Being behind = big behind

This month was supposed to be my pre-marathon-training-plan build up. But the big freeze, commuting, work and two 5000-word assignments put paid to that.  I've spent most of January sitting: at my computer...behind the wheel of my car...snuggled up by the fire...

A while back, I posted about sedentary behaviour being a risk factor for heart disease, even if you achieve your 30 minutes plus of physical activity a day.  Well, based on January's efforts, I'm not doing my own health any good at all.  Not to mention my previously toned derriere!

Many of us think we're doing ourselves a favour by sweating it out at the gym for an hour a few times a week.  We don't often think about what we're doing during all the other hours.  Of course, running, cycling and weights all have amazing benefits, but what about doing ordinary things the active way?

Luckily I still have 16 weeks to train for the Edinburgh Marathon, and February is a new month.  But, before I get stuck into my formal training plan, I'm going to make the effort just to move around a bit more.  Starting this afternoon, with some vaccuuming lunges, stair step ups (clearing out the spare room) and maybe a few swiss ball crunches in front of the TV!

The Office

I've done really well this week, in terms of sticking to the programme. A big gold star for me. But is it enough?

I was at a conference earlier in the week, where I learnt that sedentary behaviour is an independent risk factor for health problems like obesity and cardiovascular disease. In essence this means that even if you do your 30 minutes plus on most days of the week, the time you spend sitting around in between could be bad for your health.

I easily exceed the recommended minimum, as I do an hour of exercise 4 or 5 times a week. I also try to walk wherever I can. Even so, I'd say I'm either asleep, sitting down or chained to my desk for a good 20 hours each day.

I think I need a new job.