2012 Fitness and Health Goals

So, I have put a lot of thought into this but I must admitt I am not extremely confident about this so I am going to make an escape clause, I reserve the right to add delete and or modify any of these goals through out the year with the exception of one, I must continue to excercise and try to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Actually that is two but you know what I mean. I promise not to give up is basically what I am saying.

I think The 2012 Mission Statement of Health is a good kickoff and gives me a good sense of who and what is invested. So why a mission statement? Good question, its because resolutions are hope and dreams to me, goals, targets, and expectations bring accountability to something I should have a strong interest in. If its not wishful but rather an expected standard, I believe I can trick myself into success, and ultimately then control whats in my control which is only what I eat and how much I exercise.

So next was establishing some goals and a lot of this thought came from the discussion about the 30k Around the Bay road race. By the way for people that are not familiar with it, it is in fact the oldest road race in North America, older than Boston! Just that is a draw to try and be part of it but alas I am not ready, and that self reflection has made me think about devising a plan to get ready, but how?

Now this is going to sound silly, but I thought about those fitness tests from primary school. Remember the Award of Excellence, Gold, Silver, Bronze and the dreaded Participation Pin?! This was something that was hard for me as a child (not all of it) but looking back this is/was a great program and is a great measurement of fitness. As a child it made me feel below my peer group, and it was warranted when I look back. So because of this I am going to squash this memory by overcoming it. Looking back it was tough (to be a child and not be the best--that's real!) yes, but the thing that bothers me most is that I should have been able to do that test well (at that age), and should have done better than average. Its a vivid memory and remember it because I wanted to perform better. In 2012, I am going to work to be at an acceptable level of fitness (yes I know its subjective, but its a benchmark).

Ok now your thinking...cookoo...LOL...yes a little but no I really think fitness tests are good measurements so, I am going to use the Canadian Forces entry level fitness test as one of my measurement tools for 2012. For three reasons...1. they are attainable 2. in honor of all military service personnel 3. they are widely accepted as an acceptable level of fitness and they are also adjusted for age and gender. Let's get started!!! The Award of Excellence Goals for 2012 are....

1. Push Ups 19
2. Sit Ups 17 (old school)
3. Aerobic Fitness-2.4 km run 13:25 – 11:12  < 11:12
4. Pull Ups 4
5. Run a 5k in Under 30min
6. Lose an additional 40lbs
7. Run in two 10k races
8. Run in 1 half marathon

The first 4 are from the Canadian forces but I did exchange point 4 , The Grip Test for the Pull Up Test which is a standard of fitness for the RMC CF.

Now these standards are for admittance to the military, and after going through basic training I am sure that fitness levels increase and I would like to add a going beyond point that I believe is attainable if I work hard. The running portion is elite in my opinion compared to my present level but that's life (I guess I better lose that weight soon). I think its reasonable to surpass the original goal(s) by 20% (other than the running portion/2.4 km), and to keep me honest I am going to take a benchmark test and have it administered by a friend to make it valid. Also monthly check ins will be used to look for a trend in my progress towards those goals!!

Here's to achieving Health and Fitness in 2012!! Thoughts and opinions are welcomed!!

Guenther