Exercise,Health and the Super Bowl

"Be happy. It's one way of being wise."– Colette

 I have some thoughts and ideas about exercise and food intake. I just read some statistics regarding the ingestion of food during the Super Bowl. I didn’t write them down but the numbers were huge as far as snacks etc. it is no wonder why many corporations want to advertise during this event. And further, they know that some people care more about the special and unique advertisements than they do about the actual game. Are you one of them that would rather watch the commercials rather than the game itself?

I recently heard these statistics regarding exercise and health in a continuing education class I took last Friday. The instructor stated that 30 minutes of brisk daily exercise benefits health. 60 minutes of brisk daily exercise is necessary to prevent weight gain while 90 minutes of brisk physical activity will keep the lost weight off. Once again, that doesn’t seem like an inordinately amount of time to spend on oneself.  Notice, brisk daily exercise can be walking at roughly a 4 mph pace. For those of you concerned about distance, check out this website: map my run.com to assist in miles covered. Remember, one doesn’t have to run to accomplish brisk exercise. I get it and I realize that running is difficult and that there are a number of other substitutes that can be used instead. In any event, the activity that you take must number one1. Have a perceived benefit.  2. The activity should be fun, safe, cheap or inexpensive and fit into your busy schedule 3. Walking can be used. Check out this website for assistance: shape up.org.  Don’t forget to include flexibility or muscular strength training as well.

Part 2 to be continued

Saturday, I ran the Jed Smith 50 km race( I medaled).  I have been running this race for the past decade and use it for training for my next ultra which Is Way Too Cool.  Per the good news, I was a little under trained as far as distance is concerned but my time was faster this year than last. Also, my Achilles didn’t bother me. I was fortunate enough to have my friends Alpha, Madhu and Chris run with me. Of the six loops Alpha ran 4, Madhu ran 3 and Chris ran 2. However on the last loop, I was accompanied by everyone.

I ran the first three loops well but then started to tire. Chris was especially helpful in the last loop reminding me to keep my head up to assist in relaxing my neck and shoulders. He also reminded me to keep my arms moving. There was one man who passed me on the last half of the last loop. I mistakenly thought he was in my age group but later learned at the finish that he was in Alpha’s age group. After the event, we stopped for treats at Starbucks and Baskin-Robbins for our awards. It is so neat to have good friends who enjoy similar activities. I am lucky.

On Sunday, Linda and I hosted the Super Bowl. We had a potluck celebration with many friends. Too bad the 49’ers lost. I’m tired from Saturday’s run. Today, I’m off to a continuing education class.