The Fitness Craze . . .

Jet lag has really set in, and we are all exhausted and trying to adjust to the time change. All of us forced ourselves to stay awake yesterday until around normal bedtime thinking it would help us sleep all night. Well, we made it staying up until bedtime, but sleeping all night was not happening for any of us. I was the second one awake at 3:30 am. I thought I could get myself to go back to sleep, but since they do not have Daylight Savings time here, it was light out at 4 am. Needless to say, no more sleep for me! Instead it was time to get up and start to get ready.

Last night a few of us decided that it would be best to start to get into a routine (ok maybe I was the one who really wanted to do that) and we thought we would go for a run/walk in a nice park down the street. So four of us piled in at 6 to head to Azadi Park (Freedom Park). Ross and I ran while Elaine and Cheryl were walking. Now this was a little challenging since we are now at 3,000 ft. elevation and there was quite a bit of sand/dust in the air. At least now we have our base. Also, women are not greatly seen around, and usually definilty not exercising, so there were a lot of raised eyebrows as two Americans ran past them on their daily exercise routines. The park was wonderful and I believe that we will be heading there several times a week for our morning runs and walks.

The park was quite large and full of people at 6 am (when most of the city doesn't get started until at least 8 am). There were exercise classes going on in one part, tons of people (mostly men) walking and jogging along some of the paths, and many people at the "gym".

Using the weights

Elliptical Trainer

Biking anyone?

Working out is going to be a blast this summer. And I am so thankful and glad that He provided a running partner for me to exercise with and amazing places to go.