Getting fit after forty is not for sissies

Have you ever woken up, looked in the mirror and realised what used to be an okay body has now turned into a cellulitey flabby mess.  Well I have been doing that for the past 2 years and recently the need to get myself back into shape was important enough for me to get started.  Finally!

So, after being realistic and researching what exercises can be done at home, mostly without equipment (isometrics) I have settled on a weekly routine which includes 3 arm exercises, a tummy exercise, cycling and learning how to run.  That may sound silly but I have never run, not even around the block.

Very tired feet

Pete bought me a really good pair of running shoes – a new age pair of runners based on Vibram technology – none of those padded and cushioned running shoes, these are based on running “barefoot” the way we are naturally supposed to run, just like the bushman – so from the outset I am learning properly.

Pete who has been running his whole life is well versed on how to do it properly and even sent me a supporting article on his theory of a run-walk sequence of getting fit without hurting yourself and staying motivated.  Oh isn’t theory wonderful.

This is where the age factor really hit home.  I have always been active so was fooled into thinking I was semi-fit.  It is a tad hard to get past the brick wall and have the endorphins takeover.  I am now of the opinion I was 100% unfit and with each new day I am getting stronger and fitter.  Woohoo!  Although this would have been a MUCH easier task had I started 15 years ago.  Lesson learnt a little late but better late than never.

Pete is an incredible motivator and PT Master.  I have been able to, albeit with a wee bit of wincing, run a bit further and on occasion slightly faster than the day before, proof that Pete’s theory really does work.

As you know, Pete does a lot of travelling and it was just pure chance he was home long enough to get me started.  Now, its all up to me without the motivational and encouraging words every few metres.  I asked Pete to make a tape for when he is away so I can play it over and over while I am running but alas he did not.

Oh and there will be no cheating or guessing what I achieved as Pete gave me a Garmin heart rate monitor, calorie counting, GPS thingy so just as soon as I have uploaded my daily stats Pete will be able to see exactly where I ran and what my times were no matter where he is in the world.  Isn’t technology amazing.

So, here’s to be sticking with my new found regime – summer won’t be a problem, it’s those winter days which worry me a bit.  Then again by the time winter comes I will be as fit as a fiddle and my tenacity will carry me through those cold days.  Well that’s what I am telling myself.

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