Wednesday, March 22, 2006

When walking is not enough

Now, don't get me wrong here - walking is my friend. I love walking and it helped me form my exercise habit last year. And, of course, it is my 'Mummy and Moose' activity (for those who don't know, Moose is the dog).

But from a fitness and weight-loss point of view, walking just doesn't cut the mustard any more.

I wore my heart rate monitor on a walk the other day (I know, geek!). Apart from when I was going up some of Wellington's famous hills, I just couldn't walk hard enough to get out of Zone 1 and into Zone 2. So, basically, I have to walk for a damn long time for walking to have much beneficial effect.

Now Moose has to get used to me breaking into a jog at random intervals.

This week I'm also have a real focus on cardio exercise - no muscle building exercise, just pure, sweaty, leg-wobbling, face-reddening cardio all the way!

I got to meet Karen last night. It was so nice to meet someone whose blog I've been following - especially someone as friendly and bubbly as she is.

13 comments:

Suzy said...

You are just getting so fit!

My DH would agree with you. He has to still go for a run even after we go on our 10km+ walks.

michelle said...

I understand what you are saying. I am finding I need to push myself to do more at my cardio sessions as my old levels don't raise my heart beat.

Cinders said...

I was saying to my walking buddy this morning that 5 laps of the Athletics track used to be enough.. Now, I have to do a minimum of 10. It's a great feeling isn't it.
ps. I saw your comment on Beck's blog about Dave Grohl!! OMG! I think I can hear her squealing..

Bella said...

...I heard you met Dave Grohl also....Hot! Congrats on your weight loss also! Im not too far away - Melbourne, Australia - Im glad I discovered your blog! x

Ails said...

Moose is just going to have to understand!

I really like your exercise plan this week - if that doesn't register a good kg loss, I don't know what will :)

Hope you are having a great week Sue!

Anne said...

I love the fact the we all seem to looking for ways to constantly challenge ourselves.

Tracey Anne said...

Hey Sue,
it was really interesting to read what you had to say about walking. I was wondering about it recently - if maybe I should step up to a bit of jogging or cycling... Of course, I'm nowhere near as fit as you but your comments were very helpful.
Keep up the awesome work!

Margaret said...

WOW. Can you remember a year back when the thought of walking out the door would have been enough to get the heart rate up.

It is great that you have found other things that you enjoy to do to still get into that zone. I can see kick boxing coming up on your horizon soon :D

Have a great day

Chubbymum said...

I met Karen last year at the start of my journey... she is a fantastic, friendly wee thing.. can't wait to do it again with the Wellington ladies that is for sure.

Walking... hmm hard one. I am enjoying it at the moment but with all the exercise you do I can imagine that you need to step it up to the next level...

Love CM

Emily Campbell - Independent Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator said...

You constantly inspire me with the way you are always looking to push yourself further and challenge the limits. Well done Sue, I'm sure Moose will be fine :-)

Lainey said...

Hi Sue

Thanks for your comment on my blog. I've just had a peek on yours and I'm so impressed with all that you have achieved.

A comment in a previous post struck a cord with me when you said 'Not everyone knows I was overweight and I need to stop trying to work it into the conversation" So true!

I'll be popping by lots from now on.

lainey x

Esther said...

Hey Sue, after running for a while I think walking becomes very very tedious. I hate it the most when a runner zips past me - I feel like yelling out "I can run too you know!!". Gee... that sounds terrible, I might have begger problems that I thought!!!

Have a great weekend
Est x

Mary said...

I know exactly what you mean about the walking thing. I've been cycling 12km a day instead now and adding weights on top of that on alternate days. Walking is still great to maintain but if we want to lose, we have to do something more once your body gets used to a certain intensity. As we lose, we do have to work harder for the same results. It makes sense.

Thanks for being a real inspiration in terms of exercise. You always make me question what I am doing and make me think, am I challenging myself enough.