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I am trying to walk as much as I can. I have dogs that are always ready to go around the neighborhood and to one of our many local parks. I also am trying to walk more to the grocery and other shops that are within a mile of me. I am lucky to live in an area when I can be a bit ''car free''. We have a mini-gym here where I live with free weights and a treadmill, etc. I need to do some muscle strengthening too and want to go up there a few times a week. I'm bad though because I think about it but don't do it.
I also have a bike again and as soon as the weather cooperates I will start going back to our local rail trail bike path and riding to build up mileage and enjoy cruising in the woods.
I used to be a runner in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I think about trying that again. Maybe building up to 3-5 miles as it was the best cardio I knew and I might enjoy the comradery of going out and running some local 5K fun runs. We'll see. I am not so much motivated for that, but walking and cycling are things I love to do and could easily expand on. We'll see about the running.
In early March I had a sinus infection, not a real severe one but I elected not to exercise for nine days in a row. That is just one of those things, regrettable and discouraging but inevitable. All one can do is just continue on when that becomes possible.
There was a second elementary school jog-a-thon (different school, I mean) not too long after my nine-day enforced hiatus; I ran in it and enjoyed it, although my performance was not particularly impressive.
This morning I ran 14 minutes on the treadmill, a record since I resumed cardio exercise on January 1. I knew progress would be slow, so I accept that and rejoice in every small gain. (Previous "record" was 13 minutes before the sinus infection. But I'll take the very small increments of gain because that is the only way the gains will come at my age. The first try on the treadmill was two and a half minutes!)
This morning I ran 14 minutes on the treadmill, a record since I resumed cardio exercise on January 1. I knew progress would be slow, so I accept that and rejoice in every small gain. (Previous "record" was 13 minutes before the sinus infection. But I'll take the very small increments of gain because that is the only way the gains will come at my age. The first try on the treadmill was two and a half minutes!)
ER, from 2-1/2 to 14 minutes in a few months is fantastic! I am so glad you started this thread -- I find it very inspirational.
Well, I have been walking outdoors just this week and I feel like I've lost more of a fitness level than any previous winter lapse.
It's gonna be a rough spring, but I am motivated. My dogs help me get my lazy self out the door! Not even a mile today, but it's a start.
Well, I have been walking outdoors just this week and I feel like I've lost more of a fitness level than any previous winter lapse.
It's gonna be a rough spring, but I am motivated. My dogs help me get my lazy self out the door! Not even a mile today, but it's a start.
Good for you. Making a start is what counts.
I don't live in an area where I can use "winter lapse" as an excuse. But for people in the snow belt, that's one of the great things about gyms.
Great thread. I'm 65 and used to be very active--going to the gym 3 days a week, playing tennis, skiing...and then 4 years ago, I blew out my achilles tendon playing tennis. The road back was hard--it took a year of healing and rehab. But, that injury really messed with my head and I haven't been back on the tennis court since the day I heard the distinctive "pop" when I returned a serve. I'm afraid it will happen again...
I think "use it or lose it" is absolutely true and beyond a certain age, once you lose muscle tone, you cannot get it back. This is from a doctor friend. So, I am fighting inertia to get back into shape, but it's so hard. I started walking, will do weight training at the gym, and hopefully get back on the tennis court this summer. Next week, I'm going skiing with my family and I'm a bit fearful, even with a new, comfortable pair of ski boots. But, I recognize at this age if you leave a sport, chances are slim you get it back. So, I'm fighting to keep skiing and tennis in my life, at least for awhile. I may only do half a day on the slopes, but that will be heaven.
This thread popped up on my "similar threads" list. It's several years' old, but there are some awesome posts and great bits of information in it. Thought I'd bump it, because it's a good reminder for us all.
I agree, I still keep his email.
But I now can see his infinite wisdom. My husband and I have been running on a treadmill slowly but surely.
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