First came my social experiment: be a working stepmom living in the suburbs of Chicago. So far, so good.
Then came my science experiment: attempting to, becoming and then unbecoming pregnant.
Now, for my next trick, I'm going to embark on my workout experiment and bust my butt into shape. My initiation into the workout experiment was setting an attainable goal. For me, that was to train and possibly complete the Chicago Triathlon next summer.
Because I have 11 months until the race, I'm taking these early months and setting personal fitness benchmarks; along the way, I'm also embarking on several activities that should help me tone up and train.
What does a size 16 suburban stepmom do to rev up her engines?
enroll in a pole dancing class. Okay, now stop judging. I took an intro class last Saturday and fell in love with how sexy I felt. For the past week, I've sashayed to the shower, hip-swung in front of my husband and have just felt all around sexy; in 90 minutes I boosted my self confidence at least 20 points. I also got an ab and leg workout to the likes I've never felt before. Pole dancing is like pilates on Viagra.
commit to a race and do it. For me, knowing I'm trying to do a 1 mile swim; 13 mile bike ride and a 5K in 11 months has given me a lot of time to train. For now, I'm starting out slow. I'm getting my muscles attuned to running (or at least walking fast) and will shift into swimming and biking when the weather turns cold and I have to take my workout indoors.
Do a 5K in early fall to set yourself a fitness benchmark. Similar to a business strategy, I saw triathlon training as something I needed to set benchmarks for. I also knew I had to get my arse on a course to really kick myself into gear. A few weeks ago I decided to register for the Plainfield Harvest 5K walk/run and this morning, I completed it....in 50 minutes. Hardly marathon-quality but at least it's a start. I did my first mile in 15 minutes which is one of my best times ever; my second n 16 and, well you can do the math. My third mile wasn't very encouraging. But...I did it. My aching lower back and gluteal muscles are telling me that my lower back and hamstrings need some serious strength training; my racing heart told me that I needed to kick up my endurance.
So now I move into Phase 2 of Erin's workout experiment: the Winter Workout. I'm enrolled for 8 weeks of pole dancing which should help work my core and am going to start charting my training for biking, swimming and running.
I'll keep you posted on my progress and will try to write about the rigors of training an out-of-shape body.
3 comments:
Very good! And cool about the poll dancing. Many don't see it as anything other then something slutty. Personally, I see it as many things, sexy for the husband, great exercise, and a huge confidence booster!
Personally, I need to get myself back in shape. Yes round is a shape, but I am thinking more rectangle with some slight triangles in certain areas lol. But good to hear you are getting yourself set up!
Holy cow-I can't beleive I know someone who is even ATTEMPTING this!! I am glad for you Erin! Let me know how it goes as I sit on my chocolate loving butt on the couch!! Although I think I could do the 5k WALK. Just not as fast. I thought 16 minutes sounded really good.
I love that youre taking a poll dancing class! I've always wanted to do that - sounds like SO much fun!
Keep up the good work, Erin. We're rootin' for ya!
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