Embrace incidental exercise
WHAT do you do when life gets in the way of your marathon training?
Lately, I’ve been discovering more and more how events seem to take precedence over my vital training for the Gold Coast Marathon on July 1.
My brother comes to town and it’s the first time I’ve seen him for three years so I put off a 7km run and instead settle down for some marinated pork chops and a lovely, lovely, bottle of viognier (delicious!).
Then there’s a key business networking event on and it coincides with my morning jog, but it’s for a story so I can’t miss it.
You may be thinking, “Alister, these are all just pissweak excuses!’’
And you may be right! But the point remains that sometimes life just gets in the way, despite one’s best efforts to make time for training.
One way to mitigate the negative effects of this is through so-called “incidental exercise’’.
So I have generously composed a list of great incidental exercise. You’re welcome!
1) Cycling to work. Not technically incidental exercise, but, hey, let’s reach that magic word count together. This one requires a route that doesn’t take you through deadly intersections (think: Hooker Blvd and Bermuda St) and a shower at the other end (because no one wants to smell your scent). If you don’t have a bike, use one of those Mobikes you see lying about but don’t put it in my driveway. There’ll be hell to pay!
2) Desk exercises. So your colleagues may snigger at you as you lean on the desk and do tricep dips or use your imaginary skipping rope. Well screw them! They’ll be a big bag of lard come winter and you’ll be a sexy beast.
3) Take the stairs instead of the lift. Enjoy a quiet feeling of superiority over your fellow man (Hey, get your kicks whatever way you can).
4) How about a walking meeting? Make your phone call and go for a walk. Also gesture wildly. People will think your phone call is very, very, important.
5) Park farther away than usual. So you work in Southport and live in Broadbeach? Park in Surfers Paradise. Don’t be lazy.
That’s all I have for now. Any comments/criticism/ ideas please email alister.thomson@news.com.au.