So much happens the course of a lifetime: Celebrations, sorrow, births, deaths and on. So, when you hear about Princess Smith-Eboagu and Janine Shinn and their twice-weekly walks, it brings to mind the Swedish proverb: Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.
These two friends, both 48, have been walking together at 5 a.m. for 14 years. That’s a lot of talking, a lot of sharing, a lot of commiserating, a lot of listening and a lot of miles. For the most part, only two things keep them from hitting the predawn pavement with their dogs: Lightning or temperatures below 30 degrees.
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Princess Smith-Eboagu
How/why into fitness: The maternal side of my family has a history of diabetes and high blood pressure, so part of the reason I exercise is preventative. Most importantly, I truly do feel better when I exercise.
Typical week of workouts: Tuesday and Thursday, I walk from 5 to 5:45 a.m. with Janine. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, I work out at 5 a.m. at the neighborhood recreation center. I do 15 minutes on the exercise bike, plus free weights and a machine circuit.
If I had 20 minutes to exercise, I would: Go on a brisk walk.
What gets in the way of my workout? Rain, lightning, temperatures under 30 degrees.
Fitness goals: Build stronger abs.
Favorite healthy food: Spinach salad with eggs, lots of cauliflower and cucumber, plus a small Fuji apple cut up and topped with unsalted sunflower seeds.
Favorite indulgence: Lightly salted French fries from Five Guys and a fountain Big Red.
Three things you'll always find in my refrigerator: At least four cucumbers, Eggland's Best eggs, Greek yogurt.
What I'd tell someone who wants to follow my routine: Early-morning exercise is the way to go.
What my workout says about me: I have determination and dedication to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
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Janine Shinn
How/why into fitness: I've always incorporated some kind of exercise into my routine. I feel better when I exercise, and it helps me sleep soundly. There is also a lot of heart disease in my family, so, genetically the deck is stacked against my cardiovascular health.
Typical week of workouts: I walk with Princess about 2.5 miles two mornings a week and ride my recumbent bike two to three mornings.
If I had just 20 minutes to work out, I would: Walk the dogs.
What gets in the way of my workout? Lack of sleep. Since I work out in the early morning, sometimes it's just too easy to roll over and say, "Nope!"
Proudest fitness moment: I don't ever think of fitness as an achievement. It's more just a way of life, like brushing your teeth.
Fitness goals: As I age, more of my joints are beginning to hurt. My goal is just to keep moving!
Favorite healthy food: Fresh berries — strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries.
Favorite indulgence: Chips and queso, or anything chocolate.
Three things you'll always find in my refrigerator: Eggs, Greek yogurt, cherry tomatoes.
What I'd tell someone who wants to follow my routine: The key to Princess' and my longstanding success is working out with a buddy. When someone else (who doesn't sleep in your bed!) is waiting for you and will be impacted by your decision to skip the workout, it's motivating.
What my workout says about me: I'm a creature of habit!
About the Author
