Mark Allen talks with Debbie about his career as a triathlete and his connection with Brant Secunda, who is a shaman, healer, and ceremonial leader of the Huichol people. Together they are co-authors of the book “Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier Happier You.” Mark runs www.fitsoul-fitbody.com, and Brant’s website is at www.shamanism.com.  

Mark talks about the value of connecting to nature in your training. His attraction to the Ironman was at least partly inspired by his love for the big island of Hawaii. Since then, he’s found some answers to his questions of how to make training a joy rather than a chore, and what was driving him to do endurance sports.

He talks about the importance of training as a lifestyle, so that it is just a part of what you naturally do every day. He believes that training needs to improve health rather than simply be a burden. His philosophy emphasizes the mind and body connection in training, rather than being simply a mechanical process to improve muscle mass or speed.

He also briefly discusses the keys to improved happiness from his book:

·         Quiet your mind and manage your stress

·         Make a connection to the spiritual world in nature

·         Manage the different types of stress

·         Know and set your quest. Understand why you do the things you do.

·         Live what you ask for

·         Slow down to get faster

·         Invite your inner caveman to the table as far as diet goes.

Mark and Brant have upcoming workshops in Vancouver on October 2nd and 3rd, and in Santa Cruz from February 19th to 21st.