Usually when I’m quiet around here it’s because I’m not doing what I ought to do: I’m eating too much or not exercising enough — or both. Recently, however, I’ve been quiet for a different reason. I’m making slow, steady progress and getting stronger every day. And I’m being superstitious about it.
My diet is still…sub-optimal. But I’ve resumed exercising regularly, and I seem to be taking to heart the lessons I learned last year.
Yes, I’m still doing the marathon training, but I’m sticking with the shortest distances in a slow group, and I no longer care whether I run the marathon in October or not. My goal is to run safely with a group every Saturday. To that end, I’ve also been doing the suggested mid-week workouts (which are either walks or runs at this point), something that I didn’t do last year. If I notice any trouble, I’ll take a break.
Meanwhile, I’ve also been doing a three-times-a-week weightlifting regimen. But again, I’m taking things slow and easy. I’m not pushing myself too hard. (Though, as my quivering arms will attest, I do push myself. I just got back from doing an upper-body workout.) Mostly I’m trying to have fun. I want this to be enjoyable, and not a chore.
I should also mention another difference between this year and last year. Any time I do more than two miles of walking or running, I stretch. I have a 12-minute stretching routine that works four specific muscle groups in my lower body, and this seems to be helping. I’m actually going to try to do yoga with my wife before long, too.
And, to cap it all off, I have an appointment for a physical exam tomorrow. I haven’t had one of those in more than a decade. I’m actually kind of scared about what the results will show. (This is the time of life that my family’s bodies begin to fail.)
So, although I may be quiet around here, I’m getting stronger every day.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Yoga is great! P90x has a Yoga portion that I fondly called Darth Yoga.
Taking things slowly is the way to go! Congrats on a superior attitude.
How I know I’m in decent shape is when I
exercise when I don’t want to…..sounds like
your comeback is coming along with more
reasonable expectations. Way to go!
Good news all round – keep up the good work!
My wife started hog yoga earlier this year and it’s done wonders for her running and general well being. I know it would probably help me too, but I’m not that keen on giving it a go – probably scared I’ll make a fool of myself.
Good luck with the physical…
–Steve
Wow. I love how you’re integrating different training methods, I think it’s the way to go. I’ve been talking for some time about adding a Yoga class into my workout, but that’s all I’ve been doing…talking. I think I’m going to follow in your footsteps and man up for a Yoga class this week.
Way to go and thanks for the inspiration.
You sound like you are in the same sort of place that I’m in.
My eating has been extremely sub optimal but the exercise is going well. I’m 7 weeks away from my marathon and I’ve signed up for another in November to help keep up the motivation for lots of exercise.