RUNNING TRANSFORMATION MAKEOVER

Marie Schuyler-Dreaver is the winner of Brainsport’s Running Transformation Makeover. Over eight weeks, Brian Michasiw will guide Marie on the journey to becoming a runner in time for the 5K event at the Bridge City Boogie. He will share her progress in this column.

Afew years ago, I had a conversation with Mr. Someone. Mr. Someone told me that I’m not stretching enough, not doing enough core strength, not drinking enough water, that I’m too stressed out and that I should eat more organic vegetables picked by monks.

These types of conversations leave me feeling hopeless and inadequate. Being a parent of three, a husband, shop owner, marathon runner and part time journalist is busy enough. Now I have to find more hours in the day to fit in all the extra

activities that will make me healthier, stronger and happier? It’s enough to make me want to pack it all in and watch all five seasons of Breaking Bad with a big bottle of Pepsi and a box of ripple chips.

However, I’ve found several ways to make myself healthier without too much effort:

Parking: When I’m looking for a spot to park in a large parking lot, I always park as far away as possible from the door. The benefits include less time driving and more time walking.

Stand up desk: Several years ago, I got rid of my regular sit down desk and bought a stand up desk. This keeps my core strong and my hip flexors flexible.

Stairs: Whenever possible I take the stairs and avoid elevators. In addition to the cardiovascular improvements, I also learn how to vacate a building in case of a fire.

Walk, cycle and drive: I try to bike instead of drive, and try to walk instead of bike. It isn’t always easy but with some effort I make it happen.

I asked Marie how or if she fits cross training into her busy life. Marie is a wife and mother of three children (the youngest is 16 months old). She likes to walk at a quick pace for 45 minutes to an hour, wearing her 23 pound daughter. She would like to do more cross training on her days off from running.

“I’m thinking a leisure pass is on my to-do list this week. As I have no family here and lack a drop off care facility for her, I make do with walking and wearing our daughter,” she said.

In an ideal world, we would all spend more time taking better care of ourselves. The reality is that there are only so many hours in a day to exercise. But, there are small things we can do that will all add up to improve our health.

I hope to see you on the stairs! (By the way, I’ve never seen Mr. Someone on the stairs.)