So, it’s been a while since I last posted. Things have started to really pick up in terms of my career and whatnot so I’ve been focusing 100% of my effort on that stuff. I haven’t done much writing, although I have started a new story. I’ve started it, but haven’t touched it since I first started it about two weeks ago. I will finish it eventually, and I think it is something that everyone will like.
I’ve been running around like a mad man. My career requires me to be in great shape so I’ve been in and out of the gym, running and lifting, attempting to eat somewhat right in preparation. It’s been tough, but I’ve come to like the grind of the gym. I’ve been an athlete all my life, but this particular workout regimen called for a substantial increase in distance running than what I was used to – none. I hate distance running. I’ve never once achieved that “runner’s high” that people talk about. To me, it’s just heavy breathing and sore muscles. If I run while doing another activity, like playing baseball, it’s an indirect form where my primary goal isn’t the act of running, but something else, so I don’t mind it at all. But when all I have to focus on is running itself, I will not last very long.
There has been one awesome upside to my increase in running though. I’ve come to like how it can ease my mind and be a bit of a stress reliever. And since I never ran before, it’s had tremendous results. I went to the doctor last week, and my resting pulse was 49! That’s common among runners, which I wouldn’t consider myself one, because their hearts become so efficient, so I was very proud of that. The average person sits between 60-70.
I’ve also lost 30 pounds! I used to only lift weights and eat whatever I wanted (yeah, that was because I came from a sport where I burned enough daily calories to not have to notice what I ate). Now, I have to watch what I eat and workout consistently so when I added running, it helped me to lose 30 pounds over the last five months. I wish I had known this while I was in college, I wouldn’t have looked like a whale my senior year…
Because of training for this career, I’ve developed my own fitness plan that works for me. I’ve also made the habit of working out at least five days a week and sticking with it. That, on top of eating healthier, has made me feel so much better overall. I’d highly recommend finding a regimen that works for you as well. Even if you consistently go for just an hour three days a week, you will find it’s easy to maintain if you truly want to get in better shape, and you will feel so much better. If you want it, you’ll find a way. If you don’t truly want it, you’ll find excuses.
Drew Schroeder 