Working on my Fitness

In college, I worked out on a consistent basis. My roommate and I were always the first up on the hall in the mornings bolting to the gym so we didn't miss spinning class. I loved those classes and how empowered working out made me feel. Unfortunately in more recent years I have been slack about working out. I do have a gym membership, but the times that I actually go are so few and far between that I believe a red alert sounds on the rare occasion that I decide to grace them with my presence as I scan my card at the front desk. The people at the desk are probably on alert in case I go into cardiac arrest during my workout.

At the beginning of 2008, I dedicated myself to loosing around 20 pounds and over the course of this year I have achieved that goal. This has mainly been done by watching what I eat more closely. Still regular working out has been left out of the mix. I know that working out will not only make me look better, but it will also make me feel better. Unfortunately, the thought of spending hours in a gym brings a source of dread to me so I decided to set some new goals.

This past weekend I went to this place and took an Intro to Climbing class. I really had a great time. The people are friendly and they are excited to have others interested in their sport. I learned a lot and was amazed at all the muscles that I used that quite frankly I didn't even know that I had. The great thing about climbing is that it is challenging, but you are so focused on how you are going to get from point A to point B that you really forget what a workout it is. I am planning to go back this week and get my certification and then use climbing as a source of cross training in the future.

Despite my love for spinning classes I have never participated in any sort of group charity ride or anything. However, a few weeks ago a friend called and asked me if I wanted to join in a ride that she does with some other ladies every year. It takes place in Yadkinville, NC and is a benefit for stroke. The ride is called Cycle for Life and if you are interested you can learn more about it here. Once I was told that the ride begins and ends at a vineyard where they have lunch and a wine tasting afterwards I decided that I couldn't turn this opportunity down. What could be better than a little ride in the outdoors, a gorgeous fall day, ladies laughing aloud, a wine tasting, and all in the name of a benefit?

Now because the bike ride and the climbing were not enough I had to add one more thing to my plate and sign up for this. Now the intro page is a bit deceiving as I have only signed up for the half marathon. I have a 12 week training schedule that I have been told is very doable, but I must admit that I am a bit nervous about this undertaking. I know that there are a lot of runners out in the blogosphere so please take some time to send me your tips as I take on this new adventure.

The real reason that I have signed up for these events is so that I have concrete dates that I am trying to achieve certain results within. I am not concerned with how long it takes me to finish, although I did read on one of the websites that if I did not finish within a certain timeline I would be asked to leave the course for my own safety. That made me a bit nervous, but what I really want is to have a specific goal that I set and achieved. I am sharing this with all of you here because by sharing these goals a bit of accountability is now there.

If any of you are interested in joining me for some or all of these adventures let me know. If not, if you have any tips for me I am all ears. Here's to fitness....