get fit

I’m enjoying better fitness now than ever before, probably. I say probably because I’ve been doing longer distance swimming and cycling than ever before, but I can’t run yet. Well, I probably could run, but my knees say no. I’ve dropped to 86kg. I’ve exercised daily for a month. I’ve cycled 35 miles, I’ve swum 3km. I’m competing on level terms with PE teachers at badminton. I’m playing a bit of low-level squash with a learner partner who’s giving me a good challenge as he’s playing regularly. I’ve been doing tai chi for a year. I don’t know when I will consider this done. Maybe I never will – it’s a journey, not a destination.

Good luck everyone!

In 20.06 minutes. First ever 5000m row. I was anticipating about 22 minutes. Hardest sustained work I have ever done for that period. Very happy with this. Ahead of average on the Concept2 rankings for my age. :-)

Have moved from 8.40 to 7.34 in the last 6 months. This is good. Still staying with the PE teachers on badminton. Even played a game of squash without incident.

Well I ought to feel proud. But there’s a long way to go. Having dropped from 111 to 102 kg inside 8 weeks, I’ve let myself get lured into playing badminton with the PE teachers once a week at lunchtime. I can stay with both of them, in part because of decent technique, but I am getting round the court too. If my knees hold out, and I keep losing weight at a good pace, I’ll be doing well for a 45 year old with a sedentary job.

it’s small steps, but it feels good. Did 40 push-ups this evening whilst doing a 45 minute Pilates session. 20/10/10. I could not have done ten in a row a fortnight ago! Strength is coming along slowly. Aerobic fitness is now at a level where I can cope with anything my body is strong enough to do.

Well, today I went for a 20 minute swim. I’ve got to the stage now where I can push it as fast as my physical strength will permit, and not run out of breath. I guess that means I need to work on my strength more.

I’m averaging 3 or 4 exercise sessions a week now, and occasionally do 30 mins cycle and 10 mins row, so I reckon that’s helping.