Why Texercise?

One of my main goals of joining Texercise was to get back to my exercise routine that I had abandoned a few months ago due to health reasons. It has been a difficult two-month period for my health. Before this period, I was able to run 12miles and swim 2.4miles, but now after nearly a month and half of not working out, I am struggling through a 2mile run. More than the physical activity, what tires me out is the mental chatter... when I have to face my own unmet expectations of where I should/ought to be. I'm confident that it's just a question of time before I return to my usual form. In the interim, managing my expectations of my fitness will be challenging. To enjoy the process of physical activities more, I think I need to let go of these expectations.

Texercise presents a really great opportunity and fuels my motivation to start exercising regularly again. I got the green light from my doc two weeks ago to "exercise in moderation", so working out 30min every day for the next 12 weeks sounds like a great plan.

Exercise and nutrition definitely go hand in hand. When I have exercised more, I've definitely paid more attention what I eat (mostly because I don't want to feel awful before working out). With a lack of exercise, I've seen myself slipping into poor nutrition.

Now that I've started a routine, though, I'm feeling so much more energetic and cheerful! :) It's surprising how a little bit of exercise can liven up your day!

The Statesman Capital 10K benefitting Meals on Wheels & More

In 1978, disco ruled and the first Statesman Capitol 10,000 attracted 3,400 participants. Thirty-two years later, CAP 10 rules and attracts participants by the tens of thousands — whether running or walking, serious or silly — from Austin and around the world. The Statesman Capitol 10,000 is now the largest 10K in Texas and the fifth largest in the nation. This year the proceeds of the race will be benefiting Meal on Wheels and More Austin. If you are a supporter of Meal on Wheels and More come and participate in the Statesman Capitol 10,000. Families, friends and athletes, come one, come all and take part in this annual rite of spring.

Visit www.statesman.com/cap10k to register.

If you are a Meals on Wheels and More volunteer please contact Mina Rofeh at mrofeh@mealsonwheelsandmore.org for information about receiving a special registration rate.

Don't Want to Run?

VOLUNTEER for the Statesman Capital 10K!

Packet pick-up & Late Registration - Location TBA

Friday, March 27, 2009
1st shift: 9.00am - 12.30pm
2nd shift: 12.00pm -3.30pm
3rd shift: 3.00pm - 6.30pm
4th shift: 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Saturday, March 28, 2009
1st shift: 9.00am - 12.30pm
2nd shift: 12.00pm - 4.00pm
3rd shift: 3.30pm - 7.30pm

Finish Line Water Stop - Auditorium Shores:
Sunday, March 29, 2009 8.00am - 12.00pm (approx)

Get a volunteer T-Shirt and join the Volunteer party after the race on Sunday from 11.00am - 2.00pm. Just wear your volunteer T-shirt to get in!

The week before the race, you will receive an email with specific details about your assignment and the party. To volunteer or ask questions, email mrofeh@meansonwheelsandmore.org

Stretching and Breathing Workshop by Cori

Put it on your calendar for Tuesday, March 24th!
11:00 am
400A, Tower II
Wear what you would to work. These excerises are meant to be done throughout the day in our normal business clothes.
And, if you have never had a shoulder massage by Cori, then sign up for a free demo! Sign-up sheet on Caroline's door.
See you all there!

Free Yoga in the Spring!

Here's some exciting news for all you Yoga enthusiasts! Thanks to Lisa Ake for this info!

Yoga Yoga in the Park - FREE
March 4 - March 25Wednesdays, 12-1 PM

The Austin Parks Foundation, Downtown Austin Alliance, and Yoga Yoga have teamed up to bring downtown Austin free, outdoor yoga classes at Republic Square Park every Wednesday in March at noon. All ages and abilities are welcome!

Classes will be led by registered yoga teachers from Yoga Yoga. Republic Square Park is between 4th and 5th Streets on Guadalupe at 422 Guadalupe St.

Click here for more details.

Komen Race!!

I know you are all excited for the Komen race this year! Rachel and Allison have given me great ideas of fun activities to get everyone involved, such as weekly drawings for prizes and meeting at Town Lake for training. Please let me know some favorites that you would love to see again this year. Thanks, Caroline

Articles from the Summer Bingo Game for your perusing pleasure:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Keep-Track-Of-What-You-Eat!&id=794006

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/WL00030/RETURNTOLINK=1&RETURNTOOBJID=EB7E4CE3-2F6A-4E1B-9D8C490EB28A9C30&slide=1

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/safetycheck/TypeSeats/

http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/food/fruit.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612

http://life.familyeducation.com/nutrition-and-diet/foods/36008.html?page=2&detoured=1

http://www.ehow.com/how_5755_exercise-office.html

September Wellness

Two things this month:

#1. September is America On the Move’s national month long celebration highlighting the benefits of active living and healthy eating. While obesity rates are on the rise making these two small simple changes can help prevent the annual one to two pounds of yearly weight gain in adults:1. Move More – take 2,000 additional steps each day2. Eat Healthfully – Reduce your daily calorie intake by just 100 calories each day.
The following link (http://steptember.americaonthemove.org/) has a six-week STEPtember challenge (start date between August 17 - September 30). Sign up and you will receive daily tips on nutrition and physical activity, have the ability to track your progress, etc.

#2. September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals.
High blood cholesterol affects over 65 million Americans. It is a serious condition that increases your risk for heart disease. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater the risk. You can have high cholesterol and not know it. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens your risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of having a heart attack or dying of heart disease. The American Heart Association has information about cholesterol levels at the following link: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1516