Happy Friday everyone! So here we are at the end of stage 5! I hope you are all feeling great and moving up to stage 6! Personally, I’M NOT MOVING UP! As much as I’d love to say I’m awesome and I’m on my way this week, I have to admit I’m pooped!  It may be because I’ve been walking and running a couple of different stages with other people…

Wait, you know what? I am, at this very second, realizing what is happening to me this week. I’ve been helping a girlfriend and Emma get their runs on. I’ve been doubling up with the walking stages and running stages with them because I’m trying to encourage them. The problem is, this is what I do. This is my good part that becomes a bad part in my personality.

I am a helper. I love to help and encourage people. If I think I’m encouraging or inspiring someone, I will bend over backward to do it. However, sometimes I find my worth in this and am unable to say no. So, I lose sleep hours and do double work (and runs) and allow myself to get strung out to be what I think I need to be for other people. Then, I find the reality is I’m not happy and the other people didn’t really need me to be all that in the first place. The worst part is, I usually volunteer the help and then I become resentful I’m helping.

There it is, your running encouragement for the day. Who knew you were going to find this? Not me! But the truth is, we need to take care of ourselves if we are going to be the best we can be. We need to stay active without burning ourselves out. Especially at almost 50 years old. Another part of this is that I have to realize I am not responsible for other peoples’ personal growth or fitness goals. Honestly, I’d like to be but the reality is I am not. Period. The end.

So here is the deal, I’m staying in stage 5 for the up coming week. I live in a hilly area and I’ve been running the five minute segments with at least 2 of the 4 runs being entirely up hill. This week my heart rate was at 110 for at least 20 mins or more after my run and it felt uncomfortable (using the word mildly). I didn’t have to stop during any part of the running but my chest was begging for me to. I just need to get this stage in about 3-4 more times before moving on.

Remember, this is fitness for a lifetime not a season. Part of growing up and becoming wise is learning to know and listen to your body. Mine is saying I’m not ready to do more yet. However, if you are feeling great keep going! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said that to other people during a 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Seriously, go on ahead. I’ll be there shortly!

Here is your workout for stage 6:

• Walk for 3min Run for 7min.
• Repeat this sequence two more times
• End with 3min of walking

Your total workout time is 33min, 21 of which are running. Do this workout 3-4 times this week!

If I feel better this week I’ll move on. I’ve been forgetting to eat as much as I should and that is definitely taking it’s toll. Remember to feed your body folks!

Have a fantastic week! Be strong, only you can do this for you!