For the past four years, I have been a crossfit enthusiast. My gym was a COVID casualty and had to close in the spring. I haven’t done anything physical since then and I miss it.
Now that I’m on my own and actively saving more for retirement (and travel!), I can’t bring myself to pay $200/month for crossfit anymore. So, where does that leave me?
I’m going to do a “10 weeks to a 5K” running program – heaven help me. I’m not a runner. I don’t particularly enjoy running. My build is better suited to shot put – or maybe wrestling.
So, why am I doing it? Firstly, because it’s free. All it took was an investment in a good pair of runners. Secondly, I need a challenge. I’ve been told by friends there will come a point where I learn to love it. I want to see if that happens. Thirdly, my partner is a former marathon runner who wants to train for an Ironman competition. I said I’d join him in training for the running and biking portion of it. I have no intention of doing an Ironman myself, but I’ll support him with his goal.
We’re having a beautiful fall in Alberta. The temperature is perfect for getting outside and exercising. For the first few weeks, it’s a lot more walking than running as I slowly build up endurance. By the time it gets to more running than walking, I’ll join the local gym for $50/month and use the treadmills. The gym is only a 10 minute walk from my home, so I can use getting there and back as part of the warm-up and cool down.
Sounds good in theory, right? 🙂
So far, so good. Martin and I started the program a few days ago. I’ve done the first week. He’s already doing 5 min run/1 min walk intervals. I’ll be starting 4 min walk/1 min run intervals tomorrow. Cardio has never been my strength. I much prefer lifting weights. This will be good for me.
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.