Winter Alignment: What Does Nature Demand of You?
The virtue of living in the moment requires more than just being aware of time and place. It calls for action—doing what is required of you in that moment, fulfilling the role nature has assigned to you, just as every other being on Earth fulfills theirs. Adversity doesn’t obstruct this process; it sharpens your ability to persevere and act wisely. So, I ask: What does nature demand of you today?
Wrapping Up the 2024 Running Season: Reflecting on Milestones and Looking Ahead
As the final stretch of the 2024 running season approaches, it’s time to reflect on what a transformative year this has been.
![Would You Sacrifice Your Inner Peace for the Chance to Increase Your Success?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1725386413328-KMAF0UTI1CAG6OO3OL1P/_59A4853.jpg)
Would You Sacrifice Your Inner Peace for the Chance to Increase Your Success?
A fascinating study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology titled “When Less is More: Counterfactual Thinking and Satisfaction Among Olympic Medalists” found that people’s emotional responses are often shaped by their thoughts about “what might have been.” It’s not just the results that impact our emotions but also our perceptions of risk, opportunity, and how close we feel to an alternative outcome. This research suggests that, aside from gold medalists, those who place third often feel more positive about their results than those who come in second.
![From Aesthetics to Performance: Embracing the Virtue of Temperance](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1724179132165-KT5HUGNBLOTZX4KKJFI0/DSC01407-Enhanced-NR.jpg)
From Aesthetics to Performance: Embracing the Virtue of Temperance
It’s been two and a half weeks since the Natty Nationals, and my body has changed. I’ve consciously traded my 8-pack for something closer to a 4-pack, shifting my focus entirely to performance over aesthetics in both weight training and marathon preparation. Is that a fair trade?
![APTN National News: “An Uplifting Story”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1723773206900-R8B1HH2I2RL57WIFWBUC/Screenshot+2024-08-15+at+9.52.54%E2%80%AFPM.png)
APTN National News: “An Uplifting Story”
I'm incredibly grateful for the support and interest shown by the amazing team at APTN News. Their coverage of my recent appearances at the Natural Canada Pro Qualifier and the Ottawa Natural Classic has been nothing short of humbling.
![The Weight of Transition: From Stage to Road](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1723571505159-FCC58XASAALAF7J69NYD/Ottawa-Gatineau-Run-Marathon-Tamarack-Army+Run-Liberty+Fitness.jpg)
The Weight of Transition: From Stage to Road
Just like that—my first chapter in bodybuilding has come to a close. The unexpected success was a gift, and now, as I rest and prepare for a return to the stage in 2025, there’s another goal on the horizon: the marathon I committed to running in October.
2024 Natural Canada Pro Qualifier Bronze Medalist
I started this journey simply to demand the best from myself at a time when I felt that I had fallen off my game. Ten months later, I had the privilege of squeaking onto the podium at Canada's National competition and taking home a medal.
![From Mezcal to Macros](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1722444049899-BZ0OWB9XLL622LZGUV08/DSC01785.jpg)
From Mezcal to Macros
It's peak summer, two weeks away from my 30th birthday, and my childhood friend Pablo is visiting and staying with me for the month. This constellation of events paints the ideal summer vibe. Yet, a familiar and troublesome planetary body is also in orbit - prep for my upcoming bodybuilding show.
![Peak week is officially here 🏔️](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1722251930284-ZBWLFGGODDGICPVJ2I98/DSC01308-Enhanced-NR-2.jpg)
Peak week is officially here 🏔️
In the bodybuilding world, this is the moment when everything comes together.
![PSA: Invest in High-Quality Tupperware 🫵](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1721840701979-SKNOFHFOP4GSZGYG116E/Liberty+Fitness+-+Gatineau+-+Ottawa+-+Personal+Trainer.jpg)
PSA: Invest in High-Quality Tupperware 🫵
Meal prepping and eating healthy can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be difficult! Consistent, proper nutrition will greatly accelerate your fitness journey, and making the process as easy and sustainable as possible is a hack that will ensure your success.
![2 Weeks Out: A Stoic Reflection](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1721399997166-SJAVNYA9JTCBWXNCW0M4/5R8A6588-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg)
2 Weeks Out: A Stoic Reflection
With everything progressing so well over the past couple of months, I have to admit there's been a creeping anxiety I've been battling. It's not quite doubt, but more of a cautious awareness that things could go wrong.
![CTV Morning Live](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1720980455887-589ZSS57VYZBM8DEMG9D/CTV+-+Liberty+Fitness-21.jpg)
CTV Morning Live
In case you missed it, watch my recent appearance on CTV Morning Live with Rosey Ugo Edeh.
![Ottawa’s Champs Hit Back Day at 613LIFT](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1720626267185-5XCRU762S0LNHV0GUXJJ/YouTube+Thumbnail.jpg)
Ottawa’s Champs Hit Back Day at 613LIFT
The Ottawa Natural Classic recently crowned its champions, and what better way to celebrate than with a high-energy back workout? In this exclusive video, the three overall winners—Chady Zalzale (Best Overall, Classic Physique), Zackery Liberty (Best Overall, Men's Physique), and Matt Bromberg (Best Overall, Bodybuilding)—come together at 613LIFT for an intense session. Although they didn't know each other well before this video, their camaraderie and shared passion for fitness created an unforgettable experience.
![Stoic Wisdom and Overcoming Pre-Race Anxiety](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1719517684960-1KHCRRKILW268UXG08S0/Race+Day-5.jpg)
Stoic Wisdom and Overcoming Pre-Race Anxiety
It’s Saturday, May 5th, 2024 - actually Sunday by this hour, and I’m lying awake in bed with a throbbing foot. Tomorrow is the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, and I’m signed up to run the half-marathon alongside two friends.
Implementing a Morning Routine
Here are my best practices for setting a solid morning routine that will provide you with life changing clarity, focus, and energy to conquer your days.
![Measuring your Heart Rate](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664b5aa2fff80600728e17bf/1718044142005-1YW1FJASAIXLJIDXRN63/Liberty+Fitness-Heart+Rate-+Run+Coach.jpg)
Measuring your Heart Rate
Measuring your heart rate during run training is crucial for optimizing your workout intensity and ensuring you are training within safe and effective zones. It helps you monitor your fitness progress, prevent overtraining, and tailor your training sessions to improve endurance and performance. Additionally, heart rate data can alert you to potential health issues, allowing for timely adjustments to your training plan.