Things I’m Doing During The Pandemic

By Mike Tarrolly, Co-Host of the Crushing Iron Podcast

I just posted an article called in the C26 Online Hub. Here’s the first 3 Things with an intro:

“10 Things I’m Doing During the Pandemic”

I just dropped my car at the mechanic and decided to walk home in the rain. About a mile in, a guy was moving toward me on the same side of the road. I gathered my thoughts and decided to stay the course. As we closed in, he veered toward the other side of the road with solid social distancing protocol. I silently applauded and produced a smile to say hello. He never even looked at me.

Don’t be that guy.

What we need now is strong, positive, and optimistic people. The worst thing to do is cower in our phones and get swept up by illusion of things we can’t see with our own eyes.I’ve been at work on building curb appeal for my home, so I haven’t been much for traditional swim, bike, run, but I’m doing a lot of stuff I think will benefit my overall health and peace of mind. Below are 3 of a list of 10 things I have chosen to focus on (or not focus on) in a time of so many unknowns.

NOT WATCHING NEWS

Many of you know from the podcast that I used to work in the news business. I spent around 15 years as the marketing director for two separate ABC stations.

Most of it was pain and lies.I know that may sound harsh, but I can honestly say I haven’t purposely watched news since I left the business 5 years ago. Occasionally it comes on after something I’m watching and it sears my brain with negativity.

The thing you have to understand about news is: it’s all about ratings. If certain stories spike ratings, they double down. With something like a pandemic, that becomes the entire focus. The more bad new information, the better.

They pollute us over and over by pulling only the most shocking information available and use terms like this “may” be or this “could” or this “allegedly” may be one of the worst things ever.

If there happens to be good information to report, they will bury it deep in the story with little inflection. It’s all about “upping the ante” of shock and awe.

As a side note, I think we (including me) have the tendency to do it ourselves on social “media.” There is a natural “pull” for us to be reporters and “break stories” by posting them on our timelines in front of people we love. Please think before you post.

DRINKING HOT LEMON JUICE

Look, I don’t claim to be an expert on bio chemistry, I just feel like I have a good connection with my body. There is a lot of information out there about how alkalizing foods help your immune system. Aside from being tart and seemingly acidic, lemons are at the top of the list.

Again, I can’t sight science here, but I know what it does for my body. One of the main reasons I use lemon juice is because I drink a lot of coffee and I know it throws me out of whack. I just have an addictive nature, so I try to balance my miscues. And there is no question drinking a lot of hot lemon water takes the edge off chronic inflammation. To me, that’s good enough proof that it works, and it’s loaded with natural Vitamin C. Lemons have also been shown to alleviate stress and fight viral infections, so there’s that.

Just heat up some water, cut a lemon in half, squeeze one half into the water. Sip. Do this a couple times a day and before bed.

PUSH UPS/PULL UPS/HANGING

At a pool session for one of our C26 Camps, I was talking to a woman who used to swim at the Olympics level. (Yes, the real Olympics like the one that just got pushed back a year). She told me point blank that push-ups are the most underrated thing you can do for swimming.

She didn’t have to convince me. Push ups are a steady part of my routine. They are great for your lats, core, and overall upper body strength. Balance is also a benefit.My thing with push ups isn’t really a “routine,” they just sort of happen. If you’re walking around the house trying to figure out what to do next, drop and give yourself 20.

For the rest of the article, log into the C26 Online Hub. If you’re not a member we have a limited time “Pay What You Want” for 6 months going on. Click here for a preview or to join the C26 Online Hub. (Or copy and paste this link) https://c26triathlon.com/online-hub-preview/