LJ and Smarter Princess both tagged me for the “seven random things” meme, so to switch it up a bit I decided to make it seven random fitness-related facts.
1) I don’t think this is just my imagination – I’m pretty sure my core body temperature is higher than it used to be, or it’s working more efficiently at least. I’m not quite as skinny as I used to be, so that probably has something to do with it, but I also think it has to do with exercising regularly. My walk to the Metro and back takes about 12-14 minutes each way, and even on bitterly cold mornings I wear a very lightweight jacket – a few minutes into the walk, I’ve already warmed up and I’m unzipping the jacket to let the cold breeze in. This is also why I rarely wear sweaters.
2) Since I don’t live as close to my gym as I used to, I’ve started going outside more often to exercise. I actually like it better than I thought I would – the time seems to go a lot faster than when I’m staring at a TV screen mounted on the wall, or looking at a display to see how much time I have left.
3) What am I doing when I’m exercising outside? Well, I guess you could say I’m attempting to become a runner. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but it took the gym being farther away to knock me into giving it a decent shot. I’m still in the beginning stages – building up my endurance by alternating periods of running with fast walking – but I’m trying. And I like it.
4) Unless I’m unable to find a space to lean against a wall while riding the Metro (I hate holding onto the metal poles if I’m trying to read something), I always stand instead of trying to find a seat. Then, for the duration of the 25-30 minute trip, I alternately stand on my tiptoes (to strengthen my calves) and squeeze my glutes (to strengthen my…well, you know).
5) I went to Sports Authority last night, searching for some gear I need when running outside. Who would have thought they wouldn’t have any headbands (those thick ones that go around your head and cover your ears)? Or that the only gloves I could find (that I liked) would be bright purple? I’m not against purple, but I’d rather have something neutral, like black, so my gloves won’t clash with whatever I’m wearing. There’s a store dedicated entirely to running gear that’s not far from where I live, so I’ll check that out tonight.
6) With help from a friend, I’ve been working on #11 from my 101 Things list: Do at least 1 unassisted pull-up. I’m not at the point yet where I can pull up my body weight when my arms are above my head, but I’m working on it.
7) Last week I was gone for three days at a work retreat, and I was impressed at the variety of food options they offered – along with the regular chips, cookies, and candy, there was also fruit, veggies, and hummus. But of course the only leftovers that made it back to the office (being that the shelf-life is so much longer) was the junk food. And now it’s all stacked on the kitchen counter, so everyone can help themselves. I’m good at resisting junk food if it’s out of sight – and I’ve resolved that I’m not taking any of what’s currently on display – but it’s just evil to have it sitting out like that. See?
12 Comments
OMG, that IS evil having all of that sit out! I can just see everyone’s healthy-eating resolutions just flying out the window. Mine probably would…
Good luck with the running endeavor! There is something about being outside exercising that makes the time pass in a way that it does not at the gym.
I am with you on finding it harder to resist junk food when it is in plain sight. I don’t keep extra snacks in my desk at work for that very reason, it triggers boredom eating on occasion!
That’s how my old job was every single day. People would put in requests for the monthly BJ’s run. I eventually learned that I packed my lunch with an ice pack and only went to the kitchen to microwave something, I could avoid temptation and only eat the snacks I had brought. But that 5-pound bag of Swedish fish was very very tempting.
Is store you’re going to Gotta Run? If not, check it out. I frequent their Annapolis store and our running club has a good relationship with them. Ooh, look, they have a blog … http://gottarunshop.wordpress.com/
Most running groups have beginner programs to help you get started, and meet friends along the way. See if Gotta Run has or knows of a group, or check out one of the local groups (http://www.rrca.org/clubs/showlist.php?state=VA or http://www.dcroadrunners.org/)!
Good luck, and maybe I’ll see you at some races. The spring/summer beginning runner programs coincide with the Woman’s Distance Festival 5K races all over MD/VA!
I never understood why people complained about food at work until I worked here. I think it’s just that the people at my old work weren’t bringing snacks all the time. Here, there is often some kind of free (and usually not weight-loss friendly) snack sitting around for whoever wants it. My trouble is that it’s almost impossible to have “just a taste” of something I really like. If I get candy after lunch, I’ve had my taste, and it’s easy to justify taking one more piece every time I walk by.
What I try to do is to resist the snack until it’s almost time to go home. Then I take whatever small portion I want and eat it on my way out to the bus stop. It’s not infallible, goodness knows I’ve had some serious chow-downs on junk food at work! But it keeps me from feeling deprived if I do get to eat some of it, and it prevents me from overindulging if I take away my access to the treat. I mean, seriously, who’s going to choose to get more Dove chocolates when you have to take the bus back to work to get them!
You’re thinking of becoming a RUNNER! Girl, you never stop to amaze me.
FreezeM LOVES to run too. It’s really his way of letting go of the stressful things that happen during the day.
Yay for running outside!!!! I agree that the time just flies by when I am outside versus on the human hamster wheel. (treadmill)
and I would have a very,very,very hard time resisting all those snacks! Stay strong!
So glad to hear you’re becoming a runner — welcome to the club! You know, once you start you won’t be able to stop.
Definitely hit those runner’s only stores for your gear — if it is a reputable place they should be able to offer you lots of advice and links to races in the area.
you might want to check out the Couch to 5k Podcasts if you haven’t heard of them already. I really like them, although the music is a little techno-y for my taste, but good for running! I can see you being a real runner in no time!
You??? Tempted by junk food??? NO WAY!!!!! Or did I misread this and you were voicing a concern for your coworkers being tempted……I literally had pounds and pounds of junk food @ when you were living with me and you turned your nose up at it . Glad to hear you got back into your running wholeheartedly!!!!! Just remember to ALWAYS carry something for self defense!!! As you know, I speak from experience!!!!
One MUST practice in being safe to become healthy…..
I think running will definitely help you but a person needs to do much more targeted exercise….n yes food at work place does affect your health..I am saying this from a personal experience
Ugh, don’t you hate it when co-workers pile up unhealthy stuff ALL OVER the office. That’s like the story of my life.