Sunday, December 29, 2013

Mark Venckus

Mark Venckus 55

Gas Meter Technician for Ni-Cor
  
Why is Fitness important to you?
I want to feel good having no aches and pains.  I want to be able to exercise when I'm 80 and reduce the effects of aging.  I also want to be able to play with my grandchild (coming soon)

You used to be an avid runner.  What got you back into it in your fifties?
Both my sons got into running it inspired me and it was something we call all talk about together.  I was also a bit embarrassed. I had put on some weight and started to look like Captain Kangaroo.  I also wanted to run races again and perform better in fitness classes.

 What setbacks have you encountered and how have you overcome them?  
The holidays with all the food and drinking didn't help any but I've been able to keep my portions sensible and I've avoided drinking as much as passed years. You have a different mindset when you drink more often, you become less motivated.  Keeping my portion sizes smaller through the year helped me stay in control during the holidays.

I've also experienced some minor injuries and been able to work through them with the advice of a trainer.  I didn't give up when injured I just worked through it and modified some things.

Working full time and taking care of your mother, how do you find time to exercise?
I go right after work as if it is part of my workday.  It's in my schedule and it is a priority.  If I don't stay strong it will be harder for me to take care of my mother, lifting, etc...

What adjustments have you made in your nutrition plan?
More fruits and vegetables and less fast food.  I rarely drink soda anymore, diet or regular.  I try to avoid foods high in sugar.  I snack on fruit or nuts between meals or before workouts.  I also don't eat passed 6pm and my drinking is usually on social occasions.  I always eat breakfast, it keeps me full in the morning with a small snack like fruit before lunch.