Mike and I ran our first half marathon back on May 19th. I have run a couple of times since, no long distances just enough to get my heart rate up and get a good sweat.
I haven't worked out in the gym in a long time. Life gets busy. Work gets crazy. I'd rather come home after a long day and just relax, maybe watch a couple episodes of a past season of Dexter.
I don't get any healthier or any more fit if I don't exercise. At 47, I'm not really interested in the perfect body. Don't get me wrong, I want to look good, I just don't want to be in the gym every day for a couple of hours. A good physical week for me is three times in the gym for an hour or so.
The biggest reason I like working out is because of health. I feel better and I know that I am investing in my lifelong health savings account. Being vegan is a huge start. Not smoking and not drinking certainly helps. Continuous exercise is what wraps it all up and gives me a better chance of being as healthy as I can be.
Yesterday I went back to my gym after being absent for a few weeks. The excuses mount: terrible allergy season that has not only affected my sinuses but also my lungs and breathing capacity; twisted my foot a week ago and it is still a little painful; and I'd much rather take a nap or lay on the couch and work on my blog.
I am SO glad I didn't. What an amazing workout! I felt awesome! Strong and ready to rock it. I am so glad I went and am ready to get back to a regular schedule.
I have gotten a lot better with what I eat and having a regular workout schedule is going to be a great addition to that.
It is all a process. My veganism only takes me so far. I realize when I am in a solid pattern of working out that I feel better physically and my body is only going to thank me in the future.
Off to drink my kale - spinach - blueberry - protein smoothie! Thanks for reading!
Lydia and I also went back to the gym this week after a few weeks of recess... we try to go 3 times a week.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to wake up at 5am and go, but it does help me tremendously with my lower back pain and I feel better overall when we go regularly.
Mauro! Hi! I totally agree. I always feel better! Sending you lots of love!
DeleteTo you too! We miss hanging out with you. You wouldn't be planning to go to the Toronto Veg Fest, would you? We will be there. :-)
DeleteI also need to get back on track! I see a trainer once per week but need to do more cardio (and eat better). I have the same goals - strong and healthy (although I don't mind having bigger biceps).
ReplyDeletexo
Great post!
ReplyDeleteI run daily and commute by bike but just because I do it daily doesn't make it easy, that's for sure. I have days where I have to force myself to get out and run. The biking part is easy because I really enjoy it and it's great for the environment. The running part, for whatever reason, is harder for me. I enjoy it so why is it so tough to sometimes get out and do it? I'm always making excuses not to do it. It looks like it might rain, it's too hot, I'm tired, etc. I'm 46 years old and like you, I'm no longer concerned about being "buff" but I want to be healthy and be around for a few more years to watch my kids grow up. And being Vegan is most definitely helpful but not the end all solution. I need to get my lazy butt out there and exercise!! :-)
Chad! You and me both. Your story here inspires me! I am back in the gym tomorrow!
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