Just Another Long Run

It was a cool September morning. While holding the camera, anxiously waiting for my daughter to appear, I cheered for runners of various ages as they crossed the finish line. I started thinking about running a half marathon. Why not? I could be one of these people coming through finish line.

I took many pictures of my smiling daughter and I was proud of her for training on her own and accomplishing her goal.

My daughter and I have been running for a few years as a regular part of our work outs and have been motivating each other. We also had done a couple of 5K races. But none of us really thought of running hard core races like half marathons or marathons. This past spring, my daughter asked for “The Competitive Runner’s Handbook” by Bob Glover and Shelly-lynn Florence Glover, started training for her first half marathon, and successfully completed the race.

When she heard that the London Lady’s Half Marathon was being held in November in London, she registered herself as a runner and I told her to register me as a walker. I am a very fast walker and have done very long distances. After being a spectator of a very exciting ½ marathon race, I no longer wanted to walk but to run.   I sent an email to the organizers of the race and requested the change. The reply came that my race was changed from walk to run. 

I was extremely excited. I copied my daughter’s previous training with some adjustment as I only had 7 weeks left to the race. I also emailed the organizers letting them know I was interested in their free training program. We had speed training on Wednesdays and long runs on Sundays. In between, I continued my own training which included yoga, circuit training, and shorter runs. September 18^th was my first time with the group and I really enjoyed it. It was great to be part of a team and receive feedback. The group was composed of people of various ages and abilities. Some were pro marathon runners, some pro half marathoners, and some were like me - this being their first half marathon. Then came the Sunday long run and I was extremely nervous. I ran my very first long run of 10K the day before my birthday this past August. Then another day I had ran 12K. I started running with the group and there were a couple of experienced runners that I just stayed with throughout the run. Sometimes I ran shoulder to shoulder with them and sometimes I just kept the pace right behind them. We chatted and had a great time finishing the long run. Surprisingly I did really well for my first very long run of 18.4K. My team was very supportive and gave me a lot of positive feedback that I had done very well and had easily kept up. I really enjoyed being with our group.

After that run I had greater confidence in myself. My goal originally was to be able to cross the finish line. After my long run I realized I could complete the race and actually do it with a decent time of not more than 2.5 hours. But then when I had another long run a few weeks later and ran 21.1 Km with time of 2:11.00 I aimed for finishing the ½ marathon in just less than 2 hours. I was told I was very ambitious with my time as a first time runner.

 But then in October 9^th, I started feeling something sharp under my left toe. I took my sock off to examine my toe as it felt like I had a sharp thorn stuck in my toe but there was nothing. Then I checked the carpet. I went for my speed training but did not do very well and I attributed it to being tired and not being a night runner. I did not complete the training as I was feeling a sharp pain travelling from my left glute to hamstring down to my toe. I rested that night and did not work out for the next 7 days. I did research online and found out I had sciatica that is common in runners and started doing specific yoga and using foam rollers. I was fearful that I may not be able to get back where I was. I started running again. In one of my long runs I had to run very slowly as I had severe cramps coming and going. Then my goal changed again. I wanted only to finish the race.

The speed training and the long runs had helped me to improve my time and become a better runner. The last long run before the race I felt great. It was a beautiful sunny chilly fall morning. We were all feeling happy and had a good run. 

The team headed out for a huge breakfast to celebrate our accomplishments. The atmosphere was filled with optimism, laughter, appreciation and we all got a #1Cup full of jelly beans.

The day of the race I was only thinking positive thoughts and thinking of Lanni Marchant. I had tweeted telling her that I find re-assurances through her experience. She was able to overcome her injury and bounce back, finishing her marathon with record-breaking results. Although my goal was not to break any records, Lanni’s story was a great source of inspiration for me.

But there was also another woman who became my beacon of hope that day. Ruth is an experienced runner with some good ½ marathon races under her belt. Her warm smile and genuine caring attitude is hard to miss. I was running with my daughter and she was running with her daughter. We both had conversations that they would finish before us. I started my race really well and felt good except that I had to stop for the bloody bathroom break. I decided after the 1^st bathroom break that this will be costly and ridiculous. I told myself, “You have to find mental toughness and defeat the urge of wanting to go”. That was that.

I kept running behind Ruth and her daughter. My daughter had pulled away and I could see her bright neon colored top with her long hair. I kept saying you go baby.

Then around 17.5 Km I started feeling small contractions happening in my hamstrings. During the last 3 Km, the pain became steady and was growing in intensity. Ruth became my beacon of hope. I told myself that as long as I have her in front of me, I’d be OK. She was running a steady pace and I just kept up with her. I had a few options: to stop, to walk, or to just keep going. I kept going but fixed my eyes on Ruth. I said, “Just keep up with her. This is just another Sunday long run.” Then just like that, I saw the huge clock showing 2:08 as I was passing it and I crossed the finish line. Our daughters were waiting for us with open arms and smiles. I made my way to Ruth first and gave her a big hug and said thank you. I then turned to my daughter and told her I was proud of her and she said she was proud of me. We took some pictures and there were more hugs and kind words being exchanged.

"Ruth and I with our lovely daughters"

I told my daughter that I was in trouble and needed to put warm clothes on and that I needed some pain killers. She ran to the medics who said they did not have meds and could not give me any. They did not have cold packs or hot packs! Ruth came to my rescue with Ibuprofen. I had my post recovery drink I had made that morning. I had some bananas and told my daughter that if I stop moving that that will be the end of me. We started walking so very slowly towards home. It was only a few kilometers but that was just what I needed. As we were walking, I told my daughter that if it were not for the cramps I would have finished in under 2 hours. Later on when we plugged our watches to analyze our time, this was confirmed. My last 3K was the slowest.

Right after the race - "Smile is pushing through pain"

  

For me, running this half marathon was very special at many levels:

It is true that I have been running for a sometime. In fact, running for me is a form of therapy. This is not just a cliché. You see, I have been dealing with depression for the longest time. I can’t take any meds as my body is very sensitive and reacts forcibly. I run to get rid of whatever is on my mind. To remove the fog, the stress, the sadness, the anger, the ambiguity, the doubt, the confusion, and whatever else that depression brings with it. When I run, I feel free. I don’t have to answer to anyone. I’m running away from everything metaphorically until I feel I’m ready to go back.

I have been going through some difficult stuff in my personal life for the past few years and running this race was very symbolic for me. For the first time in my life, I faced the enemy (pain) and did not run away from it. I finished the race on my terms. This was my very first big race of any kind. I ran my 21.1K and I got my time of 2:06 as per my Garmin. Nobody can take my time away! Nobody can take away the feeling I had at the end of the race either. It was not happiness or excitement per se but rather a feeling of gratitude, accomplishment, empowerment, strength during vulnerable times, and overall knowledge that I have been a survivor since I can remember. And it’s that ability that allowed me to run my race.

Unfortunately, my time and race were posted wrong that night.  I contacted the organizers saying I was right behind my friend and they had seen me running and finishing the race. They have not been able to provide a straight answer and to fix the results. The race results show me as a walker with a time of 3.5 hours. I was told my chip must have been triggered due to close proximity to sensors. It has been very disappointing in terms of posted results and how it was handled. 


I literally got an email while I was writing this blog and was told they watched my video and my time will be recorded as 2:07.53. It took 11 days but I'm relieved knowing my time will eventually be posted correctly. I am going to think of November 3, 2013 as another Sunday long run. My time and race was not posted correctly (waiting to see amended published results). There were no medals. There is no picture of me crossing the line. Therefore, I choose not to call it my first official half marathon race. I have learned to pay attention to details of any race I sign up for and to choose wisely.

For me, my personal achievement is the highlight of that day. I know I ran 21.1K and I know I did really well for a middle aged rookie with injured hamstrings. I plan to run other half marathon races. My daughter and I will be running our fist full marathon together next fall as well.

 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon! Here we come....

It is about FREEDOM!

Image Credit: Truerunner.tumblr.com

Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, 
and a miracle fiber called courage.

-George Patton

My Canoe Trip to Oneida Settlement

My friend, Rose, had told me about the upcoming canoe trip and I was so excited to take part in this meaningful and exciting journey. A group of people were to canoe from London to the Oneida Settlement to experience the traditional culture.

For myself, the trip has become memorable in many ways. I value and respect Mother Earth and the beauty that surrounds me every day. The canoe trip offered me a chance to see wild flowers by the river bank, bald eagles flying high above, a deer running through the woods, turtles bathing in the sun, numerous species of birds singing their beautiful songs, the changing landscape, and the gorgeous blue sky that somehow was bluer than usual.

Photo Credit: Rose Braxton

There were moments of excitement like pointing to a giant snapping turtle or rushing to pick up items from a tipped over canoe. But there were many opportunities to meditate and be at peace and to take it all in.  There were times that I felt so peaceful and happy loving the warm sun, the cool breeze, listening to the gentle flow of the river. I felt a great sense of gratitude and appreciation for the new experiences and how fortunate I was to enjoy Mother Earth and all its beauty.

Photo Credit: Rose Braxton

As we were setting up tents for our first stop at Delaware flats, I could not wait to settle down for the night and just enjoy sitting by the campfire. When the time came, I was content. There were many moments where I was able to meditate and be one with the nature around me. Staring into the fire, wind blowing the smoke over my whole body, the sun setting down, wild flowers shining under the glow of the sun’s rays, the sound of the river gently rushing by, the birds trying to sing one last song at dusk, the stars showing up one by one and all of a sudden having a sparkling blanket above. People talked about many topics, there were serious discussions and many moments of laughter followed by moments of reflection.

Tim Miller of Nova Craft and his wife Theresa  who live close by the area joined us that night, treating us with smores. I was glad to have met these people who generously donated all the canoes for the trip and were great hosts, welcoming us to their home and sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Photo Credit: Rose Braxton

The next day, I woke up early feeling happy, well-rested, and cheerful. I stayed quiet for the longest time listening to the river, the birds, and was intentional of about my experience. I wanted to remember how the air smelled in the morning, and how I was feeling. I loved being in nature and for the first time in my life, I had slept so close to the river that it’s gentle flow was music to my soul. Finally, I could not keep it all in and said out loud “This is beautiful, I LOVE THIS” and the reply came, “Oh shut up”! It was a gorgeous morning to wake up to. Some people had already kept the fire going and brewed fresh coffee. I really loved the experience.

Our second day of canoeing was calmer and there were more meaningful reflections about myself and how I related to the world around me. There were some fun times in between as well. We had a great laugh when Mike had picked up some wild flowers from the river bank and came close to our canoe saying “Hey warrier princess, I got flowers for you”, then they all started calling me Pocahontas. (Photo to come)

When we got to the Oneida Settlement we noticed Oneidas waiting on the bridge for us holding the sixnations flag, waving to us saying welcome to our home. I got teary eyes filled with emotion and gratitude, thinking I was only a spec in this universe and it is through humanity, spiritual connection with the nature, and respecting those who were here before us that we can find peace. When we got off our canoes and stepped to the grounds, the paddlers who were of First Nation background walked towards us and started shaking hands and hugging us with big smiles and nodding heads; implying the success and the value the journey had in it. This also is one of the highlights of the trip for me to remind me that we are all here on this planet together and we have a lot more in common than we know.

Oneida Settlement

We drove to the cookhouse, and as we entered we were greeted by friendly faces and welcomed with open arms.  The feast they had prepared for us was great and we all enjoyed sitting around the long tables taking it all in.

That night there was more campfires and good company with an added bonus. We took part in their social event. We went to the longhouse, which was made of beautiful oak wood with the traditional design. I was most impressed by how young people took charge of the ceremony - chanting, singing, and dancing, while the elders sat back and watched over them. They had strong and beautiful voices. Again, here I had mixed feelings of joy and spiritual connection. At times I closed my eyes to only listen to their voices and imagining myself hundreds of years ago on these grounds dancing and chanting with them and going in a circle. I did get a chance to join in and dance with them. I was delighted with the experience. Being welcomed to their circle and to experience this spiritual connection is something that I will keep with me forever.

Longhouse

The next morning, Chief Howard Elija came over to share his wisdom and history of his people. He performed the cleansing ceremony with sage and we became emotional at times and some of us had teary eyes. As human beings, some of the deep connections we make with each other do not require words or acknowledgment. We can feel each other’s pain or joy in our body and soul. When the chief was done I asked him if I could hug him. I found peace in his arms.

When I got home I looked at the many photos that had captured the spirit of our team and the purpose of the trip. One of the pictures stood out. The one with Chief Howard Elijah of Oneida put a smile on my face and at the same time a sadness washed over me that I could not explain. Upon reflection, I started crying realizing after many years of not having my dad, on Father’s day, I had been in the company of someone who not only reminded me of my dad, but in a short period of time I had come to admire and respect as a spiritual and community leader.

Upon further reflection and going back over the sequence of events, I realized the magnitude and impact of my interactions with the chief and his people.  The gradual spiritual experience had silently begun with Rose sharing the canoe trip with me and extending an invitation for me to go along with her. I had been really excited not only for the long distance canoeing but also to experience the first nation culture up close and personal. I was humbled and honored to have been invited to their home and to take part in their traditional social event. I was grateful to have experienced the spiritual journey as well as having met fantastic people who paddled with us.

Photo Credit: Rose Braxton

The beauty of the trees,

the softness of the air,

the fragrance of the grass,

speaks to me.

The summit of the mountain,

the thunder of the sky,

the rhythm of the sea,

speaks to me.

The strength of the fire,

the taste of salmon,

the trail of the sun,

and the life that never goes away,

they speak to me.

And my heart soars."

Chief Dan George

Related Article: Paddlers Learn to Use Their Brains - The London Free Press

Facebook Page: Paddling Back to Traditional Culture - Thank you to Barry Gallow and Tim Miller and everyone else who had a role in planning this trip. Please like their page and show support.

AS A DECADE FADES

I was randomly searching minimalism one day when I came across Joshua Fields Millburn’s name and his novel, “As a Decade Fades”. He had tweeted a specific line that resonated with me and I didn’t need convincing to go online and order his book.  When the book arrived I could not put it down. 

As a Decade Fades is an easy read. It is simple, yet complicated.  Jody’s story is our story in many ways and it is not in some ways. The reader is hooked not by extravagant use of words and complicated plots, but we are pulled in as we read about real life experiences like our own.

There is a nice balance between humor and tragedy. There are points in our lives where we question ourselves and the paths we’ve have walked. Is it time for a detour?  

“He wasn’t sure when it had happened, but one day he woke up halfway between somewhere and nowhere and he was twenty-something and nearing thirty as the decade faded.”

As I read  “…Safety inside the prison –freedom from freedom….” , I closed my book listening to Chopin. I went back in time, remembering when I opened my one suitcase on a bed of a settlement, temporary housing for refugees. I felt safe and optimistic about my future, but sad knowing what I had left behind. A single suitcase on a bed was loaded with tragic and triumphant stories.  Jody’s story was my story.

Jody’s character keeps reminding himself to focus on the present and leave the past behind. But we truly can never separate ourselves from our pasts. “…how pointless this life might be without a past, and how miserable it was with one.”

Falling While Sitting Down – “The boy did not want to remember much about that Man, so he didn’t.” His childhood was filled with various forms of abuse and trauma. He really did not have supervision or role model of any kind growing up.“…the boy made friends with various elements of certain fringe social blocs….but he never attempted to adapt to their tenets or fully integrate into any one particular group…”  I just wanted to reach out inside the book and hold little Jody. Jody grew up like the rest of us with “…a duffle bag filled with painful memories and future regrets.”

I love music, rain, solitude at times, I don’t  sleep well most of the times, have had failed relationships, lost people due to natural causes or suicide,….in so many ways Jody is us and we are him. When he is sitting on the rooftop writing his songs and thinking about the rain… that is the most beautiful part for me. “But things hadn’t always been this way, and his life hadn’t always been held together by trepidation and disdain and by the sum of what love wasn’t.” Or when he writes for his mom, “People don’t know how to love the ones they love until they disappear from their lives”. We all have lost people in our lives and in that moment we can relate to Jody and what he is feeling.

Jody’s adult sex life is filled with extremely beautiful young women that are described mostly as Caucasians, with blond hair, with perfect slim bodies and FLAT STOMACHS! This is exactly what a patriarchal society tells us a beautiful woman should look like!  There is a brief reference where the author tries to challenge society’s patriarchic view of women by posing this question: “How come guys can have sex with all kinds of women and we’re considered manly or whatever, but if a women has more than one partner, she’s a slut?”  But the conversation that follows is of sex humor and more misogynistic comments. 

I found the speeding ticket part of the book extremely funny.  I got my first ever speeding ticket last year when I was taking my sick child and myself to the doctor’s office and was feeling miserable. The officer said: “Maam, you were going 78 in 50 Km zone!” All I could think was **** I wasn’t even blasting my favourite song or rolling my window down and changing lanes. What a shitty way to get a ticket! As a Decade Fades provides the reader with an experience that is very personal. You’d think that was me! I did that or said that. The whole car ride with the music and jokes was hilarious.

“Sometimes love is sad. Sometimes it drops your heart from a great height and it shatters into a million tiny shards, and those shards are sharp and painful.” And of course the story cannot be without love and heartache. There are many simple but profound lines in the book that deal with love and relationships and who we are. 

Jody shows us that we are not perfect. We may have had a rough childhood and many unpleasant experiences growing up and even throughout our adult lives. That is the reality of life. We will face many struggles and triumphs. As a Decade fades says it best: “Perhaps one must sit in the valley to see the beauty of the mountaintop, to appreciate his ascent, to live a purpose-filled life. And perhaps the key is to not live in the valley, but rather, to be aware of why you were there and prepare for the journey ahead.”

I enjoyed reading As a Decade Fades as it reminded me I am only human and I am entitled to make mistakes and to learn from them. It also teaches us about hope and optimism, although I feel like I have to read a follow up story to learn about Jody’s life in Ohio with the “Girl in the White Summer Dress”.

“Lie by me, we can be alone together. 

Lie to me, we can believe these lies forever.”

A Moment in Time

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there was a certain Stillness in the air


overwhelming gratitude came over her for being there and to make a beautiful memory that was hers and hers alone


her love for recognizing not so obvious beauties around her gave her that extra edge


the beautiful colours of autumn leaves on the ground made her eyes travel to those colours on the wall leading up to the tunnel 



she could see the hands of those hard at work trying to tell a story of their own by leaving something behind


The tunnel was mysterious in itself with old stone walls leading to an enchanted forest perhaps



the arched entrance gave her a feeling of going back in time hearing old souls echoing in space


As she was leaving she heard a secret melody...

Photo Credit: Cindi Talbot

How I Turned My Life Around - From Size 16 to 2.

Fall 2007

I am neither a nutritionist nor a personal trainer. If you want to learn how to count calories or how to measure your pulse, this blog is not for you! And most importantly, Consult with your Doctor first regarding any physical activities.


This blog is not about how to lose weight. Rather, it’s about giving you hope to motivate and to inspire you, knowing I turned my life around only by sheer determination. 

August 2008

This is my story...

It was right after a friend’s wedding in August 2009 that I looked at my own picture and became overcome with a feeling of shock. Up to that point, I had not been aware of the drastic changes in my body over the years. I had neglected myself emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Two months prior, I had just ended a 20 year marriage that had left me with more questions than answers about where my life was headed.  Here I was, a single mother of two with a decent job and no other means of support in any form or shape. It was me and only me. I wanted to look good and feel good. I wanted to do something for me and only me.  This wasn’t about society telling me I had to look a certain way. This wasn’t about impressing anyone. This was about me realizing that my health was in danger. I was someone who took pride in eating healthy and keeping fit but for many reasons I had decided to ignore that part of my life style and let go of it. I had taken nutrition courses while in college and I used to read a lot of articles pertaining to health. And here I was with back pain, shortness of breath, and aching muscles.

I don’t like to weigh myself. I even won’t remember the pounds or kilos to tell you. I don’t own a scale! I do remember being size 14-16. I had no money to join the gym nor did I like the idea of joining a gym. I had no money to go on a special diet or those programs that we are bombarded with every day. So, what did I do?

I knew a crash diet was out of the question. I can’t starve myself as years ago I had done it and just made myself sick. I even don’t like the word diet. This time around I told myself I am going to have a different approach. I will be working towards a healthier life style gradually, slowly, steadily, and with patience. I told myself for decades I have neglected myself, therefore, I think I can afford to be patient for an optimal result in a couple of years.  For the most part of my life I was size 10-12. I knew getting from a size 16 to 10 required time. I had to start with simple steps.  I was determined to eliminate the unnecessary stuff in my life and replace them with things that brought joy and health.

I started reading a lot online and soon I figured out all those articles are giving the same messages:

*Do not eat 3 big meals a day; rather eat throughout the day up to 5 to 6 times/day

*Eat almost everything you want in small portions

*Eat healthy (Canada's Food Guide)

*Don’t eat after 7 pm

*Drink plenty of water

 It sounded simple and the only requirement was my willingness to stick with it, be patient, and wanting to do it for me. I was determined to turn my life around and to be healthy. I had started having back pains, muscle aches, all sorts of problems that are associated with being overweight. I wanted to be healthy and fit.

I started paying attention to my daily routine and questioned them as to be necessary or just bad habits that I had gained gradually without paying attention.  I noticed that every morning I stopped by my favourite coffee shop and ordered a large coffee with cream and sugar; and a delicious, buttery fresh muffin.  I decided to go for the muffin every other day at first. I did not want to eliminate everything at once. I started reducing the amount of cream and sugar. Next, I replaced the cream with milk and eventually eliminated the sugar. It was gradual and I did not feel deprived or frustrated to say the hell with it, I’m going back to the way it was. I stopped buying a muffin every day. I had a habit of being hungry before coming to work. I made sure I had a healthy breakfast which for years has not changed, raisin bran cereal with 2% milk. I don’t have a fancy breakfast with all calories counting.  

Lunch time at work was either left over from the night before or rushing across the street to buy something to eat and I ate everything! I decided to buy a bag of bread which I kept in the fridge at work plus a jar of peanut butter. Why peanut butter? It was affordable, easy for lunch, enjoyed eating it, and it was a regular source of protein for me. 

For dinner, I ate anything I wanted to but started reducing my portion. 

But something else needed to be done.....I had to keep Moving....

Summer 2009

I have always enjoyed walking. I had actually come across an article in early 2000 that talked about “Walking it off”. In 2002, I started walking and shed lots of pounds. Based on experience and knowing that I enjoyed walking and it had work in the past for me, I added walking to my daily routine.

*I walked 15 min during my am break. A very fast power walk as strolling yourself has no effect!

*I walked 15 min during my pm break.

* I walked a very fast 20 min lunch walk and had 10 min to gobble down my peanut butter sandwich

*Every time I got back to work, I climbed 4 flights of stairs rather than taking the elevators. Learn how to walk! 

For a short period of time from Jan 2009 to 2010 I took up Kung Fu and boxing and loved it. I eventually bought a boxing bag to practice on my own in the basement. The bottom line is to find out what you like to do and do it. Not everyone works out in the gym! Not everyone counts their calories morning and night. Be sensible and make it easy for you and the chances are you’ll stick with it. I love boxing and it helps me tremendously to get rid of negative energy and keeps me fit. You can read many benefits of boxing here.

2009 - 2010

But what else did I do? I love dancing. I danced. Every opportunity I had, I’d play music at home and just danced away. The combination of dancing, walking and healthy eating was working faster than I expected. Again, since I don’t weigh myself, I did not realize I was shrinking till I had to use a safety pin to hold my pants up. At that point I was probably a size 8 or 10.  

Xmas 2009 

Once people started realizing my shrinkage they started asking what I was doing. I told them I’m eating healthy and I’m walking it off! When I finally decided to buy new pairs of pants as all my clothes looked ridiculously too big, I picked up two pairs of pants size 8 and headed to the fitting room.  To my surprise they were too big! I double checked the size and couldn’t understand it. The fitting room attendant said “Oh honey, I’ll bring you size 4!” I was like what? I was size four!!! In the fitting room I held my own face looking at my own body and could not believe I had gone beyond what I had intended. It was exhilarating to know I had reached my goal, and I did it without diet, or gym. That has been of one my top accomplishment in my life so far.

  

Fall 2010

I was very good in track and field throughout school years. I started reading more about my favourite athletes. I was finding my way back doing things I enjoyed, cared about and was passionate about. It was motivating to read about their accomplishments and just get excited to see their accomplishments, breaking records, and reaching their goals. I have been a huge fan of the athletics as long as I can remember.I became more motivated I started adding running gradually to my routine. 

2011

I couldn’t run far, but I felt great even for that 5 minutes. I was free. The minutes were getting longer and longer. I ran my first 5K in 30 minutes. I’m planning to do more runs and have set goals for myself.

Summer 2012

I continued steadily to a size 2, but have been sitting at a stable size 4 for 1 year now.  I try to fit walking into my daily routine. The longest walk I’ve done has been 18 Km. I can complete 4.2 Km walk in 25 to 30 minutes.  I am aiming to do bigger walks and sporting events.

I hope this blog has been able to give you hope and understanding that we are able to stay healthy and fit by doing little steps. Those little steps eventually lead you to where you want to be. 

If you have loads of money to throw a personal trainer and a dietician, go for it. If you don’t have the financial means, know that you can do it with persistence and stamina. Find out what activity you enjoy and do it. The only advice I can give you is to keep moving, eat healthy, don’t deprive yourself and most importantly do things that make you happy.

...start moving

This article was posted on Facebook today: The Ultimate Guide to Fat Loss!