Not-so-great Workouts

I don't know what my problem has been this week, but I have had a difficult time with my workouts. It seems like each one has been a struggle to start and complete. Out of my many years of exercising, I have not had many times when I didn't look forward to working out. I remember, in 2002, my husband, Terry, and I trained for a full marathon for 8 months. After we finished running on race day, my motivation to exercise disappeared for about 6 weeks. I couldn't believe it and I was very concerned, at the time. Eventually, my drive and love for working out returned. I guess this is just "one of those times".

Here's to a better week worth of workouts!

Running - Exercise of Choice

If you have had a chance to read any of my previous posts, I am sure that you have come to realize that I am an avid runner. If I had to pick my favorite exercise, it would definitely be running. The reasons for my love for running are many!

First, I love the fact that, no matter where I am, I can go for a run. Whether I am out of town on vacation, away on a business trip, or at home on the weekends, I can put on a pair of tennis shoes and get after it!

Second, it is a very inexpensive sport in which to participate. As long as you have a good pair of shoes, a pair of shorts, and a t-shirt, you are good-to-go. No need to invest money in expensive equipment where running is concerned.

Third, it gives you the freedom to be outdoors or indoors (if it is raining); whatever works best for you on a particular day.

Forth, it is a flexible exercise in that you can do it in groups or by yourself. I typically run by myself during the week, but on the weekends, my family participates.

Fifth, it is a multi-seasonal sport so that you can enjoy it year-round.

As a note to the readers, my dad was a Baptist minister. Growing up, I learned the "art" of using three points from his sermons, but I had to add in a few extras on this topic! If you haven't tried running and you are in good physical condition, give it a try. You MIGHT just come to love running as much as I do.

School is BACK!!!

School is back in session and there are so many things that I love about this time of year.

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the fabulous weather! I am sure that you are thinking "it's 90 degrees outside today!". Let's face it, ninety beats 104 degrees any day! The fall is such a beautiful time of year and a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.

The next thing that I love is football season. My family and I attend the Baylor games and it is such a fun time together. I also play fantasy football with a group of co-workers, which gives everyone an excuse to give each other a hard time about winning and losing!

The other reason I love starting back to school is that the gym activity at lunch time (which is workout time for me) decreases dramatically. During the summer, it is difficult to find room to workout in the weight room. Now that it is September, we are back to the regular group of folks and much more space!

Three cheers for school and TEN for teachers!

Weekend Exercise

I took a day off from work this past Friday so that my family and I could finish-up some school shopping. As a part of each day, we have to fit in some time for working out. So, Friday morning, we started out the day with a run; the weather was beautiful. As usual, my son rode his bike while my husband and I ran. Saturday's workout was the same as Friday - fabulous! Exercising in the mornings is my preference because it jump-starts my day, both physically and mentally. On Sunday's, we go to church in the morning, eat lunch, take a nap (some of us take a nap!), and then we workout. This past Sunday, it was around 3:30 when we started our run and so, as you can imagine, it was extremely hot. We took several water bottles with us and we went for it! Even though the temperature can be blistering at times, I enjoyed being in the heat. I don't think that I could run in the heat everyday, but once a week is exhilarating.

What a great weekend we had. Thanks to my family for putting up with my habits! : )

Exercise Converts!

Last night, I received a message from my parents saying that they had gone to exercise. Not only were they excited to tell me about it, but I was excited to hear the news. Through the years, I have tried to encourage my parents to add some sort of exercise routine to their daily life. However, a child can only make suggestions to a parent and a fine line exists between making a suggestion and being overbearing. I also recieved an e-mail from my sister-in-law this week saying that she was ready to get back to working out after having a baby and going through a move to Missouri.

These two examples show that it is never too late to incorporate exercise into your daily life, no matter your age or your circumstances! Can I get an "Amen"?!

Gym Substitute

When I got to the gym today during lunch, I was getting dressed and I discovered that I didn't have my tennis shoes in my gym bag. Consequently, I didn't get to do my workout. So, after dinner tonight, my family and I took my dog for a mile and a half walk. Even though it wasn't my normal workout or at the typical intensity level, it felt good to get outside and get some exercise.

All of that to say, even if you can't get to a gym setting for daily exercise, alternate solutions for maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be found if you are creative!

Natural Stress Reducer!

I have mentioned in previous posts that I try to go to the Summit during my lunch break at work. Boy, did I need it today!

Let me explain. A huge benefit of working out is it serves as a natural stress reducer. I want to emphasize two things in my last statement. First, "natural", since it takes away the need of medication to deal with stress. Second, "reducer", because the exercise doesn't wipe out the stress, but helps to manage it. Right now, my job is more stressful than normal. Having a break in the day for exercising has helped to reduce the stress that I am experiencing and allows me to look forward to my afternoon at work.

I will be a proponent of exercise until my last breath because of the many benefits it adds to a person's life!