I began this year with intentions of making a lot of personal changes in my life. It started with a change in my diet (read all about it in my topics on toxic chemicals and nutrition), and ended with a reflection on the last 20 years, a curious defiance toward my doctor and a complete change in my lifestyle.
On January 5th 2012, I joined Curves. At first I wasn’t sure if it was the right choice for me but after looking at what they had to offer, I found it to be a great alternative to an everyday gym. My problem with a gym membership is I get there and have no idea what I am doing, what machines to utilize and/or what to do next! The idea behind Curves is to obtain a 30 minute cardio work out and strength training at the same time. This is done by completing the “circuit”. The circuit contains 14 machines that, at the end of the 30 second cycle, allow you to work out all the major muscles. To keep your heart rate elevated throughout the routine (and provide a complete 25 minute cardio workout in addition to strength training), they offer bounce boards between each station. I choose to run on the bounce boards but you can do whatever you like to keep your heart rate elevated.
I am not able to run routinely on roads due to a meniscus tear injury in 2004 that permanently damaged my left knee and resulted in arthritis and constant achy tenderness. The bounce boards give me a cushion that allows for less stress on my injury, enabling me to get my run on. I began my membership with a commitment to visit Curves at least three times a week. For the month of January, I only faltered one week in this commitment… when it was snowing real bad and I couldn’t leave home and get there.
A body in motion…
After about the first month of weekly visits at curves, and a great reduction in the amount of chemicals/poisons I was ingesting, I began to crave more exercise in my routine. I have attended many races with SBF (www.sbf-runs.com) as his transportation, confidant and support but never walked away with a medal of my own. SBF suggested that I challenge myself by walking a 5K. He found a 5K race right in our home town that gave out medals to all participants. I pondered this for a while, not sure if my knee could carry me that far. However, my body was already in motion and the challenge began to be quite appealing…I wanted that medal!
I searched on the internet for training schedules and found a few, but SBF suggested I follow one created by Hal Higdon (www.halhigdon.com). Hal has been running for half a century and many have used his training schedules for their preparedness, including SBF. Hal is also a gifted writer having written many books on marathons, training and some non-fictions. I decided to adopt his 5K program with a few slight changes to fit my weekly schedule, and start my training. The first week started out with short walks about 15 to 20 minutes three times a week with a longer walk on the weekends. I began doing the short walks at work during my breaks and the long walks around my neighborhood. As the training progressed, the walks increased and so did my stamina.
On March 24th 2012, SBF and I woke up at the butt crack (typical race day time to wake up) and drove to the trail head where the Cupcake Fun Run/Walk began. We got there about an hour early to ensure we had parking onsite. The offsite parking was about .4 miles away and I didn’t want to add .8 to my very first 5K. The route was along the centennial trail in north Marysville/Arlington area. We were one of the first participants there. It was extremely cold and we were in our race gear (real close thin material) making it even colder. BRR! But, once the race started it didn’t take long to warm up the blood.
As we began, SBF decided to tempt me by jogging the race backwards, in front of me… just out of my reach. He had additional reasons for running backwards, working out new muscles and stretching etc (read about it at www.sbf-runs.com) . He was an absolutely perfect inspiration, claiming to have a "carrot" for me if I caught him (hehe). The trail was a pretty mild uphill grade, a turn around half way in and down grade all the way back. The whole thing was perfect from start to finish (although note to self: next time we plan to spend time waiting in the truck, I’m bringing blankets!!).
I completed my very first 5K walk and received my cupcake medal, and in addition, SBF got a first place ribbon for being the first male finisher, WOOHOO! My next 5K is scheduled for this weekend and is a charity run/walk to support Autism research in Bothell. I am personally invested in this cause, as I have an autistic son. I am able to continue my walking goals and help a great cause close to my heart. It’s a win win!
Tends to stay in motion…
After the 5K race on Saturday, I met my mom and sister for an afternoon stroll in downtown Seattle. We walked an additional 3 or so miles with hills all around. It was a great afternoon together as always. At the end of the day, I started adding up my mileage, and I got to thinking…I bet I could do a 10K.
My new training schedule starts next week. It’s an 8 week schedule that I had to tweak a bit in order to have my relaxing Sundays, but I’m really looking forward to it. The walks are longer during the week and even longer still on the weekends. The schedule includes strength training (which I will get at curves) and cross training. I am going to use the glider my mom is storing in my garage to meet the cross training requirement. I am thinking I will complete the 10k around Greenlake sometime near 5/22/12. From there.. there’s no telling what I will do!
My new training schedule starts next week. It’s an 8 week schedule that I had to tweak a bit in order to have my relaxing Sundays, but I’m really looking forward to it. The walks are longer during the week and even longer still on the weekends. The schedule includes strength training (which I will get at curves) and cross training. I am going to use the glider my mom is storing in my garage to meet the cross training requirement. I am thinking I will complete the 10k around Greenlake sometime near 5/22/12. From there.. there’s no telling what I will do!
I used to think I just had no time to exercise or to make it an important part of my life. SBF found a quote recently that really seems to fit here: “If you have time for Face book, you have time to exercise. It’s not about having time, it’s about making time!” Exercise is now a big rock (big rock/little rock is a Steven Covey prioritization thing I will likely write about later) for me- something that is required. So it cuts into my TV/Face book time.. I’m so not missing it!
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