The first mile

This week I had a bit of a set back in the form of a GI virus.  I didn't do anything for about three days, but I'm feeling pretty good now. 

This afternoon I went outside and decided I still had time to do a jog to see how far I could go.  I loaded up my jogging partner and went out to Shawnee Mission Park.  I was able to go a mile with only one quick stop to stretch.  I have no idea how long it took me and that is not important to me right now.  It's just getting out there and trying to go the distance. 

Here is my trusty running buddy, Chloe.  She loves to run and she leads the whole way!  She still has such great energy for an 11 year old dog. 

 

 

We jogged a mile then walked a mile and felt great! 

What to leave in, what to leave out

Well those drifter's days are past me now
I've got so much more to think about
Deadlines and commitments
What to leave in, what to leave out

Against the wind
I'm still runnin' against the wind
I'm older now but still runnin' against the wind---Bob Seger


Hence the title of my blog.  Running was so much easier when I had to show up to practice every day at 3:30.  I didn't mind bundling up in the cold.  I didn't spend an hour each day communting to work.

Today some coworkers in the office next to mine were talking about this very thing, how do we fit it all in?  One of them had her first baby last spring and she hasn't figured out how to squeeze in a workout between a full-time job and full-time mommyhood.  But the single gal who lives five minutes from the hospital can't find the time either.  Life happens regardless of marriage, family, commuting, working. 

So, the goal now is to try and do something.  Yesterday it was 30 minutes on the eliptical machine.  Tonight it was Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  I prefer the eliptical machine to the treadmill for training inside because it's a lot less pounding.  The 30 Day Shred is a good core workout which is  good for swimming.  Tim has set up a little mini workout area in our basement so there is no exuse not to walk down the stairs and do something.  The dog and cats like to come down and watch so I even have someone to talk to! 

I probably won't blog every day for the next 7 months, but for the start, it helps me find what to leave in. 

I'm starting (again) today

I've decided I want to do a triathalon. I thought about this last spring and didn't get the training in to do it but now that summer is 7 months away, I have the time to get in shape. I looked up the Shawnee Mission Park Triathalon and the short course is as follows:
Swim--500 meters (done! I swam 500 meters Sunday at the gym. Not all at once, mind you, but I can at least go the distance).
Bike--9 miles (easy. If an 80 year old member of the Turtle bicycle group can do it, then so can I!)
Run--2.4 miles. (well, if nothing else, I can walk that far)

I'm doing the blog to have someone to answer to besides myself, who frequently talks myself out of the work out I planned to do and start tomorrow. Or maybe on Monday because it's the beginning of the week and a good day to start. Well, today is MONDAY so I'm starting.

For all of you out there who are running, and your kids are running, (or swimming or playing ball) thank you! You reminded me how much fun it is just to participate. Times, PR's, and where you finish are not as important as just being out there and doing it.