TargetZone Fitness

I think it is always important to set yourself some short term and long term goals when it comes to fitness. Otherwise you have nothing to strive towards and we all know how easy it is to lose interest and bring out the excuses.

Some of you may already know that my partner and son have gone to England for two weeks leaving me as free as a bird and able to do whatever I please. So I decided to set myself a goal last week to get up at 5:30am every morning (Monday through to Friday) and bike to the Chief from my home in the Garibaldi Highlands, clamber up the Chief, jaunt back down, ride back home then finish this insane goal off with a 10 mile run.

I thought maybe I would introduce this new and exciting exercise into the bootcamp classes.

What do you think?

 Okay do not try this at home!!

There are many different websites available on the internet for those interested in mapping out their running routes. I came across this one the other day. It will map your distance, plot your milestone markers, allow you to add points of interest and pictures, and it will show your elevation.

Check out the running map and its very easy to use.

So we just had our first long weekend where we didn't need to spend it with the family. Yeaahhh! I know what you are thinking...how mean is she? But I'm just stating a fact. This is the first long weekend where we are not obligated to spend it with the crazies. That's what I like to call my family. Ha! Ha!

Anyway I digress. This blog is actually about my son and maybe how crazy his parents are. Unlike most two year olds....right!!! he refused to wear his hat on that day that the sun actually decided to show itself...remember? We were enjoying a few beverages in the backyard and my partner, Russell, decided it was in Oakleys best interest that he be smothered in sunblock... on his head. Thats right! Russell took that bottle and squeezed a palm size handful of this 50 factor waterproof suntan lotion all over his unsuspecting sons head. Here is a tasteful picture of the final product.

1. Exercise can help you manage your weight.

• You burn more calories with exercise and the more intense the exercise the more you burn.
• It speeds the rate of energy used resulting in increased metabolism.
• It will increase fat burning enzymes which will result in the body burning more energy even at rest.

2. Exercise can improve your mood.

• It stimulates brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
• The productions of these endorphins can help reduce the feelings of depression, anxiety and stress.

3. Exercise combats chronic diseases.

• Regular exercise can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure which will reduce the chance of a heart attack.
• It can help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Check out my list of 10 great ways to motivate yourself to exercise.

I dont know how it was possible but I actually managed to drag my sorry butt out of bed for the Sun run in the early morning of April 19th. Due to a bit too much wine drinking the night before I wasnt feeling on top of my game. The night before I had been invited to an evening of over indulgence where manicures, pedicures and massages were available. It was a night for mums wonderfully hosted by another mum and believe me we all indulged.

Unfortunatley I had such a good time I paid for it the next morning. It was a mad rush to orient myself, dress myself, wake up and prepare the baby and race over to West Vancover to drop him off at his grandmothers before  continuing on my journey to the Sun run race. I surprisingly managed to arrive downtown by 8am and find free parking down near Cardero's restaurant. At this point I decided I had time for a much needed power nap and found myself falling into a deep and drooling sleep.