Going to Costa Rica in May

lost4words_ox
lost4words_ox Posts: 23 Member
edited November 15 in Fitness and Exercise
So, the short version of my story is I am 220 lbs and obese. But I'm working on it. I'm down 63 lb from were i started four years ago. I have a renewed sense of motivation and have been managing well for the last month and half. I'm committed to an entire life style change.

While I don't want to stop trying to live the best life I can, I don't want my weight to hold me or anyone else back. Fast forward, I am going on an Eco tourism trip to Costa Rica in May. The trip is going to include hikes, white water rafting, zip lining, etc etc. Some physical stuff. I want to do it all.

The problem is I have been focusing more on food then exercise. So now I want to increase both my speed and stamina to help with the joking portions of this trip. But I am unsure how to go about this. Ideally I'd like to start running in order to increase cardiovascular, but I'm not sure how to go from nothing to running, without biting off more then I can chew.

I'm sure some might say just walk more or whatever but I need structure and accountability, so I am looking for something clearer that I can follow in order to get to a place where I won't want to die if we hike for a few hours.

Losing weight is a bonus but I don't care at all about the number on the scale. My only goal is to have this amazing experience in Costa Rica without being completely weighed down by my physical ability.

Any advice?

Replies

  • suruda
    suruda Posts: 1,233 Member
    First of all, Congratulations on your success so far! I've been to Costa Rica and loved, loved, loved it! Nicest people, beautiful scenery...amazing adventures! The food is overall pretty healthy, chicken, rice and veggies were staples if I remember...easy.

    If you want to follow somethign specific how about doing couch to 5k? If the running gets too hard...you can repeat days until it's not. That program is designed to help people go from sedentary to more active. You could use that to get started then take it on your own...start walking, incorporate hills for stamina and more cardio.

    4 months is enough time to make an impact!

    Good luck!
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    lost4words_ox wrote: »
    So now I want to increase both my speed and stamina to help with the joking portions of this trip.

    The joking portions of the trip? Anyway, unless you will be running on your trip, i would start with hiking or walking the first month or 2. The risk of injuries is a lot less with walking (20-25% of new runners get injured). Check google for walking programs. If you have access to a gym, you can use a treadmill set to an incline, or a stepmill.

    If you choose to run, read the sticky post called "Most helpful posts".
    That post also has info on getting started with strength training.. which will help you prepare for your other activities. :+1:
  • lost4words_ox
    lost4words_ox Posts: 23 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    lost4words_ox wrote: »
    So now I want to increase both my speed and stamina to help with the joking portions of this trip.

    The joking portions of the trip? Anyway, unless you will be running on your trip, i would start with hiking or walking the first month or 2. The risk of injuries is a lot less with walking (20-25% of new runners get injured). Check google for walking programs. If you have access to a gym, you can use a treadmill set to an incline, or a stepmill.

    If you choose to run, read the sticky post called "Most helpful posts".
    That post also has info on getting started with strength training.. which will help you prepare for your other activities. :+1:

    Thanks! I typed that on my phone, auto correct is not my friend. Joking = physical lol.

    I just purchased a gym membership and will definitely be incorporating inclines into the treadmill. Thanks for the advice!
    suruda wrote: »
    First of all, Congratulations on your success so far! I've been to Costa Rica and loved, loved, loved it! Nicest people, beautiful scenery...amazing adventures! The food is overall pretty healthy, chicken, rice and veggies were staples if I remember...easy.

    If you want to follow somethign specific how about doing couch to 5k? If the running gets too hard...you can repeat days until it's not. That program is designed to help people go from sedentary to more active. You could use that to get started then take it on your own...start walking, incorporate hills for stamina and more cardio.

    4 months is enough time to make an impact!

    Good luck!

    Thanks! I will look in into that.
  • sweatin4me
    sweatin4me Posts: 17 Member
    I would also recommend the C25K. I did a similar trip to Costa Rica a few years ago. The food is great and all fresh. As long as you like chicken, fish, rice, and fruit you will be set. My only bit of insight is that some of the hikes take you to higher elevations which has thinner air and makes it harder to breath. I had an asthma attack during a hike! Luckily for me as long as you can say a medications name the pharmacist will give it to you.
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