Spring Fling
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Now is not the time to start a spring fling. For as long as I can remember, every year about this time, I see people come out of the woodwork to get in-shape.   The fling lasts about two to three weeks then they disappear until the fall for a few more weeks or maybe after the New Year.

There is a whole list of reasons why this happens, everything from looking good in a bathing suit to preparing for softball season or golf. The sad thing is that people don't take the time to create a long term strategy for staying fit.

Just ask any retiree in their 70's about the costs of not exercising in your 40's and 50's.   Ask the big three automakers how much they spend on health benefits.   Ask your local druggist how much people are spending each month on prescription drugs.

You can pay now by taking the time to get and stay in shape or spend hundreds of dollars a month later for the medicine to help you overcome feeling like crap everyday.   Staying with a fitness program may be hard initially but stay with it for three months and a new habit will be formed.

So how do you move past three weeks to three months?   Start with a piece of paper and pencil or sit down at your computer and set some goals.   Running or walking is by far the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to fitness.  

Easiest: because you can walk out your front door through your neighborhood.   I know many good runners that started by running around the block. Those that went on to run a marathon would say that it was a life changing experience that significantly improved their self-esteem and general outlook on daily life. Start walking, jogging or running and let those endorphins kick in.

Quickest:   because it burns calories fast. Many professional athletes use running to get them ready for their season, in part because they know running builds endurance and you're not as tired as your competitors at the end of the game.

Cheapest: because a pair of shoes and some running clothes is pocket change to the golfer, fisherman or hunter. Running or walking club fees wouldn't cover the cost of cocktails at a nearby country, tennis or yacht club. And race entry fees are significantly cheaper too. Just ask any tournament player.

So, what do you put down for goals?   Start your to do list with a trip to the local running shop for a good pair of shoes. Next, use your calendar to log your daily time working out or if you have a set course, your daily mileage.   Use your car's odometer to get an approximate distance. If you want to go high tech, invest in a GPS watch to get a more accurate reading. Take some rest days if your muscles are sore but no more than two at a time. After a few weeks you will need to establish a weekly routine. Without it there is no chance to stay with the program.

Pick something to shoot for.   There are many local 5 kms that are fun to run and if you're lucky you'll meet someone to run with you.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226