Hello!
I'm so grateful to be one of the chosen five in this years TC Health Club Challenge. This is a huge gift and a great privilege not to be taken lightly. Many thanks to the selection committee, PISE, the TC, Graham Lamb @ Oak Bay Rec, Rob Reid @ Frontrunners and Heather @ Pure Nutrition for getting me started.
So, this is what I've learned (mostly about myself) in the first two weeks.
1) I'm not bullet proof. I've let my overall fitness and conditioning slip slide away over the last two years. There must have been a part of me that thought I didn't have to work at maintaining a decent level of fitness as I entered my 60's. Wrong, wrong, wrong.
2) There is a great deal of humbling involved in a physical assessment at PISE. From getting on the scales, having my belly pinch-folded, riding a bike wearing a snorkel-like apparatus held in place with a plastic halo, to totally running out of steam. What an amazing facility though. We're so lucky to have such a place in Victoria.
3) There is a great deal of humbling involved in a fitness assessment with a trainer. But once that little hurdles is over working with a trainer is wonderful. Graham Lamb is 'my' guy. He's so considerate of my ability, my strengths and weaknesses and staggers my sessions to allow time for recovery. My sessions are an hour of cardio and strength. One of the best parts is that I've been able to do my cardio portion on the Oak Bay track. Outside is my favourite place to exercise. I used to run, a lot, and there is memory in my muscles. I'm learning so much about the weight machines, how to use them properly and be respectful of my own abilities.
4) There is a great deal of humbling involved in nutritional assessment. Who knew I ate so much! I now have a proper breakdown of carbs, fats and proteins and how much of each I need in a day. I'm trying very hard to be conscious of everything that goes in my mouth.
5) I'm glad I have a well established yoga practice. It keeps me focussed and is the best thing for stretching out tired muscles.
That's about it for now. I made a promise to myself that I will never complain about anything that's asked of me over these 12 weeks. It's hard work sometimes. It's a 24/7 committment. I'm glad it's happening to me.
Jill
ps...this is my first ever blog. I'm a computer ludite and hope this doesn't end up in cyber space.
