By Dan Taylor Hundreds, if not thousands, of books and articles have been written about motivation. I’m no psychologist, but training clients for more than a decade and teaching continuing education workshops for trainers has exposed me to a broad range of attitudes about exercise. The mental aspect of working out is huge and it’s complicated. But what makes it even more difficult to understand is that there is a very real physical aspect to training that can be downright unpleasant. There’s just no getting around the fact that training is more physically difficult than what most people do …

I have a simple rule for referrals to my clients, be they for products, services or providers—that I would send a close friend or family member to that business without hesitation. That's something I can say about Fleet Feet Sports on Main Street in Pleasanton, just south of Angela. Here's why: The store is run and operated by well-qualified, committed and passionate running shoe and apparel retailers who want happy, healthy and satisfied customers. And, as long as I've known of the store, it's been that way. A little history… Back in 1998, when I started my fitness-training business, the …

Did you know that one of the most beautiful walking routes in the East Bay is right in the heart of downtown Pleasanton? This little gem is a great, relaxing yet active way to spend a Saturday morning. You also can burn about 200 calories (depending on your size and speed), increase the bone density in the lower body and spine and reduce your risk of many diseases if you hit the route a few times a week. Similar scenic and moderately challenging paths in neighboring communities include the Iron Horse Trail (running through Dublin) and popular Robertson Park in Livermore. In Pleasanton, the …