Off to the Races.....

Ever wonder what it may be like to sit in a car and race around a track?  To drive along a race track at ungodly speed, trying to avoid the orange cones .... in total TopGear form?  This may seem like one heck of great way to spend an afternoon, especially among friends

Today I got to do something a little similar..... but instead of driving a Lamborghini or a Porsche, I got to sit and steer a go-cart.  Not the gas powered go-carts or those attached by a cable (think bumper cars).  These were state of the art electric go-carts complete with full remote control to ensure each drivers safety.

Seven of my co-workers and I went to Podium Raceway in Kapolei, HI.  After we got our Trackpass racing licenses and paid for several races we got instructions on the use and operation of the go-carts and different colored flags - then it was off to the races.  Our first trip around was - interesting.  As we made our way around the first few laps we learned when to give it gas and when to let it up a little - well everyone did, but me.  LOL!  I was notorious for giving it waaaayyyyy to much gas and then hitting the brake - a little too hard - which caused me to drift and spin sideways around each and every corner.  And then about two thirds of the way thru the first race - WHAM! - I was hit from behind - and HARD!  After getting a little bit of whiplash and tightening my seat belt we finished the race and received our printouts with our results.

 

We compared our results with each other (checking to see who we beat or who we wanted to beat the next time around) and then we were ready for the next race, and then another, and by the fourth race we were seasoned pros (except for me....I still had the drifting problem).  However, our times did get better and better with each race.  The last time around the track was my best time yet! 

So next time you dream of racing a car around the track, do the next best thing..... go to Podium Raceway, bring a group of friends, and race around the track in the go-carts.  It will be one great day filled with fun and laughter as you try to compete with each other.  There will be stories to tell and memories of good times had by all.

I highly recommend it!

Healthpass

Recently I was able to 'benefit' from a company provided HMSA Healthpass by my employer - a health screening test that gave me ...... mixed results.  Overall I'm happy knowing that my health risks are low and I have a pretty favorable lifestyle.  

Here is a run down of those results:

                                                        Current                                    Desirable Ranges

Weight                                               144                                     Between 104 and 141
BMI                                                   25.5                                   Between 18.5 and 24.9
Waist Circumference                      32                                             Less than 35
Body Fat                                           35%                                   Between 21% and 33%
Blood Pressure                               101/63                                     Under 120/80

Cholesterol                                  132 mg/dL                               Under 200 mg/dL

Ultimately, I have a couple of new goals to achieve in the new year.  First and foremost, my body fat.  That number needs to go DOWN.  And I mean, seriously down.  Second, my waist circumference.  And lastly, my BMI.  Why did I not say weight....well its only a number.  I think the last two will go down on their own as I gain muscle and lose body fat.  Now it's just a matter of figuring out what I need to do to achieve that goal.  Cardio, cardio, and some more cardio.  

The only good news I received was that my blood pressure and cholesterol are well within their ranges and no medications are needed.  And my overall lifestyle score is a 93 out of a range of 0 - 100, meaning I am doing very well.  So that's three points in the right direction. 

After the initial shock and depression that I was 144 instead of the 136 (my scale at home read) and a talk with my personal trainer I realized that it doesn't matter what I weigh.  I was reminded that muscle weighs more than fat.  And since I am currently exercising and toning my body, in time I will be happy with the outcome - no matter what the scale reads.  In fact, I think its time I thru the darn thing out. 

I will have a well-toned body someday in my future.  I just need to stick with it and I am now motivated more than ever to achieve those goals.

Hiking the Powerline

I think hiking is one of the MOST enjoyable outdoor activities there is.  As much as I enjoy running, going to the beach, bike riding, or the occasional kayak ride....hiking is so invigorating.

I was on cloud nine when I was invited to join my co-workers on a 13 mile hike on one of the toughest hiking trails on Kauai... the Powerline Trail.  Waking up at the crack of dawn at 5am to get ready to meet everyone at our rendezvous point and catch the 'shuttle' bus to Princeville was a great way to start my day.  And even though we had a little rain at the beginning of the trail.  What followed was hill climbing, mud, creeks, rocks, etc....

And some of the most amazing views.

The weather cleared up to be an absolutely fabulous day.  We had several good laughs and shared some stories while watching each other either slip and fall or slip and catch themselves from falling into muddy swamps or ruts (I know I had a couple of close calls).  And after a few brief stops along the way to take pictures, drink water, and grab a bite or two to eat while getting some information about the trail and the island from our 'tour guide' we reached the end of the trail (in 6hrs) back in Kapaa in less time than we originally anticipated.

Every muscle from my calves and hamstrings to my glutes and biceps got one heck a workout today.  Being out into the open fresh air, hanging out with friends, while getting a great full body workout (complete with squats, hill climbing, and jumps) is one of the best experiences I could ever hope for. 

Whether you hike occasionally or are thinking about starting, I highly recommend getting out there and going for a hike.  And you can call me anytime to join you.  I'm always looking to go out for that next adventure.