It was good advice for me yesterday as I met up with Kimila to do a little cardio at Life Time Fitness. I enjoyed having a chance to get to know Kimila better (did you know she has a master's and a doctorate in special education!), enjoyed the distraction from watching the clock, and actually enjoyed the exercise.
I went to LifeTime on Saturday, too, remembering (Fr.) Kyle's instructions -- 30 minutes on the treadmill in five minute intervals of 3.0mph and 3.8mph. About 2 minutes into my second 3.8mph set, Kyle showed up at my treadmill asking how I was doing.
I told him that the 3.0mph seemed a little too slow, but no way could I go the whole time at 3.8mph.
"When was the last time you jogged?," he asked me.
"Hmmm...how about high school gym class?"
He responded by reaching over and increasing the speed of my treadmill to 4.2mph -- a speed which required my short legs to break into a jog. I think it was payback for the priest comment. He said to jog for as long as I could. I made it two minutes -- seriously, that's an accomplishment.
"You know what this means," Kyle said. It means I was afraid of what he was going to say next.
"You can do more than you think you can," he continued. "So now I want you to do 4 minutes at 3.2mph, 4minutes at 3.8mph, and 2 minutes at 4.2mph for at least 30 minutes."
And you know what? I did! By the time I finished on Saturday, I'd logged 2 miles on the treadmill and nearly 200 calories burned. On Sunday, I did the same. Now I don't want to be all triumphant and victorious over a total of 10 minutes at a jog, but for someone who was a self-confessed couch potato only a month ago, this is a big step.
Oh, and I promised Kyle that I would make it clear that he is not REALLY a priest (and he is, in fact, available), just that he plays one inside my head. So I tried to take a picture of him so you could see for yourself. This is what I got:
I told him that the 3.0mph seemed a little too slow, but no way could I go the whole time at 3.8mph.
"When was the last time you jogged?," he asked me.
"Hmmm...how about high school gym class?"
He responded by reaching over and increasing the speed of my treadmill to 4.2mph -- a speed which required my short legs to break into a jog. I think it was payback for the priest comment. He said to jog for as long as I could. I made it two minutes -- seriously, that's an accomplishment.
"You know what this means," Kyle said. It means I was afraid of what he was going to say next.
"You can do more than you think you can," he continued. "So now I want you to do 4 minutes at 3.2mph, 4minutes at 3.8mph, and 2 minutes at 4.2mph for at least 30 minutes."
And you know what? I did! By the time I finished on Saturday, I'd logged 2 miles on the treadmill and nearly 200 calories burned. On Sunday, I did the same. Now I don't want to be all triumphant and victorious over a total of 10 minutes at a jog, but for someone who was a self-confessed couch potato only a month ago, this is a big step.
Oh, and I promised Kyle that I would make it clear that he is not REALLY a priest (and he is, in fact, available), just that he plays one inside my head. So I tried to take a picture of him so you could see for yourself. This is what I got:
Is it just me or does he appear to be giving me a blessing?!
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You are so funny, Amy. “Father” Kyle seems to know your limit and it is obvious he has a lot of confidence in your physical ability. And I’m impressed with your knowledge about allowing lactic acid building up in your muscles to have a chance to dissipate – wow! Your next job should be personal trainer. I’m glad you’re having fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your treadmill experience! I too haven't jogged in years, but I just tried your approach at LA Fitness and like you, was surprised that I didn't pass out or have a heart attack. It actually felt pretty good. I think you are doing just great and are in inspiration for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteEllen