My first day at the gym

Today I was planning on going to the HS track to do W1D1 of C25K, but it was windy and I had the chills. I forgot my windbreaker and didn't want to be miserable and cold on the track. But I didn't want to wimp out either.

Earlier this year, a Anytime Fitness Center/Gym opened up here in town and I have been considering checking it out for a couple of weeks. But I have been wary about the expense considering our budget. They have been advertising a free 7 day trial membership, so I figured that I could go check out AF and, using their treadmills, get my walking in at the same time.

So I got the 15 minute tour and sales pitch, signed up for the trial membership (paid a refundable $15.00 for my access card), changed into my walking clothes and hit the treadmill. Liz, the manager, showed my the basic ropes, set the treadmill for 30 minutes, hit start and was gone. So it was me and the machine. And I started walking, setting the treadmill at 2.5mph - I mean, I don't want to over do it the first time, right? I continue walking, all while watching a re-run episode of Law & Order:SVU, my favorite guilty pleasure. I mean, how cool it that? I can get my exercise AND watch TV - the best of both worlds, fitness meet couch potatoe.

However, that got old quick. I upped the pace to 3.0mph and turned on my MP3 player. (Not only am I a notive at working out, but I'm also technologically Amish, just recently got a cell phone with music capabilities). I'm walking to Adele "Rolling in the Deep", picking up the pace, feeling a little winded and thirsty (note to self - next time on treadmill, bring water bottle). A message flashes on the display "25% complete" - What? I've already walked for 7.5 mins? I look at another display - .44 miles. Wow! Almost 1/2 mile? Already?

I'm starting to feel good. I feel the dampness of sweat on my chest and back. I actually have to wipe sweat off of my forehead. I'm actually doing this! I'M REALLY DOING THIS! I pick up the pace again, up to 3.3mph. I think I'm getting into the zone. I no longer fell winded or really thirsty. My ankles aren't bothering me. I'm just walking and feeling my body, the sweat, my breathing. And it feels good. Up the pace again, to 3.5mph. This is awesome. Another flash - "60% complete" and I've walked over 1 mile. Keep walking, up the pace, jog a little, keep going, feel the sweat.

I keep going, for 30 minutes. My average pace is 3.5mph, I am closing in on 2 miles (ok, only 1.7 miles). I watch to "time remaining" display tick down the minutes, then the seconds. The treadmill kicks into cool down mode - 5 more minutes. When all is said and done, I have exercised for 35 minutes, walked 1.91 miles and burned 168 calories.

I am now reveling in my accomplishment. I feel so good! I haven't felt this good about myself in years. I'm proud of myself, of my acheivement. I'm smilling, I don't even feel tired. I feel empowered. I don't have to be fat for the rest of my life. I found the solution to my problem and I can do it. I have made the decision - I WILL BE HERE TOMORROW. I have found my future.