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This former couch potato finds the athlete inside

BY KATHY MANWEILER

Originally published May 25, 2006

I'm a recovering couch potato. I'd rather read a book than break a sweat. And when God handed out coordination and athletic ability, there wasn't much left by the time I got to the front of the line.

Unfortunately for me, watching TV doesn't burn many calories, so in my quest to lose weight I knew I had to find some workouts that I actually liked and would do on a regular basis.

A few years ago, I started out just walking 20 or 30 minutes several times a week. As my stamina and energy level increased, I joined a gym and started trying new activities on for size.

Riding a bike? Yuck.

Elliptical trainer? This is more my speed.

Lifting weights? I'm no fan of strength training, but I like the results it gives me. Plus, I love the idea that building muscle helps my body burn more calories even while I'm crashed on the couch watching "Grey's Anatomy." So it's worth the effort.

To my surprise, I found plenty of workouts I like. The variety helps me alter my routine every week or two to keep my muscles challenged and to make sure I don't get bored.

I vary my strength-training exercises, use different cardio machines and take yoga classes or do Pilates to switch things up. On the days when I just don't feel like going to the gym, I have some workout videos and free weights that I can use at home.

I gradually worked up to exercising about six hours a week, but my inner athlete didn't evolve overnight. I learned the hard way not to try to do too much too soon.

In my early days as a gym member, the first time I really picked up the speed on the treadmill, I added to my list of life's most embarrassing moments by pushing myself too hard and falling off the stupid thing in front of a roomful of people.

I brushed myself off and eventually made a truce with the treadmill. When walking got boring, I saw others around me running and I felt inspired. It looked like it might be fun.

My inner couch potato said: "You can't run. Are you crazy?"

My inner athlete said: "Try."

I decided to give it a shot.

At the beginning, I couldn't even run for a minute without feeling like my lungs were about to explode. As I kept trying, I learned to run for a minute, then run all the way through my favorite song, then run a whole mile.

When I was overweight, I was just trying to get in better shape. I never dreamed I could become a runner along the way, but I run about 12 miles a week now.

And the other day, when I was finally able to run six miles without stopping? Well, I was so excited that I almost fell off the treadmill.

Alive & Well Editor Kathy Manweiler has run almost 600 miles in the past year. Reach her at (316) 268-6266 or kmanweiler@wichitaeagle.com.