A Good Lesson

Today I wanted to work out on the step-mill, or the "Gauntlet" as some call it....it is the actual steps that are on a loop that fall under you. Can't cheat on that machine......unless you hang on the rails with all your weight.....anyway.....

I couldn't use that machine. And I didn't want to run as my ankle is a little tweaked from acting on a hill of snow everyday....so.....

I looked towards the Precore....the elliptical machine. A few years ago, I LOVED that machine. But I was going at such a high rate that it was starting too not really feel healthy. I wasn't doing it for health.....it was for ego.....to see if I could still go as fast in my 40th year as when I was in my early 30's.

I had a bit of fear as I stepped onto it today. But as I began, I took my ego out of it and really listened to what felt good to my edge TODAY. Not slacking off. Not pushing for what I have done in the past. What is good in the NOW.

And the result was a wonderful workout that left me feeling great. And it wasn't too far off what I used to do (see my ego can't take the WHOLE day off!) which surprised me.

My workout today was a good reminder of how what you are wanting out of life changes as you age. It is ok to let the past accomplishments and failures go. It makes room for todays goals. So I am back to the precore. Another friend in my arsenal of aerobic attack! Between precore, gauntlet yoga and good ole' running, I should be in great shape for my life. The thing that really is great about hitting the machines is that it gives you a break from the jarring that running can give you......BUT it is vital to keep the running up because some of that jarring is really good for your bones and muscles!

Ok, no HUGE revelation today....but a good old friend came back into my workout world.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

-Rob

A Chilly Half-Marathon Inspired by Roche!

Okay, it has been two months since I posted an entry here. I thought I would let this go after the Project was done. But today I remembered, "We are never DONE.....when we are trully done, I think we are dead!" So having an inspired day, I am writing again and will do so once a week at least!

I wanted to run with Chris Roche around Eagle Creek yesterday. He is training for a full marathon on a wooded and hilly trail. It is happening in six weeks, and the man was going out for a looooong run yesterday, despite having a fever earlier in the week! But my legs needed a day of rest as I have been pushing them hard this past week. I decided to honor my need for rest, as it was the heathier choice. I did house chores, watched football and thought of Chris often.

I had planned to run 10 miles today after my rest yesterday. 10 miles on a nice indoor track that is well padded. 10 miles in shorts and a tee shirt. But I kept thinking about Chris' run......

I decided to suck it up and run outside today. After my matinee of Christmas Carol, I stopped by the Running Co. in Broad Ripple to sign me and Jen up for the Turkey Day run. I invested in some good cold weather running pants and gloves. They gave me a 20% discount because I signed up for the race!

You know.....I used to HATE the notion of running in cold weather. HATE IT!!!!! No, maybe worse than hate.....I just refused to let it be an option. But today something flipped. Maybe it was because I know Chris is working so hard at it no matter the weather.....maybe also because I saw an old friend in the park running this morning as I walked my dog......but whatever the reason, I did it, and in style!

I wound up running a half marathon and really enjoyed the weather. As long as you have the right gear, running in the upper 30 degree weather isn't too bad!

So now I am warm and happy inside. Waiting for Jen to get home from Ohio. A warm cup o' joe and a sleeping pup at my side as I type. And I want to thank Chris for once again guiding me into another option for health and well-being.

Rock on, fellow Project Grads.....and all potential Project enrollees!!

Peace,

Rob