Celebrating Fitness

Me showing off some muscles

To me, Good Fitness = feeling strong and healthy, having lots of energy, challenging your strength and endurance, and allowing your body to rest and recover when needed

1. Running

I started running track and cross country in high school, when I realized I had terrible coordination in soccer but could out-run most people on the field. I ran in high school to stay in shape and be part of a team, but I didn’t fall in love with running until college when no coach was telling me do it! On my own, I typically run for 40-60 minutes at about an 8:30 min/mile pace. Here are some PRs from races:

• 800 meters: 2 min 40 sec (Senior year of high school)
• 1 mile: 6 minutes and 1 second (Senior year of high school…almost under 6!)
• 5 K: 22 minutes in my first sprint triathlon (after swimming and biking)! This is faster than my 23:05 PR from high school cross country. Yay!
• 10 K: 48 minutes in my first Olympic distance triathlon! (After a mile swim and 28 mile bike) This was a hilly course! Where did this energy come from?? A bagel (Pre race), a hammer energy gel (mid race), and pure adrenaline and determination
• Half Marathon: 1 hour and 45 minutes (Thanksgiving 2007). It rained for the first 3 miles!

I like to push myself when I run, but I also just like to run for the sake of enjoying being outside, clearing my mind, and getting that awesome endorphin rush! In the brilliant words of Forest Gump: “I just felt like runnin’.”

2. Biking

Before last Christmas, I hadn’t biked since I was a little kid! It is still just as fun and exciting! I am in love with my pink road bike:

NEW BIKE!! (Christmas morning 2007)

 

I got the bike because I needed one to accomplish my goal of doing a triathlon, but I ride my bike everywhere! Seriously the best investment ever. Also the most efficient way to get to class (no more waiting for a crowded bus!), which is helpful since I am chronically late everywhere!

3. Swimming

I used to associate swimming with giant pixie sticks and goofing around at neighborhood summer swim meets. Those days ended in middle school, and I didn’t attempt swimming again until my junior year of college at triathlon club practice. What a workout! I love how it strengthens my arms and shoulders, and I think my body appreciates a break from all the pounding in running! Also, swimming gives me a huge appetite. This is fun because I usually get to eat dinner twice on swim days: first a grandma dinner time at around 5:30 before practice, then swim from 8-9 PM, then go home and eat again!

4. Dancing

I have no coordination what-so-ever. This is not important. I dance when I hear good music, want to act silly, need to relieve stress, have a lot of energy, get really excited, etc…

Here is a montage of my favorite dancing pics:

Dancing on tables at a Greek restaurant. OPA!!!

My dancing hair flip!

Me and the sis: "You know my...brown-eyed girl."

When in doubt...jump around!

What does good fitness mean to you?