fitness

So the last several years (2 in grad school and 4 in the professional world) have led me to an incredibly unfit state (at least in terms of my previous fitness). So, I have decided to do something about it in NZ. For now, my fitness goal is to be in shape enough to enjoy all of the outdoorsy activities that NZ has to offer. Part of me is leaning towards actually racing again (either mtn bike or adventure racing), but I have not made that an official goal yet since the other part of me is hoping that we are travelling so much that I will not have time to race.

So, what have I been doing? First, I have been trying to commute by foot as much as possible from work (bus there, walk or run home). I would say I average 2 days a week running and 1 day a week walking, but it is only the 5th week. The downside is that it is mostly in the dark unless I leave absolutely on time. The upside is that it is a way to avoid the often crowded and slow bus-ride home. The distance is probably only 4-5km right now, but I hope to increase that as my fitness level goes up.

Next, I have been trying out the local fitness clubs. I want to join a club to have an option maybe once or twice a week as we go into winter and the weather gets worse. Ideally, I would have a gym and pool close to work for a reasonable price without a ridiculous commitment. Well, it turns out that is asking for too much. The fitness clubs here are crazy expensive! And they have 3-yr contracts. I think I have settled on a casual option at two separate places (one pool, one group fitness centre). They both offer concession, 10-visit cards. The price is obviously not as good per visit as a 3-yr contract, but it will rid me of the guilt of being in a 3-yr contract when we travel. Again, I am hoping for lots of travel. Also, yes I did say group fitness. I have never really done group fitness before, but I figured at the very least the group will encourage me to work harder. If I’m lucky, I might make some friends. So far I have done one cardio/weight-lifting type class (which absolutely kicked my butt– couldn’t go down stairs for a few days) and one spin class (again kicked my butt but did not make me as sore the next day). Later this week, I hope to make it down to the pool for a few laps.

Next, Brendan and I are trying to get back into our old habits of lots of hiking and cycling. We’ve been out to the Waitekere Ranges for a few day hikes and I went on my first cycle in months this past weekend. It was fantastic, apart from the fact that my legs were still sore from the previous week’s workout (cardio/weight-lifting type class noted above). It was a casual group that Brendan had ridden with before. I was unfortunately the slowest in the pack, but luckily they were all really laid back Kiwis. I hope to go out with them again as well as maybe do some climbing with one of the girls. I will plan on not doing a heavy leg work in the few days preceding the next ride and see how I go.

Finally, I am going to start keeping a food log. I briefly kept one of these in the weeks that Brendan lived in Auckland and I lived in Melbourne and it was pretty eye-opening as to how many calories you can unknowingly consume. Wine is the worst because who really only drinks one glass of wine with dinner!