I Joined a Fitness Center

Even though I haven't had a membership to a gym for about eight years, when my new friends in China told me about the Hilton Fitness Center, I had to see it for myself. It was AMAZING! State of the art equipment, sauna, jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor pools...and a HUGE price tag. Too much even for a little piece of fitness heaven.

Then we learned of a DEEP discounted (like more than 80% off) membership available and mrC decided I should have it. I didn't plan on getting a gym membership, since I've gotten by without one for so long, but the pools, the price...it was meant to be!

When mrC's car arrived to take him to work this afternoon, I hopped on my bike and rode 10 minutes to the HFC to get my membership officially started.

After a quick registration process, I didn't waste any time getting my workout started. I stored my things in the locker room and jumped on one of the ellipticals for a 10 minute warm up. The view of Shenzhen Bay and the outdoor pool below is amazing, but if it bores you the cardio equipment all come with attached TVs.

The place was empty, so after my warmup I had my pick of machines. I took my time getting reacquainted with each piece of equipment: a couple of sets on the leg press, chest press, lat pull, and seated row.

There was plenty of floor space for me to do #MeanAbsJune Day 12 using one of the provided yoga mats.

After the 45 minute indoor workout, I went to the pool and swam around for about 45 minutes.

Yesterday I bought a small blender, so when I got back to the apartment I excitedly made my first smoothie using frozen raspberries and blueberries, some yogurt, and milk. Ahhh! I still need to find some protein and pick up some spinach, but it was a pretty good smoothie.

I'm looking forward to spending more time in the Hilton Fitness Center and testing the equipment and amenities I didn't get a chance to try today.

Do you workout at a fitness center?
What's your favorite thing about fitness centers?

A Few Wrong Turns and a New Toy

This morning I laced up my running shoes earlier than I ever have before: 530 AM. mrC had a trip and left before 5 and since I was already awake it seemed like a good time to try to beat the humidity.

I'm pretty sure it was the best decision ever.

The streets were pretty quiet when I started which really amazes me when I look around and see all the surrounding apartment buildings.

The first half of my run went really well. I even found this inspiring message "planted" among the vines growing on a wall.

In my head I knew exactly where I was headed to make a loop back to our apartment. Suddenly I thought I was on the wrong road and made a right turn. And then a left. And then I was lost. 

The thing about China is that all the streets look the same and the names of the roads are very similar. I followed the metro signs until I figured out where I was and finished with my longest run in China. Since I was using my Charity Miles app to support #MaddieStrong, my run mileage wasn't completely lost after I forgot to un-pause my watch at one of my where-am-I? stops.

I'm learning that June is a popular month for expats to make a move (either back to their homelands or on to a new adventure) and have "apartment sales." So after some coffee and a shower, I hopped on my bike and went shopping.  I was hoping to bring home a yoga mat (the seller actually had one that she keeps at her school, so I will get it next week), but instead I found this goodie! 

(and yes, I rode my bike back with that thing sticking out of a bag in the front basket)

When I returned home, I scrambled up some cheesy eggs for myself and then remembered to do #MeanAbsJune day 6. I seriously can't wait to get that yoga mat because the tile floor is hard!

Have you ever had a run go wrong, but turn out right?

Any new fitness toys you want to share?

Donating Miles on National Running Day 2015

Today is National Running Day!!

A few months ago I thought I would be planning a day of events to celebrate with the students and faculty at GHS like we did last year. 

Instead I laced up my Mizunos in China 12 hours ahead of my running friends and set out on my own.

At 6:30 this morning it was already a feels like 90 degrees thanks to the high humidity. Like many others out early doing their fitness, I tried to escape the heat by running along the waterfront. 

After turning around at the lighthouse, I searched out shade as I ran back through the apartment buildings.

Today I wish more than ever that I was home running with my school community and running friends. About a week ago, I found out that one of my students has cancer and not being there to help rally for her is weighing on my heart. So while Maddie is kicking cancer's ass, I will be donating my miles to StandUp To Cancer through the Charity Miles app to support #MaddieStrong.

If you would like to support Maddie and her family directly by making a donation that will help to defray travel and medical costs so that they can focus on getting her healthy, please go here.

How do you celebrate National Running Day?

Do you donate your miles?

My Mermaid Run and June Goals

I wish it wasn't so darn humid in Shenzhen.

I'm a morning runner and I don't mind getting up early to beat the heat. No matter what time I run, I can't beat the humidity though.

This morning I ran a route that I had put together in my head as we walked around.

I live in Shenzhen, China. Shekou is the name of our "neighborhood"

I'm calling it the Mermaid Loop because there is a giant mermaid statue of an ancient Chinese goddess where I turned around. I'm pretty sure she's naked 1. because she IS a mermaid and 2. it's so freaking humid, no one WANTS to wear clothes here.

There are great bay views from the mermaid waterfront path. Eventually the waterfront at our apartment will connect to the mermaid waterfront area. It's closed off now because of that new building construction you can see in the mermaid photo (above).

As usual I was a hot, sweaty mess at the end of my run and my pace was much slower than what I had been running in NH. I think it's time to embrace the climate.

So I'm setting some goals for myself for June.

Running: I've got to learn to deal with the humidity in small steps. Besides that, my knee is not the same as it was pre-Meniscectomy. Running, walking, biking, hiking...it gets cranky a little more often than it used to.

Strength: I completely dropped the ball on this in May. So, it definitely feels like it's time to bring on a 30 day challenge. I'm bringing back a favorite that I pinned a couple of years ago.

Who wants to join me? It's more fun to do it together, right? Let me know if you're in by tagging me on Twitter @runningescapade or Instagram @runningescapades #MeanAbsJune

What are your June goals?

I Found a Bike and A Hiking Group

We do not have a car in Shenzhen. Even though I love my Honda CRV, I don't really miss it. We get along walking and taking public transportation, but over the weekend I found this...

Last summer mrC and I went on a few bike riding adventures and I loved every minute. Since my knee has decided to get old and cranky, I will probably not be running as many miles as I had been (or would like to) and instead will be spending more time riding.

We took the bike out for a 10 mile test ride along the Shenzhen Bay.

When we first arrived in Shenzhen, I was invited to join SWIC, the Shenzhen Women's International Club. This group reminds me of MRTT...everyone is so welcoming and supportive. In addition to great tips and advice, the group also holds weekly coffee "meetings" and offers a variety of activities.

The Hiking Group meets weekly to climb the Nanshan Mountain here in Shekou, and also organizes side trips to other places.

I met up with the Hiking Group for the first time on Monday for the weekly climb.

Then I met up with some members of the group again on Tuesday for a morning trip to Qiushuishan Park where we climbed a replica of the Great Wall.

I really think I'm going to enjoy being a part of the hiking group. They like to explore new places and are not worried about a little rain!

Are you a member of any groups in your area? 
What do you like about it?