Wow! It is has only been one week since meeting with Kevin and I can already walk/run on the treadmill twice as long as I could a week ago. Even though I can feel muscle gain my scale still insists that I am down 4 pounds! This really is exciting, but let me back up a little bit and fill you in on why I am even telling you this……..
As a contributor of atGeist I was attending a staff meeting a few weeks ago. While brainstorming ideas for good stories for this coming year we got on the subject of the inaugural Geist ½ Marathon that is taking place in May. I had the idea to find someone who is not the stereotypical marathon runner, someone who hasn’t seen the inside of a gym in way too long, basically someone who is out-of-shape and who is willing to train and participate for the Geist 1/2 Marathon. My idea was to follow their progress and have them be an inspiration to others who would like to run the 1/2 or simply just get in shape. A story that screams, “Yes, you can! If he/she could do it, you can do it!” Tom agreed that it might be something readers would like to follow. (You all know who Tom is, so there really isn’t any need to explain, but for the couple of you out there who don’t know Tom Britt, he is the brains behind atGeist and the Geist ½ Marathon, not to mention many other things.)
Well, guess what? Although I in NO way implied that I might want to be that person, I somehow walked out of that meeting nominated for the role (What? Am I really that obviously out of shape or a little overweight? Geez! Well, yes. I really am and the word little might be a bit generous. I guess I just hoped no one had noticed!).
So, here I am. One week ago I met with Tom at the Runner’s Forum in Carmel for my new atGeist sponsored running shoes and then off to Cardinal Fitness on 96th for my first workout with my new trainer (oh, did I mention there are even more perks than just becoming physically fit and loosing a few pounds! – how could I say no?)
Kevin is awesome. My first impression of this very buff guy with a goatee was “Wow. This guy might just hurt me!” It turns out that there was no reason to be intimidated. Kevin Stewart of Stewart Fitness Training is a really nice guy with a great sense of humor who listens to your goals and gives you the direction and encouragement you need to make it happen.
Kevin currently has me doing cardio 7 days per week and meeting with him for weight training 3 of those days. I know that sounds like a lot, but if I keep this up I will be able to meet my goal of getting into the best shape of my life and quite possibly bring home a finishers medal from the first Geist ½ Marathon on May 17th!
I will be blogging about my progress and set backs for the next few months before the Marathon. Please join me! Comments will be accepted and encouraged.
If I can tell a difference in only one week I can’t wait to see what happens in 4 months!
Please talk to your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise program. I am not trained or qualified to give fitness advice. I will be sharing what I am personally doing to get in shape, but that does not necessarily mean it is best for you!
If you would like to get in better shape and are interested utilizing a trainer I highly recommend Kevin. You can give him a call at 317-432-2179.
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May 18, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Tom Britt
hey brenda, GREAT JOB!!!! I remember the look in your eyes about 5 months ago when we were talking about this. Now look at you! What an achievement! How did your son do? I caught the video of you crossing the finish line (posting today on GeistTV.com) and you looked like you could have gone further (of course, I only saw the finish line, you could have passed out for all I know after you walked out of view of the camera). Maybe next year you can tackle the half???? ; )
May 19, 2008 at 7:41 pm
BrendaStaples
Hi Tom. Thanks! It was such a great experience!
Thanks for asking about my son. He had to go out of town and couldn’t run with me:( Actually my whole family unexpectedly had to go out of town and of course that would usually include me but there was no way I was going to miss that race. Not after all this hard work! Althought it was a bummer not having them at the finish line.
No I did not pass out after I was off camera, but I had thought about it a few times at about 2.5 miles (did I mention that I was sick that day? yes, really)
I saw the video. How cool is that?? I can’t get over what a first class event this has been. I have submitted my e-mail address for notification once registration has opened for next year! I haven’t decided yet if I want to tackle the half or dramatically increase my time on the 5k I am thinking half. Either way, I am in!
Sweet.