My First Workout

20 minutes of walking.  Such incredible stamina!  It must have been the small can of vienna sausages I devoured just before the big event.

I did learn a few things today.  First, I need to buy running shoes by this weekend, before the training gets too intense.  Second, I need to open the window before I run on the treadmill.  Third, exercising is a perfect time to formulate ideas for my next blog entry.  Oh, and I also decided I wanted eat frozen burritos dipped in guacamole for dinner.

Each of the four training sessions during the first week are just 20 minutes of walking.  I played around with the settings before deciding on 2.6 MPH and that's the speed I used for most of the time.  I did end up walking .84 miles and did break a sweat, which I'm not sure is something to brag about.

I think the most important part is I felt like I was beginning a routine.  That actually felt great psychologically.  I'm curious how I will feel physiologically tomorrow, if I feel any differently at all.

Feel free to comment or send me questions.  Maybe I'm the only person reading this.  If so, at least it feels therapeutic!

I Must Be Crazy

Last Friday at work we had the inaugural version of "Fun Fact Friday."  Everyone in the office regaled us with tales of something unique and interesting they have accomplished.  I was having trouble coming up with anything.  "Am I that boring?" I wondered to myself.

I had already been thinking I need to break out of my routing and do something unique.  I'm turning 49 in a couple weeks and want to make that happened before I reach the half century mark.  After dusting off the creative portion of my brain, a light bulb turned on, albeit somewhat dimly.  How about training to run a marathon?

My main form of exercise during the week is walking to the office copy machine.  Is this even possible? Every time I go clothes shopping I seem to need a higher waist size.  My diet is average at best.  If I eat something green my stomach may not know what to do with it.  A rational person might set a goal of running a 5K, but no, not me.  It's marathon or bust!

I found some tips for beginning runners online as well as a training schedule.  My primary concern (besides actually running a marathon) was having enough time to train.  Monday-Friday I wake up at 5:45 A.M. to get ready for work and don't arrive home until around 7, so a couple hours of training wasn't in the cards.

Fortunately, you only need to train three days during the week, with a longer run on Saturday's.  I think I can do this!  I better keep repeating that last line to myself.

I'll continue to publish updates on my progress.  My hope is that I'll get in better shape and inspire others. Tomorrow is training day #1.  Wish me luck.  I'll need it!