Photo by SpinDiva "Windmill Walk"
For the first time since I moved I purposely engaged in physical exercise. I figured since I've been getting my workout from running up and down the stairs, lifting heavy boxes and kids; and walking through town, on the beach, to the pool, I should still be in relatively good shape. I was staying active with the kids even though I was not Spinning(r) or doing any type of organized exercise and that was one of my goals during this moving process.
Here, in Guantanamo Bay, it is really easy to stay active. You almost have to purposely not want to be involved with anyone to be inactive because there is something going on for the entire family just about everyday and when there isn't, it's not hard to come up with something to do.
A couple of the mom's asked me if I wanted to go for a walk up to the Windmills early in the morning. I, of course, jumped at the opportunity to workout and have some fun company. The walk to the Windmills can range between 2.5 and 3.5 miles. It all depends where you start. The intensity can also vary depending on what you bring with you, a bottle of water vs. a stroller with a toddler. I drove the trail about a week ago and remembered thinking what a painful walk or run that would be because it is most definitely steep and unforgiving. It wold be a challenge.
Obviously, I have selective memory because when we started walking on this beautiful, warm morning I though "oh it may be challenging but I can do this a few times over." (So arrogant!!) NOT!!! or Not yet anyway. I walked with my friend and her toddler in the stroller, at first she pushed and I just held my water bottle. I could see pushing the stroller would add to the challenge so we decided to take turns pushing. Every time we turned I thought this must be the last one and every time I was wrong. The last strip was straight up right to the windmill. OUCH! Coming back was a piece of cake.
But can I just say how sore I am today and not just my legs. I expected everything from the hips down to be sore. Not my arms, back, chest and abs. Everything hurts!!! But it hurts in a good way. I needed to feel my muscles again. I needed to get a cardiovascular workout that would challenge me. Even though I am sore today, I feel great and feel a great sense of accomplishment. I will tackle that hill again soon. That will most definitely be part of my workout routine in the new year.
I hope you are finding ways to stay active alone or with your family. Have fun, despite the weather, and have a happy, energized, fantastic year 2010!!
Stay well, stay safe!
Really a great post.. and nice tips for health fitness..
Thanks for the post..
Posted by: Life coach | January 01, 2010 at 17:09