A few months ago, I decided I would try to get myself in better cardiovascular shape. I found that as my matches went on, I got tired! Go figure! If that weren't enough, I began cutting points short instead of working my opponent. Having to be a counter puncher in a tennis match can get grueling and I found myself almost losing to some old guy.
When I asked Don about this, he said, "It's because you're fat, man!" To add insult to insult, he proceeded to poke me in the gut (and HARD I might add!), and said, "Look at all that lard you're carrying around. I'm surprised you don't have knee problems". "Hey, take it easy, Don!", I replied. But, I knew he was right. "Listen, Jorge", he continued. "When you get tired in a match, your form goes and then you start making errors". Made sense!
So, this guy Don Vanrinkleshorstskibobwhatever really does know what he's talking about. So, I set out to lose the weight and get more fit. First thing that came to mind was running. I decided I was going to take it slow and run in the front yard. The truth is that I didn't want the neightbors to see my spare tire. So, I ran in circles in the front yard. There I was, running over and over and over (and over?). I have a small front yard by the way, but it seemed quite large that Sunday morning. I collapsed on the ground after almost a whole minute (I wish that was a joke). I kept hearing my old coaches in my head with their old and out-dated phrases that are no longer a part of accepted sports science, "No pain, no gain!...pain is just weakness leaving the body!...". Right then I knew I'd been lied to. And, wouldn't you know it, I looked at my front window and there's my beautiful wife just staring at me...arms stretched out...palms facing up...with that look on her face. "I'm running", I yelled. "Is that what that was? I thought it was an earthquake". "Good one!", I smiled and waved. Wives are put on this Earth to shock reality into middle-aged men who still want to compete like they are 17.
After checking with my doctor(s), we have several on the team (How's it going, Izzy, Steve, Marco, Miguel...), I decided to take it slow. I now found new phrases to shut my old coaches up. "Rome wasn't built in a day...patience is a virtue..." Taking it slow at first is one of the biggest secrets to a long running career. Being childish and doing too much too soon is the best way to embrace disappointment and wind up quitting almost immediately. Here is a ten week program that really works. Try it and in just two and a half months, you'll be reminiscing fondly of the time your wife thought you were crazy for running around the lawn.
Simple steps to becoming a runner is just 10 weeks
Week one
- Walk for four and a half minutes
- Jog for 30 seconds
- Complete five repetitions
Time: 25 minutes
Week two
- Walk for four minutes
- Jog for one minute
- Complete five repetitions
Time: 25 minutes
Week three
- Walk for three and a half minutes
- Jog for 90 seconds
- Complete five repetitions
Time: 25 minutes
Week four
- Walk for three minutes
- Jog for two minutes
- Complete five repetitions
Time: 25 minutes
Week five
- Walk for two minutes
- Jog for two minutes
- Aim for six repetitions
Time: 24 minutes
Week six
- Walk for one minute
- Jog for two minutes
- Aim for eight repetitions
Time: 24 minutes
Week seven
- Walk for one minute
- Jog for three minutes
- Complete six repetitions
Time: 24 minutes
Week eight
- Walk for one minute
- Jog for four minutes
- Complete five repetitions
Time: 25 minutes
Week nine
- Walk for 30 seconds
- Jog for four and a half minutes
- Complete five repetitions
Time: 25 minutes
Week ten
- Jog for as long as you’re comfortable
- Go into a brisk walk when you need to
- Congratulations - you did it!
Remember to add stretching before and after each workout, this will also bring workout time to the recommended 30 minutes physical activity.
Try to repeat this program 2-3 times each week, along with other forms of exercise.
And after you lose the 50 pounds, you will be ready to go right up to Don Vanrumplestiltskinkabob and challenge him! He will probably still beat you pretty badly, but you won't be as tired after.
Contact Information:
Harlingen Tennis Center: (956) 428 - 2092
Ask for Don