Getting into shape

[Richie Allen]

I walk about 80-90% of the time, even though I'm back in shape enough to comfortably run for a half hour workout. I just know that walking, really fast that is, is more beneficial because I can do it for longer periods of time, know that my heart rate stays right around where it's supposed to and I'm less prone to injury. For me, walking at a very quick pace (about 3:10 quarter mile laps) actually takes more consistent concentration and is harder than running, although I can do it for much longer periods of time without wearing out. By "harder" I mean every step takes a full effort with no help from momentum (like running does when you're just lumbering out there). And by pumping your arms (I suggest running at night when no one can see you) you can adjust your heart rate somewhat without altering your speed. Finally, I also love the consistency of (power-)walking. I can usually predict within a second exactly how fast my lap is. It's weird to me that after setting the pace in the first lap, I can literally recreate that speed exactly for the final 15 laps or whatever. Not really helpful to anyone else but I still think it's cool. Not sure if people that run all the time experience the same thing.

*Oh, one thing that should be stressed again, though, is that "walking" should not feel like walking. Strolls in the park will do nothing for people our age, unless maybe you're a couple hundred pounds over weight and just starting out. If you're somewhat athletic and trying to build your heart up and lose weight, your walking should feel as strenuous if not more than an aerobic workout, stairmaster or whatever. You should start sweating within the first mile and by the time you're done, your head should be pretty wet (I know that varies) and your calves and lower back should feel worn out. Your sack might even be a tad moist.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

I went for a walk today in the cemetery. I know that sounds stupid with what you guys are talking about getting all technical and stuff, but you have no idea what a victory that was for me. I'm thinking that's going to be a daily routine for me.

Not at all.

One of my favorite quotes: "You know when was the best time to plant a tree? 30 years ago. You know the 2nd best time? Today." A lot of people I know who are out of shape are so discouraged they never start. The mindset is one of defeat "I can't run a marathon, and I'll never be able to, so why try." That mindset keeps them from ever starting.

Start walking, lose a little weight. Walk 10 miles a week at first. Then 20. Then walk 20 and run 3 miles. Then run 6 miles. Then walk 10 miles and run 10 miles. Then 20 miles. Then, blah blah blah.

I know a lot of people who have gone from couch potato to attempting to run a marathon, or half marathon. And, within a couple weeks, their iphone app is telling them to run 3 miles at once. Well, [expletive], they can't run half a mile yet, get discouraged and quit. It needs to be baby steps. Instead of going for a marathon, they need to go for a 5 K and stay positive.

Baby steps. The more you do it, the more you like it, the better you get at it, the more you can do, the more you like it, etc. Eventually, people are in shape. But, it's more of a lifestyle (day in and day out) than a single accomplishment (running a marathon).

[jim]

Wouldn't the second best time have been 29 years and 264 days ago? But yeah it's never too late.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

Wouldn't the second best time have been 29 years and 264 days ago? But yeah it's never too late.

I think you're missing the point.

[jim]

Wouldn't the second best time have been 29 years and 264 days ago? But yeah it's never too late.

I think you're missing the point.

I didn't think I did, but if the point isn't that it's never too late then yes I think I did.

[IMADreamer]

Well I don't know about planting trees but I know 10 years ago I was in good shape. Of course playing college football will do that, but now I'm sort of a blob. So..... I suppose it's time to do something about it. I don't know why now, but if not now then when? It's probably now or never.

[Richie Allen]

Since we're taking exceptions with the cliches, it should be something more along the lines of now or next week. Don't think you have to start now and continue every single day and if you miss, you blew it and it's over. Just think, this is something that you do now and even if you miss a day, a week or even a couple weeks, you'll be back at it as soon as you can. And find ways to trick yourself into getting out there. "I'm just gonna do a couple laps," or "I'm just going to take it easy today." Once you're out there, it's a lot easier to decide to do a full workout or do it at full speed.

[jim]

Remember - hard work often pays off in the future, but procrastination always pays off now.

[jim]

Tomorrow a new gym. I'm going to miss my current place, it's not as nice but I've been going there for so long that I know almost all of the staff and alot of the clients. I moved recently and am now 30 minutes from there, and as much as I hate to break ties I'm going to do it. I had two choices in my new town - A) the equivalent of this gym (it's a park district ran place with good rates and a solid but not spectacular assortment of features) and B) the Cadillac. B) has everything - including tennis courts (those are xtra), a pool, and all classes are paid for. The showers have all the extras - shaving cream and cologne and all of that. Steam room, sauna, whirlpool. You name it, they have it. Rather than be depressed by going to A) and missing my old place which was a little better (and much cheaper), I decided to go to B). In order to justify the cost, I'm going to start taking advantage of the class offerings as well as trying to do some swimming for conditioning. For now I'm going to try to do a couple of spin classes (6am - that's going to be tough for me) and maybe a yoga class. Gotta' keep mixing it up, and I really need to stop running so much. Went last night after work and again this morning and I about fell down the stairs this morning after sitting for a while. My ankle feels like it's going to snap in two, so maybe swap out 1-2 runs per week for a swim.

[Freed Roger]

Better mark your territory by wearing Cardinal gear.