Focus T 25

Greetings!  We purchased Shaun T.’s Focus T 25 exercise program. I liked the idea of having a quick (25 minutes) high intensity workout program for hurried days. Shannan wanted the program for the workout time and because it includes real modifications, unlike Shaun T’s Insanity and Asylum. So far we have been giving each routine a try and plan to start the full 10 week program in September.

The Abs Interval and Speed 1.0 discs in the Alpha series are good workouts. However, they are not as high impact as the others. Some people may want to add other physical activities for these days. My experience has been that you want to make sure you have supportive and comfortable shoes. Generally, the moves change every 30 seconds and your feet do a lot of the work in the Alpha series.

Like Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer, these workouts have many complex and combination moves. You do not have much time to switch from one to the other. You may want to watch the DVDs first before committing your exercise time. Overall, Shannan and I are both pleased with the prospect of the next 10 weeks.  We’ll keep you posted.

If only for 25 minutes, Focus.

Tom

You have to believe

Greetings!  Many times I try to convince folks that to fully embrace running it should begin as a slow process. This is especially true for adults who have never had running as a part of their regular life style, or if it has been several years since they last went for a run. Starting with one slow mile seems to offend people's senses. Many folks want to hit the road for 5 or 10K at an 8-minute mile pace. That's just not realistic, nor is it likely to be good for your body.

If you want to take up running, you have to believe distance and speed will come. It's a progression that you build up to weekly. If you create a safe and viable plan and follow it you can find running to provide numerous health benefits and to be a great individual outlet for exploring and reflecting. You have to believe.

I use belief and moderate progression in many facets of my life, and I have to say it pays off when I truly decide and commit to a cause. I have recently used this very successfully in my fitness and professional life. I set forth a plan in the late spring. I called it the 101 Days of Summer. This plan involved an intense workout regime of cardio and resistance training as well a methodical approach to my career goals in education.

After the 101 days my goals were met in both categories. I made great strides in my fitness and very positive changes in my professional standing. I feel great. All it took was faith that I could follow through and work the plan. I kept a daily diary of progress. This helped me to focus. Ultimately, I met my objectives more than a week early. This is not a "look I'm so fantastic" piece. It's a, “I took my time (slow and steady), I believed and I worked hard.” Everyone can do that. Thus, I am writing to encourage you to do just that.

Work the magic. Believe in yourself and be grateful for the results of your labor.

Believe. Run.

Tom

Ask and ye shall receive

Time and time again when traveling I seek out places to run not crowded with the same old set of retail establishments. This is a problem as we often stay near airports or close to interstate exits. I am not opposed to entrepreneurs or city running. In fact, I quite like running on main thoroughfares filled with local businesses and shops. I find this setting gives a sense of the community, unlike the same old big name retailers found in shopping plazas all over the U.S.

 

I got what I asked for in miles and miles of Cheyenne, WY. The interstate exit had a hotel, a gas station and one other industrial business. All of these were swallowed by vast wide-open spaces. What a joy it was to wind through the hills decorated by streams, ponds and ranches. Once atop of a gradual incline the road looked as if it was a path to the edge of the Earth, a truly spectacular sight to behold. The morning was cool and quiet. My only companion on the road was good-sized snake. We kept our distance. A July temperature much lower than I expected and slight altitude were not enough to diminish the wonder of the run on this day. 

 

I learned only 500,000 people live in WY. I figure a person could have a marvelous run like this one just about any time anywhere in the entire state. That's a beautiful thing!

 

In not in Wyoming, Run where you are.

 

Tom