Happy 2009, everyone! I've been out of the loop, so to speak, with all the holiday hooplah. How's everyone doing?
Kudos to those of you who did our 15-miler Saturday. The humidity, warm temps, and blustery winds made it a difficult little jaunt. The folks in my group did fantastic, with everyone finishing strong!
This time of year there are lots of promises to work out more, eat better, etc., and I've noticed my gym gets really crowded -- for about a month. Once February gets here, it will go back to the "regulars," and all those good intentions will have been thrown by the wayside. The drive-thru at McDonald's will do a brisk business, and drivers with Big Mac sauce running down their triple chins will clog the freeways. Every media station known to man will run shows on new diets or pills that make the fat melt away without getting off the couch.
You probably think I sound cynical, but that's not it. My point is that a healthy lifestyle requires effort. Period. No matter how many times we ring in a New Year, that just isn't going to change. If you want to gain muscle, get your butt into the gym. If you want to lose weight, start doing some cardio. There are no pills to do it for you, and there are no immediate results. It takes focus and dedication. Those of you training right now already know this. Z-Man mentioned on Saturday's run that the longer mileage is a "good reality check," and he's absolutely right. There are no short cuts when it comes to endurance training. You simply have to gut it out. Some are more genetically gifted than others, but nobody gets a free pass. If you don't do the work, you won't get the reward. And if you think you can't or it's too hard or you aren't strong enough, try watching some true endurance events. I watched the Kona Ironman on TV a few weeks ago, and a 72-year old woman finished it. So did a guy with one leg. Did you watch the "other" Beijing Olympics?? That would be the Para Olympics -- and if you're feeling lazy or sorry for yourself, there's nothing like seeing athletes with physical disabilities compete in track and field events to make you realize you should shut up, lace up your running shoes, and be grateful you can head out the door.
2009 is here, and along with it comes new opportunities. What are your goals, and are you ready to work for them? I missed alot of bike time last year due to my schedule, and this spring you'll find me logging in road miles and being thankful I can do it even when I want to hurl. I also plan on learning how to swim, the very thought of which causes me to start hyperventilating. Wish me luck. What are you going to do?? 2009 is here and it will be gone quickly. Get busy.
GIjan
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Great post, Jan.
ReplyDeleteI learned to swim a few years ago, and then promptly freaked out in Decker Lake during the Danskin triathlon. Swimming in a pool is so different from open water. But, it's on the top of the list for '09 to get stronger at it.
There are no shortcuts, that's for sure. You can tell yourself you'll be OK taking the easy way, but there's a stretch somewhere between mile 17 and 24 that will tell you differently. But if you do the work, it pays off on race day (and every other day, too!)
Do you want to do some swimming this spring/summer? I'm looking for partners....I'll be the one with little floaties on and wearing the "silent scream of terror" expression on my face..... I figure there are worse ways to go than drowning. It's supposedly very peaceful..... I worry more about parasites and water quality in open water. I see too much of it in my job and it creeps me out.
ReplyDeleteFor any of you who plan to work on their swimming this summer I strongly recommend taking lessons from a good swim coach. I have heard that swimming is 70% about technique and 30% about fitness. A good teacher could do a world of good. And read Total Immersion!
ReplyDeleteI'm starting with wading in ankle-deep water without having an anxiety attack. Once I perfect that technique, I'll progress to an actual coach..... ;)If you know of any good ones (and by good, I mean one who won't laugh hysterically when I flop around in the water), let me know! See ya' all tomorrow....dress warm. Cold, windy. Everything I hate.
ReplyDeletejan