This morning I knew I needed to do cardio, and it’s winter so I’m usually in the basement on the treadmill, but the sun was shining…I couldn’t resist going outside. And not just in our neighborhood for a walk. Instead I dragged my hubby, Frank, with me to walk around the MAC park in town. It was 37 degrees, but not too windy yet so it wasn’t terrible.
We walked a few laps around the soccer field on the path, about a mile. We were just under 19 minutes. Then we walked up to the amphitheater on the grounds and sat in the chairs for a bit and then headed back. This time, Frank wanted to challenge himself a little. I’m so out of shape, and he’s in such good shape, that walking with me does just about nothing for him. That’s the kinda guy he is though…lucky girl am I. Anyway, at the MAC there is a 200 step incline that I swear almost goes straight up at the end. It’s killer. It takes me about 18 minutes with the shape I’m in to do one assent. Frank on the other hand made it in 3 minutes. That’s right, THREE. Seriously. To be that fit! I can’t wait. He felt really good about his jaunt. As he should.
In the mean time, I got another mile in, closer to 20 minutes, but I’m not complaining. It’s day two. I have a while to go before I see massive improvement. But I know I will. So I’ll keep plugging along.
We came home and we were both starving so I made some chicken breasts that we had thawed the night before and used that to top a heaping healthy salad with tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, black olives and Primal Kitchen Ranch, which is Whole30 compliant. And it’s really good. Just what I need when I want a break from oil & vinegar. I’m not stuffed, but satisfied. Full, but not over the top. It’s a nice place to be. I’ve gotten 6,621 steps in so far today. My goal for this month is to consistently hit 10,000 a day and to do 10 sets of stairs. I’ve exceeded that already with the elevation changes at the MAC. So far, I’m at 11.
I am in my happy place. I’m so much better if I get my workout out of the way in the morning. First of all, it gets done. It doesn’t get pushed aside for whatever reason or excuse I can come up with. Second, I feel energized. By now I would be ready for my afternoon nap. I’d be in a total slump. My legs are tired for sure, but my brain is on and alert and I don’t feel that nagging exhaustion I usually do. It helps that I also got ample sleep last night as well. That’s a challenge for me most nights. But I am determined to hit 6-7 hours straight a night. I feel so much better when I do.
Shrinking Shay 