Fly_At_50

Fly_At_50 Stories of fashion, fitness and food by a middle aged Northerner striving to be and beyond

16/01/2022

Here we again, feeling like I’m caught in a trap…but this time I know the way out!

I’ve learned there is an inextricable link between what I eat, how we eat I and my exercise patterns.

When my eating habits go bad, I don’t exercise. And when I don’t exercise I find myself more stressed, anxious, eating AND sleeping badly.

I clearly recognise this unhealthy cycle, but I’ve learned to recognise it and make changes to restore the balance.

Here’s a few things I’ve learned throughout my life and especially recently (now I’ve turned 50), that help me feel healthier, more confident and makes life MUCH more enjoyable.

This Summer my 10 year old started mixed martial arts (inspired mainly by Cobra Kai 🙂 and I’ve been watching proudly fro...
08/11/2021

This Summer my 10 year old started mixed martial arts (inspired mainly by Cobra Kai 🙂 and I’ve been watching proudly from the sidelines as he has effortlessly absorbs each technique, finds his own rhythm and builds confidence.

In a post middle aged moment of madness I decided that I was going to start the adult classes. It’s been 10+ years since I attended a muay thai boxing class, but I wanted get away from running 5k’s that were causing me some hip discomfort and see if I could still throw down.

I’ve been doing yoga recently which has really helped with my hip flexibility and suddenly head kicking seemed within my grasp again, so I attended a session last week.

The pad work felt amazing, mentally and physically, and I sparred with a 20 year old 6’ 3” rugby player - no drama.

My fitness and power was still there, probably down to the distance running, muscle memory and natural dad strength (It’s a real thing honest 😛

It seems there’s life in the old dog yet and proof that even at 50+ anyone can open up a can of whoop ass with the right mindset and some hard work.

Can’t wait for training tonight 🥊🥋

Correct, that is me holding a yoga mat. Stranger things have never happened 😅I haven’t been doing the physio exercises I...
24/10/2021

Correct, that is me holding a yoga mat. Stranger things have never happened 😅

I haven’t been doing the physio exercises I was advised to build muscle around my injured hip and therefore haven’t trained for a couple of months. Honestly, I’m not in heavy lifting gym mode and can’t run distance until I’m mended, so wanted to look at other options.

This morning I took the plunge and did my first hot yoga class to see it agreed with me and me with it. Not only was it tough, but it loosened up my entire body (especially my hips) and gave my brain some much needed calm.

I’m gonna ache in the morning but I may just have become a yoga convert and have much to learn. Let’s see how it impacts me as I try and mend these old bones!

25/09/2021

I’ve become addicted to running and I’m not sure it’s even any good for me 😳

I started the running program about 9 months ago and it’s been life changing for me in many ways, but I’m currently experiencing the negative impact it’s having on my body. It’s really frustrating!!!

It’s helped me mentally get through a couple of lockdowns, reach my ideal weight and generally feel much more positive, BUT the physical repetition has taken a toll on my joints and I have to admit I’ve become addicted to the highs of reaching my targets on each run.

I quit smoking a long time ago and fairly recently quit va**ng and don’t party hard anymore. I even quit coffee a few weeks ago leaving me without a vice or any stimulants to reach for and replaced them with running.

Unfortunately, due to some painful hip issues from running I haven’t ran now in almost a month and my body is ‘clucking’ for that endorphin release and my brain for that hit of seratonin - not unlike the satisfying rush we get from an Instagram like! I’m definitely addicted to running now and feel a lack of motivation to exercise and follow my healthy eating regime now I’m injured.

In the past, my natural cycle was a few months on and then a few off when it comes to healthy living and I’m now concerned that all this effort has all been for nothing. I’m worried I’ll soon regain weight, lose my new body shape and the confident bounce in my step, which after 9 months of hard work would be tragic.

Hopefully my recent x-rays reveal it’s not a long-term issue and I can resume my running routine with the help of some physio, but I have to concede I’m not superman and need to make some changes to my training patterns as I get older.

So is running bad for me? I’m not sure yet, but my goal is to not feed the beast and become addicted to it again. I’m aiming to strike the right balance between exercise and food to help me be consistent.

Slow and steady wins the race apparently! 🙄

In two weeks I’m turning 50 and I’m celebrating with a week away in the sun. Awesome right?Well yeah of course. We all d...
06/07/2021

In two weeks I’m turning 50 and I’m celebrating with a week away in the sun. Awesome right?

Well yeah of course. We all deserve a break, especially after a very tough period, but that means wearing….well, not a lot more than swim shorts and flip flops most men.

It’s always a very self conscious time for people who aren’t happy with their body’s, including me, so understandably I’m trying to my hardest to reach my goals to look decent in a pair of swim shorts.

After 5 1/2 months of running, weight training and eating well, my health stats are much better and I’m finally able to fit into my favourite swim shorts and the pair of jeans that tell me if I’m in good shape - or not. You know the ones! I’ve had to buy a nee belt with extra holes.

I feel physiologically like I have my diet under control. It’s never ‘in the bag’ and always ‘sorted’ and I’m always going to have to stay on top of my health, especially after age 50, but I’ve learned what works for my mind and body. Tbh, I’ve always known it, but implementing and maintaining it was always the challenge.

I value the hard work and sacrifice I’ve made, but now I know how to maintain it, my confidence is back!

Here’s a few very simple things I’ve learned that could possibly can help you;

1. I don’t eat breakfast. I find that intermittent fasting from my last meal to my lunch really helps me keep my calorie intake in check. I now eat when I’m hungry.

2. I never leave more than 2 days (3 days max) between workouts and I mix my training methods up between running and weights mainly.

3. I drink caffeine in the form of coffee until midday ‘only’ so I can relax in the evenings - and drink a lot more water.

4. I stretch every day. I have a calf stretching step that I swear by and a back roller that helps me in between sessions. It doesn’t get any easier at age 50, so treat yourself to one to avoid injury.

5. I try to stay away from refined sugar. I don’t avoid it totally but a little isn’t affecting my weight due to the other health decisions I’ve made.

Hope this helps you make some good decisions today. The good news is that none of this is rocket science 😁

It’s all very well ‘losing’ weight but it’s impossible to keep muscle mass unless you’re ‘pushing’ weight at the same ti...
29/05/2021

It’s all very well ‘losing’ weight but it’s impossible to keep muscle mass unless you’re ‘pushing’ weight at the same time - something I haven’t been doing and I’m feeling skinny!

I’ve decided to challenge the popular theory that men of a certain age can’t build and maintain muscle as much as younger men. Paaaaahhhh!

So, I’m starting to mix up my training to activate more muscle groups than a single sport or exercise does and put some beef on the right places this time. It means I’ll need to eat a lot more too. Muscles can’t be built without energy!

I’m reducing the 5Ks to 2 a week and hitting the gym to do 2/3 weights sessions a week. I’m also adding some muay thai work on the heavy bag to increase my strength, endurance and to release some tension (and see if I can still do a decent head kick :)

What are you mixing up this bank holiday weekend....apart from a few fruity🍹🤗

Don’t know what got into me tonight. I ran the fastest 5K I’ve ever run and sped up every KM.Maybe it was down to my new...
26/05/2021

Don’t know what got into me tonight. I ran the fastest 5K I’ve ever run and sped up every KM.

Maybe it was down to my new pace setter 😘

@ Timperley Green

I’ve been looking for a new pair of trail running shoes that are functional, waterproof and comfortable - and also fly a...
22/05/2021

I’ve been looking for a new pair of trail running shoes that are functional, waterproof and comfortable - and also fly as f*ck ☺️

Enter the Speed Goat 4. Can’t wait to give these bad boys a spin this weekend.

So just like that I shaved off 3.5mins off my 5K this morning for a personal best of 35mins. I brought down my pace to 7...
09/05/2021

So just like that I shaved off 3.5mins off my 5K this morning for a personal best of 35mins.

I brought down my pace to 7:00 from 7:45 p/km. Boom.

I knew after my last run I had more in the tank but was a bit scared off injury.

It shows that you have to push yourself and take risks to further yourself in whatever you’re doing. Get brave people!! 👊🏻

@ Littleton Road Training Ground

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