Zero Defects
Fitness
August 22nd, 2008

Some people go about things backwards - in regards to my fitness level I think that describes me. It wasn't until I hit my 20's that I started running. Before that I had not participated in any sports - my parents could never afford extra-curricular activities and they were pretty lousy role models. When I started running I was passionate about it - and pretty good. Training for half marathons kept me motivated and training hard. It also helped me keep my weight down and deal with stress. And then when I hit my mid 30's I started exploring other sports and ways to keep fit in addition to running. First there was mtn bike riding with my husband ( which I failed at horribly), then I took up karate (not bad at that, but it got too expensive) then I tried outrigger canoeing. I loved that and it gave me some terrific looking shoulders (maybe a little too much like a linebacker), but all that time in the sun and salt water does a number on the skin. Plus the racing schedule was killer. So I spent a few years mainly running until I started getting some major stress injuries. Plantar fascitis (sp?) was really slowing me down and by the time I was hobbling around (stupid I know) I went in to see a personal trainer to get "fixed". That is when I discovered kettlebells. I was intrigued with the description of a large ball that was used by the Russians for their phenomenal levels of fitness - plus the studio was convenient. So I took up kb's with Lauren. They were fun and a great way to strength train and give my running injuries a break - and then I got hooked on the results. I had been struggling with an extra inch around my waist. My sister said it was something that everybody got at a certain age and you just had to live with it. "Uh no, not me" I thought! After doing kettlebells for 3 years and making some adjustments to my diet I do not have that extra lining around my waist and I am more toned and strong than ever. It makes me feel like I have control of my body - a good thing. I still struggle with the occasional annoying running injury but now I can cut back on my running without freaking out because I have kb's. In addition, I have found that yoga helps keep me flexible now that I am (gulp) in my 50's. Yoga gives me balance too - I mean balance in my life - and I need something that slows me down.
Here is a link by the way to the kettlebell DVD that I made with my trainer!!  Who would have thought I would be doing this at age 52!! [Link Removed]

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