It has been fairly fall like lately here but then the new year came, bringing with it strong winds and dropping temperatures. Yesterday was my first trip to the gym of the new year. Believe me, it took everything to go from the car to the front door. The gusting, cold, winds cut through my jacket and workout clothes like they were tissue paper. By the time I get in the door my eyes and nose are running. I'm thinking to myself what the heck am I doing this to myself for?
But I made it through my half-hour and amazingly I went back again today, despite the frigid temperatures and a dusting of snow on the ground.
This year I'm approaching walking differently. First, one of my new mantra's, FOLLOW MY PATH. I know I pushed myself to go to fast to soon many times last year. The last time, the Reindeer Ramble, left me injured and in pain for a couple weeks. I need to accept that I've not been active for years, and just can't expect to walk a 20 minute mile at the drop of a hat without sever physical consequences.
The other thing I have to accept is that I need to train to walk. Even though we walk everyday, walking a 5k is much different. This means more treadmill and trail/track time. In reality, last year I was walking outside of events one to three times a week (most times closer to the one). Also when I was treadmill walking I was holding onto the bar the whole time and at a flat incline, two things that definitely don't prepare you for a 5k event.
This week I'm working on getting used to walking on the treadmill without holding on. I can only get up to 2.6mph before my heart rate gets to high. I hope consistency will allow me to eventually get faster and be able to raise the incline. I need to consistently remind myself that any exercise is better than none. That I can't let myself be intimidated by other's progress at the gym. That I need to FOLLOW MY PATH.
Below is a great video on the great benefits of just 30 minutes of walking a day.
