Posted by hanlie | Posted in My Long Walk to Health | Posted on 08-02-2009
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
Nelson Mandela wasn’t talking about fitness when he made that statement, but for me it certainly applies.
Five weeks ago, to the day, Craig and I went for a walk at Mouille Point, along the seafront. The 35 minute walk left me tired and my back and hips aching. My feet were on fire too.
This morning we went back there. It was barely light, because we’re in the middle of a heatwave and wanted to get the exercise out of the way before it got too hot. Fortunately the sea breeze helped. The sun coming up over the mountains and lighting up the sea was beautiful and serene. Craig went off for a 10K run and left me to my thoughts.
In the past, when my heart was aching to have a baby, it often felt as if the whole world was pregnant or pushing a stroller. These days I see so many people getting fit and exercising, because that is what I’m focusing on. That’s a great reminder to me again to visualize the things I want to see more of in my life.
So, I saw lots of runners and walkers. Some fat, some fit, some ripped and some with dogs. They all had something in common though – they chose to get out of bed early on a Sunday morning and exercise. Fitness is a choice! Health is not a lottery win, it’s a choice! In fact, it’s choosing exercise over wasting time and healthy food over junk every single day. No-one but you can make that choice for yourself.
My walk this morning? I did 7K (4.4 miles) in 90 minutes – all the way to the Sea Point Pavillion and back. I know it’s not very fast, but considering how far I’ve come in just 5 weeks, I’m very proud and very encouraged!
I really needed that reminder today, because I tried to swim for the first time yesterday and my effort was laughable. I can only swim about 15 meters (45 ft)! I did it a few times though and have decided that I’ll practice every day, after my scheduled workout.
The same applies to cycling. I got on a bicycle for the first time in decades on Thursday and could only manage 10 minutes. But I came back after my circuit training and did another 10 minutes. And on Friday I did 10 minutes again after doing my scheduled workout. Pretty soon I’ll be able to do 15 minutes.
I will be a triathlete!
Looking back and seeing how far you’ve come, is probably one of the best motivational tools. Do it often! You’ll be amazed!
We’ve decided to enter a 10K charity walk two weeks from now. It’s on the same route we were on today, so I know I can do it! They have a lucky draw at the end and I’ve got my eyes on one of the mountain bikes up for grabs. Keep your fingers crossed!
I love the attitude!
People look/read at what I do now and I think that they forget the in between part. I think they think it was couch to present – with no starting steps.
And there were a lot of starting steps.
I have started (totally over) walking two times since I started this process. And that is enough that I remember.
The last time was almost exactly a year ago – after surgery. I started out walking to the end of my driveway and back – and it was all I could do to slowly make it to the end of my driveway and back. And I slowly built from there.
I can picture exactly what you are saying about swimming and the bike and walking. You are very wise to not expect too much from yourself all at once. And wise to start out very slow and even so that you do not hurt yourself!
vickies last blog post..
I think that is a great time!!! The baby will be here soon…….drink in life in the meantime
annettes last blog post..
Great post Hanlie! You are inspiring as always!
Karla
Living a Whole Lifes last blog post..Glass Drinking Straws with Purpose and Style
Thanks for the post Hanlie; I really needed to read something like this. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with hard work and persistence.
Tonys last blog post..Wonderful Night. Horrible Morning.
Awesome post. And it’s good to focus on the progress we are making besides just the number on he scale. Yes, you WILL be a triathlete!
Debs last blog post..Fat Girl Walking….For a Good Cause
You’re doing great! I like to take a little bit slower pace on a longer walk and a faster pace on shorter walks, so your time seems very reasonable to me.
Congrats on dipping more than your toe in the water! You gotta start somewhere, as the saying goes, and you’re on your way now!
Cammys last blog post..Red Friday Wrap-up
So encouraging! And congratulations! Good luck on getting that moutain bike! I really need to get a bike as well…hmmmm….
Michelles last blog post..1 Corinthians 13:13
Hanlie this is fantastic to hear!!!
Every time you write about your new fitness routines and exercise I have to tell you I am blown away as I do not know anyone else who has ever become so serious and diligent with so many different exercise – all I have to say is way to go, you are truly an inspiration for us all!!!
P.S. I forgot to tell you I have been trying to get Mary-Ann’s book for a few weeks now and it is out of stock on Amazon.ca so I have to wait some more to get my hands on it!
Evitas last blog post..Movie Review: Processed People
sounds like fun, good luck on the walk! triathlon next?
Kristi Summers last blog post..Ode to Cereal
You’re absolutely right to be proud — of the walking and starting the swimming and biking. I’ll be cheering you on in your upcoming 10K! Each step, pedal, stroke is closer to your triathalon and to that baby!
Sherres last blog post..There IS a runner’s high
awesome, awesome, awesome. and 7km – that’s impressive!
ordinarylifes last blog post..The disadvantage!
I am enjoying your journey so much! Thank your for the updates!