Here's to Getting Back in Shape!

I went and did it. Today I purchased a new pair of running shoes. That might not sound exciting, but it is the first pair I have owned for about... oh... twelve years! Twelve years ago is about the time I started building my new career as a system administator. My children were also young and demanding; needing my time and attention. So, over time and lack of exercise I look like I have been served billions of beers and an equal amount of pizza slices.

I didn't think it would be so hard to buy a pair of shoes until I announced to my wife that the "fat man" was going "down" and I was buying a pair of running shoes. That was last week. I had procrastinated for a few days, but today I was on the spot. I knew my time had come.

I headed to the local store selling a wide variety of running shoes. I took an hour or so trying them on and walking in them to find the most comfortable pair which turned out to be a pair of Nike. It is the same model of shoe I used to run in when I was in top form many years past, except for being a new release it is now in its sixth revision. I was happy to find them, but I thought I could hear these little voices crying out, "Noooo! Don't do it! Save us!" My fat cells are already worried and crying out in fear.

My doctor told me that I should exercise because I am a possible candidate for diabetes; not that I have it, but very well could develop it if I don't change my habits. That is a pretty serious thing and I won't kid about it. He also told me to start off easy. So tomorrow morning, I am going to strap on my new shoes and walk into the kitchen, open the fridge, and grab a beer. Oh, you thought I was going to drink it didn't you? Uh, huh. Well I did write "morning" and that should have given you a hint. :) I guess walking to the fridge isn't really the type of exercise my doctor had in mind for me. Instead, and you will be happy to know, I have mapped a nice five mile route and will start walking it every other day. I am going to switch between vigorous walking and doing core training on off days. For those who don't know what core training is, it is doing an exercise routine (at first with no weights) building the muscles in the lower back, gluteus, the legs, and abdomen. These large muscle groups comprise our "core" and which when built up provide more calorie burning mass. Of course, building up all muscle groups is key to building more calorie burning mass, but the larger ones take more time and work. However, the effort is well worth it. And, it will prepare me to graduate from walking to running once I am strong.

So, here's to getting back in shape! Now where did that beer go?