Week three of my new intensive routine, and things are going well. Well, at least, I think they are.
Rugged up late on a Tuesday evening doesn't sound like a fun time to be exercising. And it isn't.
I'm writing this at my dining table, decorated with a
reversible Cook Islands-patterned tablecloth, in the middle of another
cold night.
It's early May. The nights are darker, more
susceptible to comfort food and relaxation. It can be easy for
motivation to freeze up as temperatures dip with the setting sun, but
determination always wins out.
I'm into my third week
of my new training schedule at Bodytech Mt Eden. It's a schedule that
sees me going six times a week - three cardio sessions and three weights
sessions.
It's been an interesting experience to say the
least. I previously did around five minutes cardio before a weights
session three-to-four times a week in my old programme.
The
new programme includes 10 minutes before and after my circuit session
days, while my cardio days involve a 20minute run, 10 minute walk and 20
minutes of interval work.
It won't get me over the line for the half marathon, but I have just under half a year to get match fit. I'm revisiting the programme each month and increasing the training accordingly.
Here are a few reasons as to why I decided to take up what it proving to be a massive task:
BACKSTORY
For those who aren't completely clued up, In late March I decided that it was time to do something almost unimaginable a year ago.
I have been hitting my gym, Bodytech, since mid-February, a few weeks after returning from Rarotonga.
Going three-to-four times a week became part of the routine and while I was enjoying the thrill of increasing the weights and making progress, there was just something missing.
Then it hit me in March as pre-season training for my football side, Underground FC, took place. Unfit, and struggling to keep up with the rest of the team, I decided it was time to get fitter. How was I going to do that? By preparing for a half-marathon. Sounds barmy right? Well, it sort of is at present!
Despite the mind-numbing decision, there are a few reasons as to why I chose this as opposed to any other sort of personal goal in 2013
1. Challenge accepted.
One of my biggest challenges to date was working in a foreign environment and soaking in a thriving Polynesian culture when I worked at the Cook Islands News midway through last year.
On my plane ride home I sat and gazed out the window. One of my biggest challenges was now over. Despite waving goodbye to one of the toughest things I had set out to do, the thrill and adrenalin that comes with tackling objectives was something I wanted to continue.
As a result, I have decided that every year I will set myself a challenge that will be able to be measured with a seemingly impossible task. For me, that involves running 21kilometres. Non stop. A test of endurance, a test of stamina and a test of how bad I really want to do something. Is it enough to overcome midwinter evenings come June, July and August? You bloody bet.
2. Fitness and health goals
New Years Resolution #4: Get fitter this year
It's a goal that always ends up in my list of ambitious resolutions, but it's hard to really understand what 'get fitter' means without an end and, just as importantly, a journey.
It's a journey that I hope will include better nutritional choices and more exercise. It's not just about running 21km, for me it's about ensuring it is a catalyst to living a more healthy life one day at a time.
I've always been referred to as 'big guy', 'big fella' or 'big boy'. I don't really mind, I've got a thick skin so I just laugh it, off but underneath an accepting facade is a 24-year-old looking for confidence.
By eating better and doing exercise, culminating in the Auckland Half Marathon on November 3, 2013, I'm hoping to put an end to the 'big' stereotypes. :)
3. Inspiring others and conquering judgment
"You don't need to prove yourself." "I don't think you can do it."
Tough statements like the two above are also what I'm hoping to conquer by doing this run. Everyone knows I'm my own harshest critic, and with this race I'm looking to counter my sceptical side with my ambitious one.
Fingers crossed.
AUCKLAND HALF-MARATHON
DECEMBER 3, 2013
7AM START
Some 8000 half-marathon runners will be lining up at 7am in Devonport hoping to achieve their own personal goals. For some it'll be conquering something that has been lingering on the bucket list for years, for others the race will conclude a lifetime of doubt, while others will be using it to tune up for future challenges.
For me, the race is all about three things: Accepting challenges and striving towards conquering them, working towards a healthier state and conquering any lingering fears of scepticism.
That certainly sounds like something to strive towards, if you ask me.
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I'm also working on a wee video on my motivations/music/inspirations as we speak and should be up in the next few weeks :)
Regardless, I hope you've at least soaked in a bit of insight into why I've decided to take on this challenge.
Stay safe,
MW
