Don’t start too fast and you’ll get there quicker
People work out for all kinds of reasons as their lives evolve; most often for performance, body composition change and health maintenance and this young woman is a perfect example of this.
Ella Jollymore is a newly-graduated registered nurse from Queen's University I have known since she was a baby. I've watched her grow up and even had the pleasure of helping her prepare for a hockey season when she was part of an elite program in her teens.
As long as I've known Ella, I've observed how much athletics and fitness have meant to her; as an athlete and more recently as an overwhelmed University student trying to keep her head above water and keep creeping anxiety at bay. Here is her story:
Q: When did you first get involved in sports and fitness?
A: I have been involved in sports for as long as I can imagine. My parents signed me up for karate, dance and soccer as a young one, so I think that the love for movement began at a young age. I was never the star player, I was simply just happy to be there.
Q: Have you had any especially memorable moments in sports?
A: On May 1, I completed my first half marathon race in Toronto. I don't think I have ever been as proud as I was when I crossed that finish line. Running is so different from the other sports I have tried. It is extremely mental, so when you cross the finish line, you really have such pride in the fact that it was only your body and mind that got you there.
Q: How have sports and fitness benefited you as you've grown up?
A: One of the largest benefits that I have found over the past year even, is the confidence I have built. Last summer, I could barely run a kilometre without thinking I was going to die. Seeing the progress from being able to not only run a km, but 21 is such a confidence booster, not only physically, but mentally as well.
Q: What is your favourite workout?
A: I would say that currently running is my favourite workout, however I really do enjoy high intensity interval training, such as Cross Fit, or kick-boxing. There is something about seeing what your body is capable of that is extremely encouraging.
Q: What is your current regimen like? What was it like in university?
A: Currently I am running five to six days a week, working toward adding strength training in one to two times a week to improve speed, bone density and prevent injuries. In university, I sort of used my workout time as an excuse to get out of studying (don't tell my mom), but, prioritizing exercise allowed me to be more productive when I did sit down to study.
Q: Did your workouts help you manage your school workload?
A: I am someone who has an extremely difficult time sitting still for long periods of time. I think that there are quite a few of us who have this challenge. Allowing myself a period to get all of my energy out, helped increase productivity, decrease stress and keep some sanity; especially during the pandemic.
Q: What's the next challenge for you?
A: After I write my NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam- Registered Nurses), I will be starting in the emergency department (at Burlington's Joseph Brant Hospital) as an RN. I am so excited and blessed to have the opportunity to be trusted to care for others, and I look forward to the experiences that come with being an ER nurse. Next up on my race list is a 10 km race in July, a half marathon in September and the big one ... a full marathon on Oct. 16. A lot of planning and training has been going toward it, so I am extremely excited to work toward that starting line.
Q: Do you have any tips for someone who is having trouble sticking to a regimen and wondering if it is even worth it?
A: My biggest tip to anyone who is interested in running or starting any sort of exercise is to not start out too fast. It is exciting to run fast, lift heavy and reach goals, however, if you start too fast, you don't allow your body the time to catch up, and it will lead to quick burn out or feeling defeated. Allow yourself to go slow and build to your goals. The best part of the destination is the journey. It is 100 per cent worth it. We have been given one body. Use it, move it, and respect it.
Medical Exercise Specialist Ernie Schramayr helps his clients manage medical conditions with exercise. You can follow him at erniesfitnessworld.com; 905-741-7532 or erniesfitnessworld@gmail.com