Pig Ponderings is Launched

First of all, I cannot believe I am doing this. Anyone who knows me well will be shocked that I have overcome my resistance to engaging in social networking. Another example of the good advice to "never say never"!


This "blog" is meant to serve as a report on my now public statement that I am going to begin to exercise regularly as part of choosing to forego my unhealthy lifestyle for a healthier one, and to invite my team members at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries and other family members and friends to join me in getting ready to walk in the 5K or 10K race of the Flying Pig in just 5 weeks.  I am new at this blogging thing, so I hope I get it straight such that when you check in here there is something to read! 

Now, here's some extra fun...I am issuing a challenge to all you readers to encourage you to join me. 
If you report your training mileage on this blog (or, for my MNM staff, to me in person), I will pledge to contribute $.50 for each mile you walk or run, or convert from another type of exercise (see chart below) during these five weeks. You can use it to pay for your registration fee for one of the Pig Races or as a sponsorship for Team MNM. Since this is a fundraiser, I hope you will invite your family and friends to support you in your efforts to get healthy and raise funds for MNM.  So, to encourage that, I will add another $.25 to each dollar you raise for Team MNM.  Now that is putting my money where my mouth is....the first step toward a healthier diet!

Today, March 29, is day 1of a five week training schedule (well, we are one day behind already...yikes!). I am listing this for others who choose to join me, or do your own thing. Either way, let's just get going!


10 K Race Training Schedule.
Week 1 (March 28- April 2)  
      Daily walk 30 minutes for 5 days to build a habit.
Week 2  (April 3- April 9)
      Add 5 mins./day for 4 days of walking. On 5th mileage building day, walk 45 minutes.
Week 3 (April 10-April 16)
     Add 5 mins/day for 4 walking days. On 5th mileage building day, walk 60minutes.
Week 4 (April 17-April 23)
     Add 5 mins/day for 4 walking days. On 5th mileage building day,walk 90 minutes.
Week 5 (April 24-April 30th Race Day!)
    Walk 45 mins./day for 4 walk days. On 5th day - Race Day - walk 6.2 miles


5K Race Training Schedule
Week 1 (March 28- April 2)  
      Daily walk 15 minutes for 5 days to build a habit.
Week 2  (April 3- April 9)
      Add 5 mins./day for 4 days of walking. On 5th mileage building day, walk 30 minutes.
Week 3 (April 10-April 16)
     Add 5 mins/day for 4 walking days. On 5th mileage building day walk 45minutes.
Week 4 (April 17-April 23)
     Add 5 mins/day for 4 walking days. On 5th mileage building day, walk 60 minutes.
Week 5 (April 24-April 30th Race Day!)
    Walk 30mins./day for 4 walk days. On 5th day - Race Day - walk 3.1 miles

Last, but not least, here is a conversion chart for exercises other than walking for the challenge above.
One mile equals:
10 minutes high impact aerobics
15 minutes low impact aerobics
15 minutes stationary biking
15 minutes elliptical machine
15 minutes swimming (leisurely)
12 minutes swimming (moderately)
17 minutes water aerobics

"Talk" to you soon.
Sue