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The Peaceful Runner Newsletter #3 - December 7, 2010 - Focus Your Mind, Run Better and Be Happier
December 07, 2010
Hello

Welcome to the December edition of The Peaceful Runner Newsletter - a free monthly resource of tips, inspirational quotes, recipes and the latest news and trends in running.

In this issue:

1) Quote of the month
2) Article: Focus Your Mind, Run Better and Be Happier
3) News: Have you tried Kangoo Jumps?
4) Try belly breathing to improve your running
5) Recipe of the month: Hamburger-Vegetable Lentil Soup

Quote of the Month:

"The higher your energy level - the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results." Anthony Robbins

Article: Focus your mind, run better and be happier


A recent study concluded that people with wandering minds are not as happy as those who are focused or engaged in the activity they are presently doing.

We often feel that we need to pursue happiness by trying to find activities to make us happy. This study concluded that if we become truly engaged and focused doing whatever we do, we will be happier and enjoy all our experiences more.

The Chinese practice of Y'Chi involves a total mind/body focus. This comes naturally for animals, particularly when they are in pursuit of prey. Their entire body, mind, vision, movements and breath are totally focused on the current activity or the present moment.

If we practice this skill while on and off the trails, we can be happier and running better with less injuries.

We can learn from animals. You will never see a dog or cat with a stress fracture or a running injury. Their running is effortless. Their muscles are relaxed and efficient as they move silently towards their prey. They use their eyes to direct complete focus on their prey or desired goal.

You can practice this while running by focusing your eyes on a object that you are running towards. Feel your whole body moving in unison towards the object. Be aware of your breath and concentrate on the object. Your body will be relaxed and your running effortless.

Continue to practice being mindful of the present moment and you will be happier and have less running injuries.

News: Have you tried Kangoo Jumps?


Looking for a new type of running workout - one with greater intensity but less impact? Check out this video for Kangoo Jumps

Try belly breathing to improve your running


How well do you breathe while running? Is your breath labored and heavy or do you frequently get side stitches? Read how you can improve your breathing while running

Recipe of the Month: Hamburger-Vegetable Lentil Soup


This is one of my favorite recipes. It is quite filling, but low in fat and calories. For an even lower fat version, replace the ground beef with ground veggie soy--just add during last 10 minutes of cooking. Even meat lovers won't be able to tell the difference!

Hamburger-Vegetable Lentil Soup

Servings: 6

Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 large tin tomato juice (about 5 3/4 cups)
  • 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced cabbage
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp green pepper
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

Brown ground beef until crumbly. Drain.

In a large pot add tomato juice and 4 cups water; bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients. Bring back to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer 1 ½ hours. Enjoy guilt-free, delicious, hearty soup!

Makes 6 servings
176 calories, 4 g fat, 7 g fiber


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See you next year,

Jackie

ThePeacefulRunner.com

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