This year I decided to work harder on my fitness goals, and focus my energies on becoming a better me.

Considering the fact that I hate gym and love the outdoors, I made some changes to my lifestyle to accommodate some new routines.

I started working a new weekly schedule, five days a week, two days long distance running, three days cycling, and some yoga between, apart from my hiking and adventures on the weekend.

Liming is cut to a minimum as I reduced my consumption of alcohol to a bare minimum.

I changed my diet, but mostly started training harder, with no help from protein powder  or chemical additives.

Part of my change was becoming a morning person, going to sleep early and waking at five am to enjoy the bliss of the countryside sunrise.

Something about the morning, when it is cool as the sun starts to rise is so relaxing, seeing the new day, getting the fresh air, running through the mist.

The view of the mist over the valley and the sun peeping through the clouds behind the hills make for very scenic pictures and is very calming.

Working out to me is a good stress reliever, put some music in my ear, and work the problems away for that period of time as I working on my physic and mobility.

I must admit I haven’t really fallen sick in the last four years, I sleep better, physically stronger and have more energy.

Now my goal is to become fit enough to take on some more difficult international adventures, hiking, site seeing, and other out-door activities.

Currently I run across some hills, I run one day ride the other, this is to help me build leg strength, endurance and speed while working on core.

Plank, push-up and sit-ups help strengthen the core and upper body, keeping the whole body toned.

Yoga also helps with breathing, relaxing and stretching my muscles I would recommend it to all runners.

The health benefits of regular cycling and running include:

• Increased cardiovascular fitness
• Increased muscle strength and flexibility
• Improved joint mobility
• Decreased stress levels
• Improved posture and coordination
• Strengthened bones
• Decreased body fat levels
• Prevention or management of disease
• Reduced anxiety and depression.