The Exercise Component

Exercise. Right now it's that running thing.

I don't have a passion for running, but I don't hate it. What does that mean? I wouldn't do it for enjoyment, but I'm ok with doing it. It has the advantage of being doable nearly anywhere at anytime at a moments notice. Big advantages, all.

I've done running off and on - more off than on - for the last 20 years. The longest I've stuck at it is around 3 or 4 months, I think. I don't like running in the cold or the rain. This rules out large blocks of time in Vancouver! The problem was that all I owned were cotton track pants. Not fun to run in wet and in the cold the air rushed right through them.

After some advise from my brother-in-law I invested in a pair of "loose tights". I had always ruled out running tights. Picturing myself in tights was not pretty. Then I found out that all tights are not tight. Um, ok. A trip to Mountain Equipment Co-op and I now have a pair of cycling "tights" that are perfect for running in, and have a small pocket for my keys. Not only don't they chaff, they keep the rain and wind out and they breath.

For Christmas I got a sleeveless running vest kind of thing with reflective elements. This solves the top half of the wet and wind problem. Over top of a sweat shirt it keeps the wind and water off and makes me more visible in the dark.

Finishing off the clothing technology is pair of light foul weather gloves I bought for sailing. They aren't insulating but do provide a bit of protection from the wind and cold. The tips of the index finger and thumb are removed making it easier to work zippers and stop watch buttons.

Top it off, quite literally, with a ball cap, or my Tilly hat when it's really pissing, and I'm good to go.

Now when I run in the cold and wet I'm quite comfortable. I no longer dread the thought of heading out because I'll freeze my ass off.

So every second or third day for the last three weeks I've been out running. Well, getting aerobic. It's an interval training run/walk deal. If I work at it long enough, it will be totally running.

Next step, aside from keeping it going, is to work in resistance training. But one thing at a time.

That healthy lifestyle thing

I've been picking away at the healthy eating/exercise thing for a very long time. At various times I've been better and worse about it. I've never gone "on a diet." I know enough about myself to know any gains would be temporary. Whatever I do, has to be a life style change.

Easier said than done.

The last 4 years have seen some serious forays into cooking. It turns out it's easy to make food that I like to eat and that's healthy. The catch for me is getting organized on the supply side. Damn logistics. As of mid last year I had the lunch thing fairly well locked in. Dinner, not so much.

You'll notice I haven't mentioned exercise. Sadly, nothing to talk about.

Starting late November/early December I decided to make a serious attempt of getting it all together. Christmas caused a suspension of activities, but I got back on track in the New Year. Maybe track isn't the right term, from a personal perspective it's trail blazing. What ever it is, as I round January's final bend I'm still moving forward.

Hi Mom

Hi Mom, love you.

Belated Happy New New Year Everyone

Like the title says.