What would really hurt?
Sigh.
Exercise.
I'm not an exercise sort of person. It's not my idea of fun--at all. I just don't enjoy it. I wish I did, but I don't. My attitude is pretty much summed up in this cartoon.
So, yesterday I convinced myself that while on break at work I would do 4 sets of stairs. Not four flights of stairs, four sets of FOUR FLIGHTS of stairs. That's sixteen flights of stairs for you math whizzes out there. Why stairs? Well, the weather in NC is so odd these days. I didn't want the ability to use "weather" as an excuse to quit. I also feel that stairs involve more physical stamina than walking--my calves are so sore today!! They couldn't possibly be this sore from walking.
Now some of you, I realize, are probably thinking, "Well, that's so easy...blah, blah, blah." Holy moly! I almost died. Twice. I think I heard angles singing at one point. I was breathing so heavily on my second set that I decided to stop at 8 flights on shear fear that I would pass out. Maybe by the end of Lent I'll be able to do the 3rd and 4th sets.
The entire time I had to push myself. I prayed to God and thanked Him for the blessings he has placed in my life. I prayed for guidance and direction. I prayed for you, my sweet friends. I prayed for family and good health. I prayed for my friends. I prayed for God to make me godly. Every step was so hard for me...each next step, a little harder than the prior step.
Ironically it reminded me so much of my journey to parenthood. It started out easy...then it got a little harder...a little more hard...a lot more hard. When I was finished I felt so relieved and fulfilled. It's almost hard to put into words. It was a "me and God" moment that I will cherish where He put some things in perspective for me.
I will press on, one step at a time.
1 comment:
Good for you for making this commitment. I need to do the same. I STILL haven't decided what I'm doing for lent. I will try to decide by the end of the day.
I agree that walking stairs is great exercise. I used to do it at my old job where we had 4 flights of stairs. I eventually got up to 10-15 sets each time. It's do-able! Keep at it. It WILL get easier.
One suggestion to diminish sore calves...when you step on each stair, put your whole foot on the stair, not just your toe (front half of your foot). This helps to work your thigh muscles better and not just your calves. I was given the same suggestion when I first started and COULD NOT WALK the next day my calves hurt so badly.
Maybe I should make an exercise Lenten commitment...I hate exercising too.
BTW, I brought my iPod to work so I had something to "do" while I did the stairs. I also ended up having to bring a T-shirt & sports bra to wear while I did it because I would get so sweaty. But I was in really good shape, especially compared to me now. I miss those days.
Good luck!
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