Getting it Back

"That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured, since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama." (Can't you just hear Forrest's voice?)


Last weekend I did something BIG - I re-joined the YMCA. I haven't been a member for 4 or 5 years, and SB and I have been thinking about it for a while now. Since his new bike purchase, he has been a committed cyclist, including at home on his cyclops (which essentially makes his bike into a stationary bike). I have envied his passion for exercise, and been reminiscent about the days when I felt like I was in peak shape as a runner. I missed that feeling and, with the weather below zero and snow and ice already covering the ground, winter was looking like a barren stretch of minimal movement and few endorphins.

So I decided that the benefits outweighed the costs, and I became a member again. When I stepped up onto the treadmill the first time, I could not wipe the smile off of my face. (PS. treadmills these days are so fancy, with touch screens and TV access, etc!) Now I am feeling excited about this winter and the promise of being back in peak physical health by the time I can begin running outside again. 

This is another one of those things that I have been too cheap to do for years, but now that I'm doing it I'm amazed that I waited so long. For the price of a meal or two out each month, I have unlimited access indoor cardio and weight equipment, group exercise classes, a pool, and a sense of being part of a health-building community organization. And the cost of membership is proving to be a great incentive for actually showing up and exercising. 

I even have my sights set on FINALLY running a 10-mile women's race (I've been doing the 5K for years) in late September! I have a training plan all put together (of course). Will keep you posted.