Get Outside and Hit the Ground Runnin'

     As I gradually increased my endurance by utilizing the indoor track and the treadmill, I decided to progress to the next step -- outdoor running.  Outdoor running is a little more difficult than treadmill/indoor running because of the different terrain and elements.  You are likely to work harder outdoors, especially when you do not have a treadmill assisting you and propelling your forward (same with walking).  At that time, I lived in a small town in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, and the scenery was not to be taken lightly -- an outdoor run was an almost religious experience.  I started out small here, as well -- beginning with 1 1/2 - 2 mile runs a couple times a week.  The route I regularly took had a lot of hills and incline, so it was a great workout, and quickly boosted my stamina and endurance.  My favorite time to run was the late afternoon/early evening, when the sunlight was soft and golden and the temperature was just beginning to cool down.  The town I lived in was very small, quiet, and there were barely any cars or people on the small mountain roads I ran on.  I would hit the pavement and it would be just me, my thoughts, and the sound of my own breathing.  It was so peaceful and yet so exhilarating at the same time.  After a run in the setting sun and crisp, clean air, surrounded by green woods and blue and purple mountains, I felt invigorated and refreshed.  It quickly became a therapeutic addiction -- there is nothing like a workout in the natural beauty of the great outdoors to restore your mind, body, and soul.  I used these outdoor workouts as my time to think, unwind, relax, and exercise all at the same time.  True to form, I gradually increased my distance, until I eventually claimed a new regular route that was about 3 1/2 miles.  I got to the point where I could run the entire time without stopping -- something I had never been able to do before and never believed I would ever be able to do.  I had accomplished a huge goal in that I was finally to the point where I actually looked forward to and anticipated my workouts, rather than dreading the idea of working out like I used to.  Even if I could only get outside for 20 minutes, something always felt better than nothing.  Head outdoors, for there awaits an experience that the gym just can't give you.

A Little Somethin's Better Than Nothin'!

     Obviously, the beginning of a new regime is often the most difficult part.  You have to make the decision, get motivated, and get moving!  This might require a somewhat drastic change in mindset and lifestyle, as it did for me.  The beginning of a new health and fitness lifestyle is difficult because you probably just want to skip ahead to the point where you start to notice a dramatic difference in your shape and physique!  We've all been there, trust me... However, it will take several weeks and months of dedication before you begin to really see a difference.  You'll feel different immediately, though!  As I said before, I began with small steps and changes.  I started by going to my school's gym between/after classes with a girlfriend and walking/jogging on an indoor track.  With that being said and on a side note, get a gym/workout buddy!!!  It really makes a ton of difference in motivation and performance.  When I first started, I could barely (and I mean barely) jog a mile, and that was alternating walking and jogging.  However, I immediately began to notice a difference in how I felt.  After a workout, I felt accomplished.  I felt that I was beginning to work toward something, and I felt motivated and excited to continue and improve.  My friend and I motivated and pushed each other, gradually adding time and distance to our jogs.  I noticed my endurance and energy gradually begin to increase by the week, literally. It seemed that one week I could only jog a mile, and the next I would do a mile and a half.  I started utilizing the treadmill so I could better maintain and improve my speed.  I would run as long as I could without overdoing it or pushing myself too hard.  Each time, I would run a little longer than the previous time, even if it was only a difference of a few minutes.  That is the key to improving and increasing you endurance -- push yourself a little harder and a little further each time, even if only by a fraction.  I began to look forward to and plan and arrange my workouts around my schedule -- although I was extremely busy as a full-time student and with a full-time job, I found the time to workout.  I got to the point where I got irritated and felt disappointed if I missed a scheduled workout or could not find the time to fit one in.  You will quickly realize that it will almost immediately become part of your habits and lifestyle.  As I said, start with a little and gradually increase -- something is better than nothing when it comes to health and fitness!  The beginning is the hardest, but it's only uphill from there (no pun intended).  Just get moving!  Until next time... J.