It's official. I am registered for the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab (for the 4th time? Something like that.) I guess this means I need to get off my butt and run. Why am I doing this again? Last year's race was terrible. There was a headwind the whole time, I felt crappy, and my time was awful (and I had wanted to PR). The whole time I was thinking to myself, "Why do I do this?" Then after my final sprint at the finish, I started having breathing problems, so I was whisked off to the medical tent. They wanted someone to pick me up, but I had no way of contacting anyone. So I waited there forever until I convinced them to let me leave. The whole thing was a bust.
So, why AM I doing this again? I guess it's peer pressure. My friends signed up, so I had to represent. If I'm going to do a race, it's going to be with friends. I may as well take up the opportunity to run with people when I can. Also, deep down I know if I don't have a race coming up, I will turn into a coach potato.
Recently I taught a lesson in Young Women on good health habits. As a part of the lesson, I researched exercise recommendations for youth and children. Did you know the recommendation is an hour a day of physical activity? That's a lot! Now, that doesn't mean going on an hour long run everyday. Kids can break up their hour of exercise--playing tag, walking the dog, skipping rope etc. Strength exercises should be included too. Fortunately, as adults we're off the hook somewhat. The daily exercise recommendation for adults is at least 30 minutes a day. Here is an interesting video to motivate us all to get a bit more active.
