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Success in the Peachtree Road Race
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StGrundy
The Peachtree Road Race is a great motivator to get fit and stay in shape. Finished walking my 5th Peachtree on July 4th 2009 and my time was 96 minutes – not too bad for a walker.
If I can do it with my bad knees, back, and all those aches and pains – you can too. How do I do it? I walk all year round, indoors on a treadmill during the week and outdoors on Sundays.
My Game Plan
Walking on the treadmill makes it easier to get out of bed at 6 AM and go to the basement without having to dress for the outdoors. I grab the paper, some water, turn on the TV to catch the news and I’m ready. Generally I do 1 ¼ to 1 ½ miles every other day until May which is easier on my old joints. In May, I ramp up to 2 miles 3 times a week indoors. It only takes about 30- 40 minutes along with the pre and post walk stretching.
I can hear the groans now when I mention getting up at 6 AM to exercise. I understand totally since I am definitely not a morning person either. The surprising thing I learned is that by paying attention to my biorhythms, I discovered that I have more energy in the morning for physical activity. Exercise becomes easier and I'm finished before I get too busy and can put it off. So if I can do it – so can you.
Sundays I take long walks – 2-4 miles along Riverside drive with my dog Buddi –another great motivator (see Bo makes exercise fun.) By June, I can do a 6 mile practice session at least twice and then I know I’m ready for the Peachtree. Having the goal of participating in this awesome event motivates me to push myself to walk on a regular basis. I also reap the benefits of better health and am preventing the high blood pressure and osteoporosis that runs in my family. Last but not least, walking helps to stay trim and still fit into my size 6 clothes.
You Can Do It Too
Start planning now and begin either walking or running. Here are some tips to help you get going and be successful.
- Get fitted for proper shoes to prevent injuries
- Remember to do your stretching exercises before and after you walk or run
- Find a buddy to work with – it’s more fun to have someone to talk to and rely o n
- Find your motivating goal. Is it an upcoming event? Better health? Looking great?
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”Goethe
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