When was the last time you panted?
Jogging’s what I’m talking about here and heavy breathing has become a problem. It’s a new year and a lot of people make resolutions to change their lives in a positive manner. Losing weight and exercising more are usually the top two.
I’d like to do both of those things. Unfortunately the increase in one has caused a decrease in the other. I’ve done (walk/jog) the May mini marathon in Indianapolis 15 times in the past 17 years. A mini marathon is 13.1 miles. They have a time requirement at the Indianapolis event. You have to average an 18-minute mile. If you are slower than that they might send a bus out to pick you up and drive you in.
I’m slow but I’ve always been able to keep ahead of the bus. Any runner/jogger/walker would tell you they’d rather be hit by that bus than picked up by it. I’ve gained 15 pounds in the past year. Much of it is in my waist and chest area which pushes into my lungs and makes it harder to breathe. That has slowed me down considerably and I don’t think I could stay ahead of the bus. So I’m not participating in the Indianapolis mini this year.
I always joined the Wabash Valley Road Runners to train for the mini. They sponsor Trained in Terre Haute (TNT), a 16-week half marathon training program. It’s for runners, joggers and walkers at all levels, beginners to elite. This year it started January 10 but they are still accepting new members. If you’re interested, you can get information at WVRR.org. It’s a great program.
You’re probably wondering why I don’t do the mini this year as it might help me lose the 15 pounds. Like I said it’s a great program but not an easy one. It’s hard work and takes a lot of time. I have another project I’m working on this year and don’t think I’ll have the time to train for the May, Indianapolis mini.
The Wabash Valley Road Runners sponsors their own mini, the Crossroads Half Marathon, in September. If there’s any seniors out there who are interested in doing that mini, let me know. I might consider doing that one with you. Otherwise I’ll probably just do my panting jogging out to the refrigerator. Keep Smiling.
Linda Messmer can be reached at 812-448-8725.
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