“"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."

Here at A Crazy Idea we truly believe the importance of a balanced and healthy diet as well as regular exercise. Below we have created simple exercise regimes you can follow, either to get you up and active, or running schedules you can follow to get you fit in order to partake at any level in the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon on December 3, 2011.

Our exercise schedules come in three forms: Beginner walker, Beginner runner and Novice runner and will be updated each week.

Week 3: September 1 to September 7, 2011

Each week A Crazy Idea will provide a suggested schedule of activity for those individuals who are looking to get a little bit crazy and dwell outside their comfort zone as they prepare for and complete their first Half Marathon (13.1 miles).

Before we go any further we would first like to advise everyone following our program to consult your physicians before starting the fitness routine. Your health is of the utmost importance and not to be neglected. Regular exercise can help control blood glucose levels and body weight. It can reduce the risk of heart disease as well as strengthen bones and muscles and even though moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, is safe for most people, health experts suggest that you talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.

Some exciting news to share before I start this week’s article. A Crazy Idea is proud to announce the addition of a third runner to our November 26th event. Gerry Martinez is a 25 year old student from San Antonio, Texas, and like me, is coached by Lisa Smith-Batchen. His story is that of the material normally found in Hollywood movies. Without going into further detail I will say Gerry is to feature in an article found in the Friday edition of the Compass and I ask that you all take a moment tomorrow to read it.

For the past 3 weeks I’ve spent Wednesday evening participating in the Stroke and Stride. Now that the event is behind us I would like to invite runners and walkers of all abilities to join us at the Wednesday Night Running Club. The Founders, Tony and Justine, started the club in 2008 with an aim to encourage beginners to get active and persuade inexperienced runners to get off the treadmill. The WNRC met every Wednesday at 6 pm outside World Gym. There are no membership fees and it’s a great opportunity to get fit, socialize with others and learn valuable training tips from the more experienced athletes. We look forward to seeing you there.

Week 3:

I could write plenty on this topic and I’ll likely revisit it again in the near future but there are a couple of specific items I would like to discuss this week.

The first part of the column is directed to the numerous walkers who live here in Cayman. While out and about Cayman touting the benefits that come from dwelling outside your comfort zone and getting active I have encountered a number of people who don’t run. After speaking for a few minutes on the details of my upcoming 100 mile run our conversation usually moves onto the Intertrust Cayman marathon in this manner.

Me: So are you going to do this year’s Cayman Marathon
Walker: I can’t run
Me: Okay so you’ll walk the half marathon then
Walker: Can I do that?
Me: With the proper training you can
Walker: But I’m not running
Me: You don’t have to. Nowhere on the registration does it say “This event is for runners only”