I decided on Saturday, September 4, 2010 I was going to start "running". What this really meant is...I was going to get in shape so that I could eventually meet my first goal of running a 5k. I've been consistently working out the past three weeks and I've seen dramatic changes in my body, mind and soul. It's been a weird transformation.
I started getting in shape by walking around Grant and Millennium Park in Chicago. These are two well known parks in Chicago. Grant Park is famous because President Obama made his election win speech in Grant Park. Millennium Park is famous for the Pritzker Pavilion and the Bean art sculpture. The entirety of the two parks together is probably more than a 5k, but I cut through the middle of Grant Park and walk north through Millennium Park fora total distance of 3 miles, just under a 5k (3.1 miles).
One morning I woke up ready to walk my way around the parks when I realized it was raining. I quickly called my local gym and signed up for a membership. Fifteen minutes after walking in to the gym, I was on the elliptical machine.
Since starting my training, I have significantly increased my stamina and endurance. When I first started on the elliptical, I was barely moving. Now, five times a week, I spend 28 minutes on the elliptical and 15 minutes on the treadmill, burning roughly 530 calories a session.
I've also been enjoying some of the classes at my gym which include dancing-aerobics, water-aerobics and cycling. I purchased a Polar FT4 heart rate monitor to monitor my heart rate. I used a clever website to calculate my minimum and maximum heart rates and my target heart zones. I also have been watching what I've been eating. Even though I have yet to actually start running, I am confident if I continue on my current path, I will be in enough shape to run consistently soon.
Overall, I feel like I've made a significant change in my life. I've altered the way I approach exercise and food in a way that I think can only improve my health. I am not always the most disciplined person in the world, but I do believe in exercise and eating healthy. I will admit, I love a good margarita, a greasy slice of pizza, watching tv on my sofa and sleeping in late. But there is no reason I can't have all the those things I love every once in a while and still be healthy.
