Training

In the days leading up to and following my 30th birthday, I reflected quite a bit on my life. I decided that, from a physical standpoint, I was not near the shape or condition that I want to be. I realize that it will be near impossible to ever get my small figure back that I enjoyed during my high school and college days after having two kids, but I can, at least, be in much better shape. So, I set some lofty goals to lose weight, burn fat and generally take better care of my body. So, on March 31, I began a workout routine that I read about while in the waiting room at the pediatrician's office, http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/burn-calories-workout-38-marathon-training-schedule/efb9ef8454e58110VgnVCM20000012281eac____/fitness/walking/walking.programs. I followed the six week program, almost to a tee, minus the six-foot exercise band. In the six week period, I lost seven pounds. Not bad. But, this wasn't quite where I want to be. So, on Monday, I started a marathon training program described in the same article. I am totally stoked that in this short seven-week time, I have lost eight pounds, inches off of my key fat zones and increased my walking speed, all with the goal of walking the San Luis Obispo City to Sea Mini Marathon on October 12, http://www.citytothesea.org/.


Consider that my first workout was a 20 minute walk. It took me 25 minutes to walk 1.2 miles and I could only muster 50 sit-ups (okay really some form of abdominal crunches). That's just over 20 minutes per mile. Today, I walked 2.9 miles in 47 minutes and pounded out 300 abdominal crunches in 10 minutes. For a total workout time of one hour. Not too shabby. The thing that I am most proud of, though, is how much my walking speed has improved. From a 20 minute mile to just over a 16 minute mile in only seven weeks. And this is just the beginning. I am continuing the 12 week training program, modified to a 22 week training program through race day, October 12, 2008. If all goes well, I will continue to train in hopes to complete a full marathon in 2009. And thus, crossing off one of my Before-I-Turn-40 goals. Nothing motivates like self-criticism and life reflection.