During the year before we moved into the offices in Tower Office Plaza, I averaged 187 running miles per month. In the three years since moving, the monthly average dropped to 107. Then, about a year ago, mom was diagnosed and subsequently passed from kidney cancer. During the past 12 months, my average monthly mileage has been just 78.
No wonder I feel like an old man when I’m running these days!
The only way to get into running shape is to run. However, there’s a variety of ways to get into (or stay) fit. Here’s a few smart things I’ve been doing in the face of my reduced running time:
1. Healthy, portion-controlled eating – helps to keep off the weight (although I’m several pounds over racing weight).
2. Daily calisthenics – a few sets of push-ups, crunches, or sit-ups before the morning shower gets the metabolism started and helps tone core muscles.
3. Riding a bike – as a kid, I rode a “ten speed” everywhere. We recently got bikes for recreational use, and I discovered I like riding it to the office too, burning about 90 calories each way.
4. Hiking with my youngest daughter – she’s rekindled another of my youthful passions. We’ve hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, and done several challenging hikes in Zion and Yosemite National Parks, adding to my aerobic base.
5. DIY Projects – I’ve always enjoyed “do it yourself” projects. We’ve done some pretty heavy lifting removing a tree and stump and building a retaining wall. Lots of other projects on the calendar will keep me moving.
I’d like to run Boston again in 2017, but that means I’ll need to run a qualifying time in another marathon after this September. My race calendar is currently empty.
Only if I can figure out how to get the running back up to racing levels, without a negative impact on the other aspects of my life, will I race again.
Stay tuned . . .
TRACKING #1- 383749