December 13, 2010: The Day that Should Go Down in History

Today marks a momentous event in my life. I ran for 20 whole, straight minutes. Without stopping. Not even once. Why is this a moment for the history books, you ask? Because at nearly 35 years old I have never even been able to run a mile in my life without stopping. Today I ran almost two.

I was the kid that couldn't pass the Presidential Fitness Test to save her life. I don't even think I ever made it around a full lap of the track in junior high or high school without having to stop for air at least once. And I certainly never made it around enough times to add up to a mile. Not unless I gave up on running and power-walked my way through the challenge.

I ran for 20 straight minutes today, and I could have run longer. I didn't, because I didn't want to overdo it, but I could have. When I stepped on the treadmill tonight with the intent of running for 20 minutes I knew I could do it. I didn't ever have a doubt. And do it I did.

THIS is why I work so hard to maintain my weight loss. THIS is why I say "no thank you" when offered free pizza at work as a thanks for making it in one of the coldest, snowiest days of the year. THIS is what I means to be fit. To feel strong. To use my body the way it was intended. THIS makes it all worth it and more.

Yes, today is a day for the history books. May it be just the first of many in a long line of days to come.

Product Suggestion: Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer

The Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer is an advanced, high-tech pedometer that--thanks to unique dual sensor technology--can be carried in your pocket or bag. Now you can just drop your pedometer in your purse to find out how much exercise you get in a typical day of work, errands, and other tasks. Of course, you can also attach it to your belt like a traditional pedometer.

The HJ-112 accurately measures your steps, as well as aerobic steps and minutes. You can also use it to measure calories burned during your workout, as well as the distance you've traveled.
 
The device's large, easy-to-read LCD display can separately display aerobic steps and minutes walked more than 10 minutes continuously, so you always have the information you need right in front of you. Meanwhile, a seven day history lets you review a full week of exercise. The device also resets at midnight automatically so it's ready to go every morning. Of course, the device can also function as a handy and highly accurate clock. It also comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap so it's always close at hand.
 
The HJ-112 is powered by a replaceable lithium battery (CR2032) that will last six months when used for walking 10,000 steps a day. The device measures approximately 2.8 x 2.1 x .6 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 1.1 ounces (not including battery).

Expect to pay somewhere between $20 and $35 for the HJ-112, depending on where you purchase it. Amazon.com and Walmart.com typically have the lowest prices and the best deals, which often include free shipping.

Creative Movement

This week has been a little bit crazy for me. Due to a home improvement project that's been rescheduled once and delayed twice on account of the weather, I've worked from home three out of five days. The upside to this is that I've gotten a great deal accomplished. I'm always amazed by the speed at which I can complete a project with no interruptions! The downsides, however, are twofold. First, I miss the daily personal interaction I have with my co-workers--I'm one of the lucky few who can genuinely say I love the people I work with. Second, I'm having to work a lot harder to get my daily steps in.

See, when I'm at work, it's easy to get my minimum of 10,000 steps a day in. It takes effort, of course. I take the long way around the building to refill my water bottle. I go to the bathroom located the furthest away from my desk. I take the roundabout route, which forces me to climb the stairs to meeting rooms, etc. And, usually, I've accumulated between 4,000 and 5,000 steps by the time I go home in the evening. While this might not sound like a lot, consider how few steps I'd be getting I weren't making such a conscious effort!

You may have figured this out by now, but I have a desk job...a sit on your butt all day and do nothing but type and talk on the phone kind of desk job. Exercise, or movement of any kind, does not happen without a concerted effort. This is exactly why I started wearing a pedometer a few months ago. You can imagine my shock when I discovered, after a typical day in the office, that I'd walked just 1,500 steps over the course of the entire work day! Yep. A concerted effort was exactly what was needed!

Since then, I've been involved in a new routine. A few of my coworkers find my efforts humorous, and they do require a bit more time. Still others wonder what in the heck I'm doing, as they see me looping the building, and in places far from my desk. But, really, what's an extra 30 seconds here and there...besides an extra 200-300 steps!?

So, anyway, I've been working from home for the last few days. And the only place I get less steps in per day than the office is my home office. The bathroom is literally just a few paces away, and I find I need to get up and move less, over all. So I came up with a plan this week: each time I get up to use the bathroom (which is frequently, given my propensity for drinking around 100 oz. a day), I also take the opportunity to run down to my basement, hop on the elliptical machine or the treadmill for two to three minutes, and then come back upstairs to resume my work. The plan is working perfectly, and is helping me achieve the same 4,000-5,000 steps I would normally be taking if I were at work, versus home.

There's no doubt, weight loss and maintenance definitely force us to think and do things a bit more creatively. What tips and tricks do you rely on to keep you on track each day?