I got winded just looking up at this!
I know that I said I’d avoid making a too long ‘to-do’ list for this year, but the one thing that I really need to do is get in better shape. Yes, this is something that’s on most people’s list. But the reason ‘most people’ cite for not being able to do it is, of course, time.
Right now I have a lot of time.
I also have what I feel are newer, better reasons to get in shape. You’ll first note that I did not say ‘lose weight’–though I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been and thus really should list that as an important goal. But while I’m not thrilled with being a size 14, I’m even less thrilled with how I felt after many of our hikes this summer–or after a day of walking around Walt Disney World–or after climbing the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine lighthouse. I need to get in better shape so that I can do more. Period.
And so, as I spend the next couple of months writing my book and trying to find some sort of part-time or freelance job, I will also be attempting to…run. Which is funny, because running is something that I’ve never been able to do–ever. Not even in high school–which was over fifty pounds ago (and I thought I was fat then!) I truly believe that this fitness goal will be more difficult than the book writing goal or the job finding goal. Which is scary, because those are all things that are going to be quite challenging.
But, again, that’s why I’ve given myself this year. So this morning I did my first day of a Couch-to-5K Week #1 run. It only took a half hour and I only felt like I might die once. First steps are the hardest, right?
I also went grocery shopping–because there was absolutely nothing left in the house after my husband’s brief foray into bachelorhood–and got lots of yummy, healthy things. Actually, I think I got every single yummy, healthy thing at the grocery store, as I stupidly went shopping while hungry. I have edamame, I have beets, I have salmon. I have greens, I have greens, and I have more greens. I have more low fat greek yogurt than anyone should possess at one time, and lots of fruit to go with it. I also have healthy convenience foods for times when I’m hungry RIGHT NOW–things like almonds and 100 calorie packs of crackers and that laughing cow cheese that’s in every woman’s lifestyle magazine diet plan.
It’s kind of like it is January first in my world–on September 26th.
Existential Midlife Twitch 
Hey Lady! There are a lot of great websites that give you a run down of how to go from the couch to hardcore running in different amounts of time and various methods. And my friend, who is a runner, gave me a lot of the same advice I found on these sites. But, knowing you, you’ve probably already done the same web searches I did. lol.
Hey there! Long time no hear from! I’m using a combination of the NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ podcasts and the Endomondo app. Why? Because they are free! Also because a friend of mine (who sort of recently started doing the exact same thing) suggested using some sort of a podcast–and I know she uses Endomondo because it somehow posts to her Facebook wall. I’m NOT enabling that option, as my ‘run’ for today was insanely pathetic. But at least I set the bar REALLY low for my first attempt, right? 😉
I’m on a diet right now, too. Try mixing some of the Greek yogurt with a bit of vanilla, some chooped almonds (raw or toasted in microwave for 1 min.then cooled), and some dried cherries. Or leave out the cherries and spoon into cored strawberries.
Also have you ever tried an Asian pear? I just found them. They look more like a green apple (round- not ovoid) and are sooooo juicy, crisp and sweet!!!!!
I am sure you’re getting tired of me- but I am not only interested in your writng /life exploration , but right now I need the distrations. My life is very crazy and I’m very, very stressed. Can’t put details on the web (hubby’s craziness), but trust me…. it’s not fun taking care of everyone else all the time.
Nope–not tired of you! You must understand how difficult it is to go from spending all day with 160 people to spending all day…in your house (or yard or even Disney World…but alone…) I’m DYING FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION!!! In fact, there’s a blog post in the works about that very topic!
I’ve been addicted to Asian pears for years now–they have them at our local farmer’s market…in fact, I had one for lunch today. I’ve been eating the yogurt with honey…or honey and fruit…or honey and fruit and almonds. Though vanilla sounds like a REALLY good addition! I also bought some 0% fat (I usually get the 2%) and made it into ranch dip–with carrots. Stupidly forgot the cucumbers–cucumbers and ranch dip are one of my favorite things ever–and with the fat free yogurt, they almost don’t count as food!
It’s kind of silly, but the things I most love to eat are pretty healthy–I love beets and all greens and all fish and tomatoes…and lean cuisine thai springrolls (200 calories per serving, and I have them as a meal)…yet I’m totally out of shape due to lack of exercise. Or, at least I think that’s the problem. I also drink a lot of red wine, but those are the ONLY calories I drink–I have watered down juice for every other beverage occasion. I guess we’ll see how the exercising goes!
Thanks for understanding. When I retired (suddenly) 3 years ago, I went form supervising 1100 students, more than 70 teachers and more than 15 support staff, not to mention the 3 other adminstrators, parents, community people and “downtown” people, to being home basically alone. Seeing my mom, dad and mother-in-law occassionally. Then my dad died, hubby wound up quitting his job to help run the family business (which was dangerously close to failing) with my brother-in-law, who also quit his job. Then almost a year later to the day, my baby sister died. All this while I am caring for my mom (who was sick at the time) and mother-in-law ( who has been ill for more than 3 years). I fully understand the need to ‘socialize’ with anyone!!! (and so far you are the only one who has noticed I’m not on facebook anymore). And you are doing what I always envisioned- stepping out on your own and doing somethinng you love. So I live vicariously through your posts sometimes. And like to think that I still have something to share.
By the way, did you know that walking a mile burns the same calories as running a mile? Running just burns them faster. So maybe wlaking would “fit” better for you- at least some of the time. I wish I had your “taste” for food. I HATE basically any and all vegetables except starches. I am VERY picky about texture, too. My doctor has me trying to eat something green. So far I’ve been able to tolerate eating raw baby spinach and snow peas and roasted edamame. It is slow going!!!! Trying to change my body from acidic to basic. We’ll see ….. Oh- and I’ve not been able to keep up with the exercisising (walking and on my wii fit) due to my asthma acting up.
Forgive the pity party- just needed to vent a bit.