Why exercise?

'I do not understand why people put themselves through all that pain'... someone at work said to me today, as I was struggling to lift the kettle to make myself a coffee.

I suddenly found myself having to justify so much pain, which made me think and in a split second I remembered. Why do I go through all that effort? I spend days with aching muscles. I crave food more than ever and try not to over indulge. My friends think I am insane... So why do I exercise?

Different people have different reasons, for me the reasons go beyond of what you can see right now. My reasons are not just so I can lift the 15kg bag of dog food into the back of the car, or being able to walk for hours without feeling tired, or to have a good dance and being able to out-dance most young people! My reasons are to do with longevity of a good quality of life.

There are plenty of articles on the net and research papers that show that as a nation (even the whole of society) we are living longer. Living longer has its downsides, as many illnesses that are related to old age will increase. Also, as a society we have lived a very sedentary lifestyle. This will also increase the probability of developing these illnesses and many more related to obesity. So we might be living longer, but not necessarily a longer healthy life.

Exercising will decrease the probability of you getting these illnesses. Obviously it is not a guarantee just like life is not a guarantee, but if you want to have the best chance to grow old walking on your own or being able to wash yourself and going to the toilet without someone helping you, then I say lets give exercise a chance!

There are plenty of articles that talk about the benefits of exercise and ageing, you just need to look at the major newspapers to find countless articles on medical research. A quick Google search will give you plenty of results of articles you can read.

As we become older, our muscles start to deteriorate and although exercise does not stop it, it certainly slows it down. Also gives you strength, so when you are older you will have a better posture and be able to move independently and at ease.

Also, the other major reason why I started to exercise has been the effect that has on the brain. Exercise helps your brain stay sharp and focused, not only during the time when you are young but also as you get older. You are in fact, investing into a healthy mind for later life, diminishing the chances of getting dementia.

Who on earth wants to be living longer in a wheelchair unable to remember their loved ones? If by investing in some sweat and pain you can reduce this probability to a minimum, what is stop you from exercising?

Climbing Scafell Pike

The achievement of the week, in fact, of the month has got to be climbing Scafell Pike.

This time I had a partner in crime, my boyfriend came with me to climb the wonderful mountain in Cumbria, UK. Not sure he did this willingly, but he sure stuck with me. Months before we made sure we had all the equipment that numerous sites recommend. I must say, I already had all these from when I climbed Snowdon in Wales. 

Although slightly cloudy we still went ahead with our walk and with map in hand we started the ascent. The route we chose was the recommended one (easiest) according to many sites. Although the Wasdale route does get quite a few people as you get to the top and it becomes cloudy you look for people for reassurance that you are going the right way! And do not be fooled, maybe called the tourist route, but sure is hard work. 

One thing I must say, Scafell Pike is not well signposted, you need the map and a compass. When the cloud comes in you can just see about 5 metres ahead of you, that is all. What about the path I hear you say? Yes, what path? There is no path but random piles of rock that have been put together to guide you roughly where you should be going. That is, if the fog and clouds lets you see the next one!

Also, whatever you do, unless you are fit AND have experience, do stick with the tourist route... nothing wrong with the tourist route. Because you might find like us, you think you took a shortcut and then realised that you cannot turn back, cloud is all around you and the only way forward is to literally hold on to rocks as hard as you can to pull yourself up... one tiny slip and my kids could have been orphaned.

However, all in all, we had fun and we made it.

Would I do it again? Oh yes... The next one I am doing is Ben Nevis... that will be a 2016 challenge.

My boyfriend and I, photo taken on our way down by a wonderful lady who was also climbing Scafell.

Yes, look at the amazing views!

And this is when we realised... ooops... we can see what is ahead... and then the cloud came in.

40km in 40 days

One of the coaches at my local box (CrossFit gym) set the challenge of running 40km in 40 days... In an attempt to get us running more.

Well... I have done it! In 35 days actually...

I am so pleased and proud. Even more amazing the transformation in me has been incredible. I actually enjoy running now, I am able to run 6.53km without stopping. A month ago I never thought I would be able to run at all.

I now actively run during the week and look forward to the next run.

My aim now is to reach 10km and then start running faster. I run but I run very slowly... A bit faster will be nice.

And maybe next year I will be able to do half a marathon!