I took on a mega-fitness challenge, but my timing sucked. As some of you may know, when I’m not running, I am a literary blogger, author, editor and festival founder. Well, in the calm before the storm of the literary festival, in March, I took on a modified version of the Body for Life 12-week Fitness Challenge.
Well, that was kind of dumb timing. But, it had its good points. For one, I was working out and not stressing out through the festival in late May, which is also known as my busiest time of the year. But, it did lessen my workout focus in the week that followed, when I was planning for live stream author interviews at Printers Row Lit Fest. But, that’s ok.
A blog I really love is Slow Mofo, by John Frenette of HellaSound. One thing I like so much about his blog is that Frenette isn’t afraid to try new things and doesn’t blame himself when said new things don’t go to the letter. Because, really, what does ever go exactly as planned? Right.
So, with that in mind, I’m starting over. Granted, I’ve never really been in terrible shape but I’m in better shape than I was when I first started the fitness challenge back in late March. So, I’m not starting from the same place this time. So what? I’m starting again, in any case. Part of the fitness challenge is to photograph oneself at the beginning and end of the challenge. On my first time at bat with the challenge, I did Day Zero photos, and was shocked when my halfway point photos looked exactly the same. But, that’s also okay. I could feel a difference, and really saw a difference in my running economy, and that’s what counts.
And why, prey tell, am I doing this? Why not. I mean, really, why not? I’m active and in shape, but I think it’s time to bring it up a notch. I don’t want to just be fit, I want to be strong, have better running economy, expand my fitness activity horizons and be in better health. And, I don’t want to stop at the 12-week challenge. Nope. I want to declare this the summer of uber-cross training and of expanding my fitness horizons.
So, the new 12-week Fitness Challenge is on. It’s inspired by the Body For Life program, but I’m adding to it for variety. And, I’ll document it all here. Because, you know, why not?
Filed under: bonkfighter, experience, fight the bonk, motivation, training, workouts | Tagged: challenge
Aw, look at you, droppin’ the Slow Mofo science. Bless your heart! Good luck with your re-start, and keep kickin’ butt!
Oh, and btw: the reason you looked the same at the halfway part? You’re pretty damn in shape as it is, sister. Sorry to be the one to tell you, but unless your fitness goals entail putting on 75lbs of muscle, you’re probably not gonna look that much different than your already-fit-looking self. Just sayin’.
I know, I know. But, about, say, ten or twelve pounds of muscle would be really sharp.
I know you’re not the gym rat type, but have you considered doing multiple-joint movements 3 times a week? Squats, deadlifts, bench press, still dips, pull-ups (assisted–at first anyway)–at truly challenging weights–can help you gain functional muscle mass. Not sure how much the extra muscle weight would help your running, but weight training would sure help stave off the osteoporosis monster (or so they say).