A comment by my friend Karen jolted me into action last week. I can't remember what we were talking about - more than likely weight loss, and I said something to which she replied - "Now Sandy don't be a "Gunner" - Just Do It. Just lose the weight"
So yesterday, at about 1pm, after catching up the ironing (which would usually have been an excuse to not work out because my back is damn sore after ironing for two hours), I got into some "comfy" layers and set off with my new little pedometer/calorie counter/stop watch thingy...
It was quite a balmy Autumn afternoon in the mountains, at 10 degrees, and the sun was shining...
And I did it!
I followed the intervals as best I could, and although it didn't seem like that long a period of time compared to my usual hour and a half long walks, I managed to run for 60 secs then walk for 90 secs for a total time of 20 minutes, plus a brisk 5 minute walk to warm up and another 5 minutes to get back home.
It was harder than I expected - my lungs were crying out in pain by the end of each of those 60 seconds...but it was more enjoyable than I expected - I came home with a delicious sense of achievement, and an "I can do this!" feeling that is hard to explain.
I kept repeating to myself "one step at a time", as I became tired, and it really helped take my mind off the pain and lack of breath.
I also drew inspiration from something Hubby told me last week -
He remembers reading Yiannis Kouros' biography, in which he talks about his ultra marathons, where he mentions that he never thinks about what he has to do next - instead he focuses on this stretch of road, this kilometre etc
I guess the message is to focus on the present and just do it - whatever comes next will take care of itself - a good philosophy for life in general, I think?
So, this morning a little (make that a lot) stiff, and what's "odd" is that I feel sore all over, as if I'd done a full body work-out...
Planning on a long walk today and then tomorrow it's Day 2. More of the same as Day 1 but really looking forward to it :)
Cassie is sick - she started with a nasty head cold on Saturday and now has a dreadful cough and sore throat. We have a Dr's appointment for this afternoon...poor little pumpkin, she hates missing out on school, but I'd rather she got well instead of going to school and spreading the bug to her friends and getting sicker in the process.
Have a great week everyone.
xoxox
