This is the oldest post I never wrote. Day 212. April 24. APRIL TWENTY FOURTH?! It was a Wednesday. According to my calendar, I had my regular Wednesday work meetings. Nothing else.
Well I hope Barbara Streisand had a happy birthday!
year of fun
HAVE FUN. EVERY DAY. SIMPLE BUT DAUNTING.
Category Archives: Fitness
Day 210: Training
The Chicago Arthritis Walk is coming up in a little under a month and I need a little training to make sure I can walk the full three miles. Our European adventure helped as we were walking all the time, but I still don’t think I can just go out one day and walk three miles.
So the hubs and Elphie are helping me train. Tonight we took a 1.6 mile (I know this because I use Map My Walk, a great app for tracking many types of exercise) family walk around our neighborhood. I’m pretty sure today was the warmest day of the year so far, and the sun does not set until after 7pm. Needless to say it was so pleasant and beautiful.
Our plan is to take three walks per week with a minimum distance of 1.5 miles, increasing the length up to 3 miles. I’d like to do at least two three-mile walks before the race. I think this is definitely possible and will make me feel more confident going in to a walk with a lot of family and friends. I would like to be able to just enjoy their company and feel good about raising money for this important cause as opposed to worrying about whether I can walk three miles or not.
If you are interested in joining me or supporting my team, click here.
Day 199: Walk it Off
Re-acclimating is hard. I’ve been falling asleep by 9pm and waking up at 5:30am. Today I worked late and now I can barely keep my eyes open. As someone who often has trouble sleeping, I suppose it’s not a terrible thing that I can get to sleep very easily, but it’s starting to get in the way of work and life.
To combat this today, I left my desk midday and took a walk. Now it was chilly and rainy and generally gross outside, but the fresh air and the physical movement cleared my mind enough to get me through the rest of my work day. (The chocolate chip pumpkin bar that I picked up from the vegan coffee shop probably also helped). I imagine that if the weather would have been nicer, the effect would have been stronger. I think I will make this part of my routine as much as I can. Hopefully Chicago weather complies with my wishes soon!
Day 174: Water Workout
I promised I would try this last Sunday, but it didn’t work out. However I did go to class today and it was amazing. An hourlong class intimidated me, but I talked to the instructor beforehand and she reassured me that I could modify moves to a level of intensity that worked for me. I had an amazing time. I was able to do things in the pool that I cannot do otherwise–run, jump, lunges, etc. It was a kind of freedom I have not experienced in a long time and I will be back as much as possible.
Day 161: LSAC
The hubs and I joined the Lincoln Square Athletic Club this weekend and today I went for my first work out. It has been a LONG time since I’ve worked out. Walking the dog certainly counts, but it is not as strenuous and focused as working out at a gym.
After a five minute bike warm up, I did 15 minutes on an elliptical. The bike was hard at first. My knees were not used to that kind of motion but I took it easy and it got better as I went. The elliptical was harder because I wanted to go in at 100%. I am a person who likes to do very well at everything I attempt, so it was hard for me to go slower and shorter than I have in the past. I had to remind myself that I will be able to measure progress even if it is slower than I would like.
Here are some of my workout goals:
1. Increase time on cardio machine each week building up to 30 minutes at least three times per week.
2. Try a spin class.
3. Try a “Ballet Burn” class.
4. Continue to feel good about myself as I work towards a healthier body.
Now, here are some things I really like about this gym so far:
1. There are a lot of machines.
2. Each machine has a little cable TV.
3. They offer a lot of interesting classes at various times throughout the day.
4. THEY HAVE A POOL.
On Sunday, I will be trying my first water workout class. This is supposed to be the best kind of workout a person with arthritis can do because the water provides a lot of resistance, yet there is little to no pressure on the joints. Expect a post about this.
I’m very excited about this new addition to my lifestyle. No more sitting around being secretly jealous of my many friends who are fit and athletic!
year of fun 