It's All About Timing (2).

Feeling the Balance.

I walk or bike to the YMCA three times per week. Via the underground.

I joined the YMCA on November 1st  of last year. To make good use of my membership I was soon regularly using the Y facilities 5 - 6 times per week. Occasionally I would walk or run outdoors as well on familiar city pathways.

Today is August 27, almost 10 months later, and my fun and fitness routine - making use of both outdoor and indoor (YMCA) facilities - has reached a lovely balance. Not that it won't change when colder weather hits our region, but "I'm really kinda in a good groove" right now.

 The Journal says I'm moving forward in all fun and fitness departments

My usual habit is to hit the Y three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, thank you) and get out for a long walk or run or both on three of the other four days. Because life happens, perfectly alternating indoor and outdoor workouts doesn't always happen, but this balanced approach seems to be a very good goal to work toward.

My YMCA activities are also achieving a nice balance when comparing one month to the next. I walk or bike to and from, and include a satisfying combo of running, biking and weight lifting (or pulling and pushing) while there. Over the last few months I have grown familiar with sit ups, four free-weight exercises and seven stationary weight-machine exercises. (Svelteness is one of my ultimate goals : )

Outdoor pathways that hug the banks of the Thames River are a healthy spot for my 6 - 8 mile walks, runs or walk-runs. I collect about 30 points per week (1 point per mile) via walking and running, and another dozen points for some cycling (1 point per 18 minutes) and weight-lifting (1.25 points for a 25 - 30 min. workout). Some say "variety is the spice of life" and I would not disagree with that when it comes to an overall workout schedule.

Some Good Numbers:

See the right hand column above for details. 

1. August Weekly Miles - 15 (first 3 days, w one day off), 44.5, 43.0, 39.75 mi.

2. (The Last) 10 Week's Miles - from 46.5 - 39.75 mi. Pretty steady. Only one wee vacation.

3. Miles 10 Week Average - 39.925 - 40.125 mi. over the last 4 full weeks. Not bad, I say.

As long as good weather is around I will be attempting to maintain the same balance in my schedule. But once the snow flies I'll be heading indoors more often.

Photos from Olde Londontowne:

The home-YMCA round trip is 3.25 miles. Easier when it doesn't rain! 

Art work in the King Street 'traffic chunnel'.

More to follow.

Please link to It's All About Timing (1).

Photos GH