Fit for Fall
Nikki Gillingham // September 7, 2012
Welcome back, guys!
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer, and has started to settle back into the fall routine at MSVU. While I’m actually in Ottawa on my third and final co-op work term, I am also excited to be back and writing for Symmetry. Because it’s our first issue back after the break, I thought I would give you a short update on how my own training has been going, before launching into my health and fitness advice.
Yes, that’s right – after a summer off, I’m giving you some time to adjust before bombarding you with reasons why you should get off the couch and put down the candy.
Fall is an exciting time for runners – it’s cross country season. Being sans-team, I have taken my training up a few levels and switched my focus from 5km races to half marathons. I completed my first half marathon in Halifax in May. The Scotiabank Bluenose Half Marathon was the single hardest thing I have ever done in my life. And in a just over a month, I plan on doing it again.
On October 14th, I am going to be running the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon. Hopefully this time, I won’t feel like jello after. I have been training hard all summer, and am really looking forward to a second chance at proving myself to, well, myself. Like all training, for any sport, there have been ups and downs (like the move to Ottawa, which put an unfortunate dent in about two weeks of my training). But I’m confident that if I keep training and stay healthy, I’ll be able to compete and earn myself a new PB.
Personal best, that is. Not peanut butter.
One of the greatest things about moving to a new city for a runner is the access to new routes and trails. Ottawa is already proving to be an amazing city for running, and I have only been here a week. I look forward to taking full advantage of all of the pathways and scenery here in the Capital City, and maybe even getting lost once or twice (it happens).
But enough about me. Yes – you knew it was coming. This is a column for health and fitness advice and not an avenue for me to tell everyone about my running stories (although I would love that too!) Now that you know a bit about my training plans and new adventures to come, I’d like to hear about yours. What are your health and fitness goals for this fall?
No matter what they are, achieving them always starts with just one small step. If you haven’t yet, start working towards them. Now. You don’t have to wait until tomorrow, or Monday – get off the couch and get started today. You’ll be amazed at what you can do.
As always, email me with any comments, questions, or concerns you’d like to see addressed this year. If I don’t know the answer, I will find it for you.
Stay healthy, MSVU! Have a great school year.
