walk, run, push up, crunch - It's a workout!

When the going gets tough, the tough start walking or get weak and start eating. I admit to being on both sides of the meter when it comes to stress and how I react to stress. There have been times when I just throw in the towel and eat whatever I want (usually Oreo(r) cookies and milk) or lay on the couch and just get lazy or both. That is never good because I generally feel worse, more anxiety, more stressed. I try very hard not to fall into that pit very often and enjoy my treats and lazy days for reasons other than stress.

We have only vehicle at least until the motor cycle arrives with the rest of our house hold goods (maybe tomorrow?) The rest of the time here we've been using other people's cars to get around. I have to say, it is very cool that people share their vehicles when they leave the island for incoming families to use. We've used 4 different cars since we've been here. Anyway, I turned in our last loaner yesterday and decided that I can walk to just about everywhere here and/or take the FREE commuter bus that runs throughout the base.

I started my day with an exhaustion push up test which I did to asses where I am before beginning the hundred push up challenge (yes, again)--it's a great program, takes about 10 minutes a day, three days a week and the goal is to help you reach 100 push ups in seven weeks. They've added several other challenges which I will tackle later on. It's best I take it one challenge at a time right now. So 100 push ups in seven weeks? I don't know about that, but if nothing else, I will be stronger in seven weeks. I did 15, well formed, full body push ups. Yikes, not bad but a lot less then I could do two months ago.  




"Push ups are one of the basic and most common exercises for the human body. Push ups are not only great for your chest, but do a tremendous job of defining your abs, triceps, shoulders and torso. Push ups can be performed no matter where you are, and best of all, they are completely free - no expensive equipment or annual gym fees required! If you're looking to develop a great chest and shoulders, you could do much worse than follow along with the hundred push ups plan. Your core strength will also go through the roof too!"

 
Next I loaded the baby 30 lb toddler in the jogging stroller along with his goodies, my water and iPod and walked to all my errands. I kept up with the beat of my Spinning(r) music and got a great walking workout on the way there. On the way home I decided to make it a bit more challenging. I ran as fast as I could about 1/4 mile, then I walked taking small, quick steps another 1/4 mile. I alternated the running with the walk until I got home. These hills are brutal! I finished off my workout alternating between crunches and leg lifts and spent about 10 minutes stretching and cooling down.

It was the best workout I've had in over a month. It was free, the toddler was with me the entire time. He had a great time in the stroller and after playing and eating he took a nice nap which gave me time to relax, meditate, and just be.

An update on the nutrition front:
It has been very difficult to stick to my mostly vegetarian diet mainly because the fresh veggies we do have don't really look that appealing. I think I will have to stock up on frozen as a back up. The frozen fruit is great in my morning Kashi Crunch and in my snack mixed in with yogurt. I even throw raspberries in my salad sometimes. I just have to keep those creative juices flowing and it will get easier to eat healthier when options are limited. I also spotted vegetables I sort of recognize but need to just buy them and learn how to eat them so this could be an eye opening experience after all.

Walk, run, push up, crunch -- it's free, it's fun, and it's a great way to start a fitness routine. Try it!!
Stay Well,
  

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