Great weather - It was in the low 70s yesterday so I had to venture out for a nice run around town. I have been doing most of my running inside for the past few months. I have to admit I got a little spoiled running and watching television. I know I always say the important thing is to move, but outside stresses your body a little differently then indoors. A benefit is getting a alittle vitamin D from the sun. For you nutritionsts, I know the sun doesn't actually give vitamin D, but it converts this or that to allow the body to use vitamin D. Since I am NOT a nutritionist, I am sticking with my original statement that I got it from the sun. In addition to catching a few rays; going up and down sidewalks and up and down hills helps burn more calories than just treadmill running (some say 10% more, but they probably do not live in Scranton). Plus you get some fresh air and can interact with people. All in all with the sun and the fact that is was a Sunday morning with little traffic, it was a very enjoyable few miles. I highly recommend it.     

 

Catch some rays, you can run slow to do it.                                 

 

 



The Biggest Loser, I am not a BIG fan of "Reality TV," however, there are a few shows that I like. One show that I watch from time to time is "The Biggest Loser." It is a reality show based on who could lose the most weight over a period of weeks, with eliminations each week. One problem that I have with the show though is that contestants lose A LOT of week over a 7 day period. Some might lose 10 to 15 pounds or more. The MOST that is recommended to lose in a healthy manner is 2 to 2 1/2 pounds per week. I am sure that there are viewers that get very discouraged because they cannot lose more than a pound or two in a week. That is what is recommended though, unless you are on television and have trainers available 24/7 and professional chefs. SO if you are losing ANY WEIGHT AT ALL, rejoice.

 

Be active, be healthy.

I have not been blogging here much lately, but that doesn't mean I have been "vegging." I am doing my internship at the YMCA in Wilkes Barre.  I am working with the Membership Director which covers a lot of area. She takes care of various duties from the front desk to member services. I have been given a membership for my troubles and sometimes work out there. Other times I work out when I get home. I am doing a blog chronicling my experiences there as a sort of running resume, and I am not too worried about keeping up with two blogs. The Y has some good programs and many people like to work out with others. Sometimes the company is nice, sometimes I like to go off on my own. It doesn't really matter as long as you are happy and you keep going further.

"Y" not be fit?

I'm doing my Internship at the Wilkes Barre YMCA. I am working primarily with the Membership Director. She wears a few different hats. She does a little Public Relations, runs the Front Desk, coordinates many of the Day Events, and works with all of the Other Directors. Since I started a couple of weeks ago, I've worked with her, the Aquatics Director, Wellness Director, and Camp Director. I need over 300 hours of working there to graduate in May with my Masters Degree in Sport Management.

This is an unpaid internship but I do get to use the facilities. I am free to use any of the equipment and participate in any of the classes.

"Y" not work out?

The weather has been pretty warm. Mostly in the 40's & 50's for the past few days, although we did get a few inches of snow last week, today is all but gone. Tomorrow, it is supposed to snow again. Just an inch or two, but snow nonetheless. I like running as it is snowing. Not falling down on slick sidewalks, but there is something peaceful about the snow falling around you as your body finds it's pace and your legs pump in a gentle rhythm. By the end of a few miles a nice sweat is going and in the end you can't help but to feel like you accomplished something. On top of having better blood pressure from the exercise, studies show that enjoying nature can lower blood pressure even more.

Go in the Snow

Day 1: Today was the 1st day of my internship at the Wilkes Barre YMCA. I am fairly certain that I am the oldest intern that ever graced their halls, and may even be the oldest intern ever from ESU. That does not really bother me. I know there are many people older than me in better shape, but there are also many people younger in worse shape. I do what I do regardless of what the world does, or expects. I want to have fun during the rest of my life. I know to do that and to be active I have to be in at least fair shape. I can't worry about what others are thinking about my running, or about my push ups, or about my internship. I am not in college at this age for any one's approval. I am there because if ignorance does not have an age limit, learning should not either.

So today I started my internship. In a few months I should graduate with my Masters degree. After that who knows, and who cares. I do what I think is right for ME. I suggest that you do the same.


I gotta be me: good; bad; or indifferent.

Lunch: I am not a dietitian, nor am I a nutritionist. However, I do read about nutrition from time to time. Now that we are embarking on a new year, many people will be taking up new eating habits (at least initially). Some will over do an over due change. This to the left, is my lunch for today. I did not pre-plan to take the picture, it is a normal lunch for me. I know that it is hard to see because I am a better runner than a photographer. The meal consists of one chicken thigh (baked), a little bit of mashed potatoes and some mixed vegetables. My meals are fairly simple. I try to eat more vegetables than protein and more protein than starch. I do not recommend high carb or low carb diets, being vegan, or anything else. The best diet, I feel, consists of: "anything in moderation." I do not run away from pizza, dessert or alcohol. I do like my vegetables, and do not like them slathered in cheese. So, as you chase down what you think your perfect weight is, remember the same food that you ate last year in smaller portions is a change for the better, and when you throw in some exercise (I did do 5 miles this morning), then it is a better change. One last thought, the definition of a calorie is a "unit of  energy."

Food for thought & for fun