Exercise and the Band

[bushbaby 8]

I began slowly... first with walks, I had a very bad knee. Then by the end of about 6 months I was up to a couple of miles. I moved in to a new community and my neighbors and I began a walking club in the summer. It made me more consistant and by that time I had dropped about 60lbs so the knees were no longer a problem. I got up to 5 miles every other day. Then when the weather go colder we all kind of slouched off and I noticed that I was not loosing anymore.. so I decided to set a goal. I would run a 5k (3.1) miles. I told absolutly everyone...to keep me honest. I joined a gym and I ran my first 5k this past Jan. It also helped with the weightloss. I have now set my sights on a triathlon in June... I just need goals. I also need something to relieve stress that is going on in my life... I have found that I can not change many things in my life but I can do this... Its a new outlook for me. Instead of eating when I am stresses I excercise. It has really worked. I don't have the same pains (not that I don't have pain) I swim 3 xs a week, I bike every other day and I run 6 days a week. But this has been a long journey for me. I did not start where I am today and it took a long time to get my mind to this mind set. I actuallyt feel bad when I am not heading to the gym for my work out. I have made friends there...especially with the trainers so they give me free advice...lol. So start slow and remember this is a journey of a lifetime!

[pugmum 0]

Rica,

Your story inspires me. Thank you!

Kelli

[ljones4521 4]

I agree! What an inspiration!

[Poster child 0]

Bushbaby,

What an inspiration! you can do anything you put your mind to! I will try to do exactly the same thing but I want to complete a century (100 mile) ride by the end of this year. I don't know if I could do a triathalon, I can't swim that well! Keep us all posted on your progress. Let us know what day you're going to compete!

[bandayed 0]

I started 6 weeks after surgery walking about 2 miles about 3 or 4 times a week. I've graduated since then to the elliptical machine for 20 minutes, the recumbent bike or walking for a 1/2 hour or 45min total. I try to do 5 times a week. Last week, I just started weight training again. I know we all know we should do it, but figure getting in the cardio is better or more important, right? Well, I gotta tell you, after only a week and a half I can feel (and I think see) the difference already. It really helps with your posture too! So those of you that are thinking of getting into it I say go for it! It's been a long time for me since I did it, but I am so happy to be back at it -- it's kinda boring, but hey -- results are results right!?!?!?