Disclaimer:  I am promoting the Ravenswood 5K as part of being a BibRave Pro.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!
I will confess that I am bad when it comes to cross training. Thanks to my insurance I got a great deal on my gym membership, but have not taken advantage of it. I think I’ve been to the gym less than 5 times since I joined back in January. Â
Right now I am a member of Planet Fitness and LA Fitness. I am aware that the latter has awesome classes such as zumba, spinning, and boot camp. I know, I know. It is a waste of money if I am not going to take advantage of the memberships.
However, I do enjoy walking. Well, not too long of a time because then I get bored. 🙂 How is it that I can run for an hour but easily get bored when I walk for an hour. But throw in some money incentive and I could walk for hours. Remember the step challenge I did a few months ago?
Some benefits of walking include:
• Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
• Lowers stress and improves mood
• Supports your joints and strengthen muscles
• Can lead to weight loss
• Improves sleep
Right now most of the walking I do is in my classroom. Now that Spring is here and a bit warmer, I am hoping that I can get out more often for a walk. Did I tell you that Target is about 1/2 mile away from my house? It is good but also dangerous. Â
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For those in the Chicago area, make sure to sign up for a fun 5K on April 28th. Unfortunately I won’t be in town for this race since I will be in Wilmington for the Delaware Half Marathon. It is my first half marathon this year and I am excited (but nervous) about it.
Check out the cool blue shirts for all registrations. Aren’t they lovely? Make sure to use code “RAVENSBR” for a FREE stainless steel water bottle! Pretty cool, right? Even I want one. 🙂
Proceeds from this race help support the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry at All Saints Episcopal Church and the student health centers at Lakeview and Amundsen High Schools.
Here is a short clip from the race:
This week’s Tuesday Topic:  What’s your favorite cross training activity? You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!
Oh, I do like that shirt! It’s such a fun, bright design. I never belonged to a gym, but I do love all my studio classes – Orange Theory, CycleBar and CorePower Yoga. 😉
It is a fun color! I would love to be a member of CorePower Yoga and OrangeTheory but that does add up.
I feel like Chicago always has so many fun races!
Sometimes it is too many races! 🙂
When I lived in Austin I often walked to target. I could run to the one near me now but the roads aren’t very Runner friendly.
I’ve always loved to walk & don’t find it boring at all! Although walking with 2 dogs is kind of a pain.
My sister lives in San Antonio and the roads aren’t runner friendly either. I mean there are no sidewalks so sometimes I would have to run on the street and that is no bueno.
There are no sidewalks in my neighborhood, but it’s relatively low traffic. But there are also no sidewalks for portions of the roads I’d have to run on to get to Target, and it’s a busy 4 lane road.
That’s sounds like a fun race. Chicago sure has a lot of races. Like NYC, I guess.
Good luck next week.
ll be running a half too. My third this year!!
I don’t have a gym membership because I know that I would not go often enough…unless i had a gym buddy.
I should reconsider my gym memberships. That is money that I could put away for more shoes, right? 🙂
Exactly
The Ravenswood shirts are cute!
My gym membership is free thanks to insurance, but I have to go 50x/6 months to claim the credit so I’ve been pretty good about going
Oh wow, that is about 9 times per month. Not too bad!
Not at all, about two times/week
Walking is an excellent cross training activity…. although I’d urge you to take advantage of the gym classes. They can be so much fun 🙂
I know I should take advantage of the gym classes since there are so many. Ugh, I hate that I am not doing it.
I listen to books on tape when I walk so it keeps me entertained. I am really into my cross training love cycling, strength training and boxing.
I love that you do so many cross training activities! I have never been a fan of books on tape. Perhaps I am not listening to the right ones?
Have fun at the Delaware half! I absolutely love running in Wilmington. The energy and the course are very good. Hope you enjoy it.
I DO love cross training and would cross train every day if it didn’t limit the amount of time I could spend running! 🙂
Thanks you! Have you run that race?
Yes, I ran the half.
I’ve never run the Ravenswood 5k even though it is usually on the CARA circuit. Hmmmm….
Me neither! Perhaps it is time that I do? Let’s shoot for next year.
I actually walk a lot. I’ve always enjoyed it, but I really got into it when I was recovering from my knee surgery. The power walking was how I maintained my cardio endurance for three l.o.n.g summer months, and my rally back was pretty easy 😉
Oy yes, I do remember the walking you had to do after your surgery!
Walking is definitely another great exercise. I actually do live near quite a few trails and hopefully when the weather gets a little warmer I’ll get to spend more time exploring – that definitely helps avoid the boredom!
You’re lucky that you live close to a few trails! I can imagine how peaceful and relaxing those walks will be.