Finding My Running Shoes

I ran my first half-marathon and it was one of the best experiences of my life. It was a challenge, both physically and mentally, but all the hard work paid off in the end.

I realize that running is not the only way to gain confidence. It worked for me because I am the type of person who rises to a challenge, the bigger the better. Accomplishing a half-marathon showed me that anything I set my mind to, I can achieve. When I crossed that finish line all I could do was smile, after drinking a few cups of Gatorade, of course.  I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment I got from achieving something I never thought possible. It was all because of positive words and a positive outlook. Getting over my big hurdle showed me that anything is possible if you believe. Truly, if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

Fitness Center Member of the Month Bio

November Fitness Center Member of the MonthAshley Schubert Congratulations to Ashley Schubert, the SandRidge Fitness Center Member of the Month for November!  What motivates you to work out?  I believe that living a healthy lifestyle is so important. Working out, eating right and staying active enables us to be the best that we can be in all aspects of life. The SandRidge Fitness Center allows me to exercise daily and fit it into my work schedule.    What is your favorite thing about the SandRidge Fitness Center?  I really like the atmosphere of the fitness center. Corry and Andy are great, along with the other staff. I like working out alongside my co-workers and getting to know them on a personal level. I like the many choices in workout equipment and the knowledge that I can go in and get a good workout in during my lunch hour. I am very competitive so the challenges are a great inspiration to workout even harder!  What music do you listen to while working out?  Usually just whatever is on at the gym. If I’m listening to my iPod, it ranges from Christian to country to some old school jock jams and even a little Aerosmith.   What is your favorite exercise?  I love walking on the treadmill. It allows me to walk fast and increase the incline as I go. It tells me my mileage and allows me to see how many calories I burn in each setting. What is your least favorite exercise?  Running and I have a love/hate relationship. I do not enjoy running but I’m trying to learn to like it more. I love the way it makes me feel when I’m finished so I try to use that as a motivator. I am on the SandRidge Running team so I’m looking forward to the upcoming opportunities to strengthen my running abilities. Cardio, weights or both?  I like to do both. I definitely do more cardio than weights. I alternate between the treadmill and the Elliptical machine for my cardio and I do weight training for my arms and legs. I prefer the free weights when focusing on my arms and like doing lunges and squats on the Bosu ball for my legs. I also try to do a 5-minute ab workout a few times each week. Do you prefer taking Fitness classes or working out on your own?  I like them both. The classes are a great way to motivate me to workout when I need an extra push. I enjoy Andy’s Pilates class when I need a good stretch and Kim’s classes are always good when I need to sweat! Working out on my own is effective when I want to target a specific area or focus on cardio for the day. How long have you been using the Fitness Center?  Since I started at SandRidge in July 2011. 1.

Fall Fitness Challenge is Definitely Challenging!

For the past two weeks, SandRidge employees have been competing in the 2011 Fall Fitness Challenge. Each team is made up of 3 team members. Teams complete challenges along the way which can include running, biking, Zumba, stair climbing and rowing. My team ended up doing a marathon (26.2 miles combined among the three of us) as our first challenge. And then, bam, we had to do it again with an unlucky “U-TURN” draw! We then were required to climb stairs (102 floors total). It was then on to Zumba classes. Zumba is not my thing but I did get a kick out of watching the men of the company shake their hips. Big security guys trying to Salsa is just hilarious.

Teams also get points for going to the gym everyday. 100 points everyday during the week, 200 points on Saturdays. I usually do not come downtown on Saturdays but during the challenge, I have been making myself! It’s a drive down but it earns us 200 points!

We also did the Race For the Cure 5K in October which was awesome and we competed in an obstacle course. It is a race to the finish and we still have three weeks left in the challenge. I have been working out six days a week! Whew! I’m just hoping my body is showing some of the results.