes per session. This will establish the foundation for the long weekend runs.

Best of all, the long distance weekend runs may be set at a “conversational pace.” The incremental increases in miles will not only support strength and endurance building, but leave one feeling accomplished. 

#love #halfmarathon #running #singtamlee


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Zen of Meditation

1/25/2020

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Meditation is the practiced routine of training one’s mind to focus and redirect thoughts. The benefits of meditation boasts increased awareness of oneself, stress reduction, and development of better concentration.  Various intentions may be set for one’s meditation session, such as boost in mood and improved self-discipline. 

The practice of meditation can be completed in any location and surroundings, as it does not require any equipment nor membership. Class participation is an option, if one is seeking community-based support.
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  • Heightened Self-awareness
    • The incorporation of regular meditation practice may support the individual with the development of stronger understanding of self. During the process of quiet meditation, one is actively engaged with one’s thoughts, whether it be positive or negative. The objective is to recognize the self-defeating thoughts and steer towards more productive patterns.
  • Controls Anxiety
    • Mindful meditation serves as a tool to reduce anxiety. The focus on one’s breathing and bringing the mind’s attention to the present, defers thoughts from drifting to the concerns of the past or future. These adverse distracting thoughts no longer holds center stage in one’s mental space.
  • Reduce Stress    
    • Unchecked stress can cause depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and high blood pressure. The process of meditation may calm one’s mind and body by quieting the racing thoughts that triggers the stress response.
  • Strengthens Focus
    • The focus that comes with disciplined meditation builds endurance. Bringing one’s attention back to the breath each time, establishes the ability to return to the task at hand. Over time, recalling one’s focus will come at increasing ease.
  • Improves Sleep
    • The National Institute of Health reports about 35 to 50 percent of adults worldwide regularly suffers from insomnia symptoms. Meditation techniques may help one control the racing thoughts that can interfere with sleep. Mindfulness meditation evokes the relaxation response in the mind and body to assist the journey into dreamland.

#love #meditation #zen #singtamlee

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Benefits of Beach Running

5/30/2018

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If you suffer from joint pain but are an avid distance runner, beach running may be the solution to this high impact sport.
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  • Less Impact: The landing on soft sand reduces the stress on the lower joints. Sand running allows you to work your muscles without the risk of impact injuries.
  • Burns More Calories: The extra effort and muscle engagement by running on sand requires about 1.5 times more energy compared to running on a hard surface.
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  • Resistance Training: The sand requires lower body engagement to firmly plant your foot to propel forward.
  • The View: Most beach runs will offer stunning scenery and a lovely sea breeze.

​#love #injuryprevention #beachrunning #singtamlee
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Benefits of Barre

4/21/2018

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​After injuring her back, Lotte Berk, a German ballerina in London, combined her dance conditioning routine with her rehabilitative therapy. Famous faces such as Barbara Streisand joined Berk in her first studio in 1959 to lift, tuck, and curl.


Most barre classes follow the same basic structure. Attendees will start with warm-up with moves such as planks, moving into a series of arm firming exercises, and continue to the bar for lower-body focus on the thighs and glutes. The conclusion of the class will include core work and stretches for cool-down.
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  • Low-impact and easy to modify for all fitness levels
  • ​Small targeted (isometric) movements with deep muscle burn
  • Better posture
  • ​Lower back pressure relief as a result of isometric movements and firmer abs
  • Improved body-mind connection
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#love #mindbodyconnection #barre #singtamlee


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Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

3/21/2018

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Lavender essential oil is the most used essential oil in the world today, but the benefits of lavender were discovered over 2,500 years ago. Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant, primarily from steam distillation. Due to its powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, sedative, calming, and antidepressive properties, lavender oil benefits abound and has been been used both cosmetically and therapeutically for centuries.

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  • Induces sleep: To improve your quality of sleep, diffuse lavender oil in your bedroom before or during sleep. Also, you can rub 3–5 drops directly on your neck, chest and temples.​
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  • Relieves stress and anxiety: Use it on your skin by rubbing a few drops of the oil into your palms and then inhaling it, drawing the scent through your nose and up into the amygdala gland of the brain to immediately calm your mind. You can also rub a couple of drops onto your wrist temples or feet to help calm the body. For a full-body calming effect, put a few drops in a warm bath.
  • Treats acne: To use it on your skin to treat acne, make a facial toner.
  • Treats respiratory disorders: By applying the oil to your chest, neck or back, it can help alleviate the symptoms of respiratory problems.
  • Relieves pain: You can simply massage the oil into the affected area, or if you have sensitive skin, mix a few drops of lavender oil into some coconut oil and then rub it in.
  • Alleviate headaches: Combine two drops each of lavender oil with peppermint oil and rubbing the mixture into the back of the neck and the temples.​

#love #essentialoil #lavender #singtamlee
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Matcha - the Green Tea Goddess

4/18/2017

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Matcha green tea originated in Japan. It is the most potent green tea in the world, as the entire leaf is ingested in powder form. In Japanese, the word “ma” means powder and “cha” means tea, the combination translates to powdered tea.

It is believed that the very first green tea seeds were brought to Japan by a Chinese Monk estimated around 1191 A.D.The profound benefits of Matcha are now being proven by modern science as more research are conducted and published.
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Six great reasons to enjoy Matcha tea as part of your daily routine.

  • High in antioxidants, including the powerful EGCg
  • Boosts memory and concentration
  • Increases energy levels and endurance
  • Boosts metabolism and burns calories
  • Detoxifies the body naturally
  • Fortifies the immune system

Steps to brew your own cup of green energy.
  1. Sift 1 ½ scoop of matcha powder into a cup using a small sifter.
  2. Pour 2 oz of hot water into the cup. For best results use water just under a boil.
  3. Whisk vigorously with a “chasen” in a zig zag motion until the tea is frothy. A chasen is a delicate bamboo whisk made specifically for preparing matcha tea.
  4. Serve while still hot.

#love #matcha #greentea #singtamlee
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Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

3/18/2017

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As the seasons change, I find myself fighting the cold/flu that has been making its rounds. I had noticed, year after year, friends who had managed to keep the illnesses at bay. Which leads me to wonder what remedies they swore by.

The secret lies in apple cider vinegar.

1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar daily have proven health benefits such as...
  • Regulates blood sugar levels and fights diabetes
  • Lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease
  • Maintains a healthy alkaline PH level
  • Detoxification of the liver and other organs
  • Accelerates weight loss

​While the flavor and scent of this fermented kitchen staple can be quite potent, there are recipes to incorporate this healthy addition to your beverage.
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My personal favorite is the warm Honey Lemon Apple Cider.
  • 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp of raw honey
  • 1/4 of a lemon
  • 1 cup of hot water

Sip to your heart's content and reap the benefits.

#love #cidervinegar #honey #singtamlee
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    I​ am of Taiwanese American Descent. My love of fusing the cultures and exploration of various global destinations are documented here.

    ​STL Lifestyle, LLC

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