There are very few things that I hate...running is one of them. I've been guilty, in the past, of claiming that I just can't do it. Granted, my asthma does give me major issues (especially when it's cold outside), but it doesn't quite make it impossible...much to my disappointment. I just plain don't like it. I don't like the side cramps, the tightness in my chest, the sweating, or the fact that I get bored after exactly 2 minutes.
But, do you know what I hate even more? Feeling completely out of shape, and unhealthy. I think I've made excuses long enough; though the heat index sitting at 118 yesterday is more of a health risk than an excuse, really. I was actually pretty proud of myself for losing the "baby weight" so quickly after Elli was born. But now, 11 months later, I've regained 10 of those lbs and I'm feeling pretty...well, un-proud. I turn 30 this year (EEK!!), and I want to feel GREAT about myself. I want to be as healthy as I am happy, and I think if I can just get past my running issues I can easily accomplish that.
I have lots of friends who are runners. I mean, hard-core, 1/2 and full marathon, runners. And while I have to admit that I do think they may all be a little bit crazy, they seem to be in great shape (go figure!) & to have a great time doing it. And lately, everyone keeps raving about this Couch to 5K thing, and I can't help but feel like I'm might be missing out on some big secret. I mean, maybe there is something to this...could there really be hope for me and my running hatred? So I researched it a little bit, and I think it looks do-able. Unfortunately, I might be getting up at 3am to beat the heat, but all good things come with a little bit of sacrifice right? I'm starting tomorrow, I'm joining the crowd. And who knows, maybe by the end I'll actually be able tolerate a leisurely jog!
What are some of your exercise tips, and when do you find time to work-out? Is running a strength for you, or are you more like me...someone who would rather eat lima beans than do sprints?! And what do you do with your kiddo's (if you have them) while you focus on your health? Around here, the only place that even accepts kids is the Y, and they charge $3/hour for their Childwatch Program. If I went everyday, it'd be $60/month on top of my regular monthly dues...not exactly cost friendly!! I'd love to hear some of your solutions, you guys always have great ideas!
3 comments:
Good for you. I'm actually in the same boat in some ways. I still haven't lost the last 5lbs of baby weight and it's driving me crazy. It's been so hot here I haven't even been walking as much as I'd like. I am trying to do better and am telling myself if I make it out on my walks I can enter a half-marathon in October (to walk).
If it makes you feel better I used to get winded running a quarter mile and never did manage to run a whole mile without walking the entire time I was in HS (when I was working out 5-7 days a week). However, I have completed a half-marathon with a mix of running and walking since then. The only tip I can give is to start slow. When I first started running for distance I was running really slow. As in a little over 3mph slow. I ran slow enough that I didn't get out of breath, but I kept doing it for a whole mile. I was amazed because I'd just jogged a mile straight through without training, something I hadn't been able to do when I was run/walking several days a week. That said, the run/walking was getting me mile times around 10 minutes and "running" the whole way was getting me mile times closer to 18 minutes at first. But it didn't matter, I'd run a mile. I just kept running at a pace that felt comfortable and slowly increased the distance. Before long I realized that running was getting easier and I was getting faster without really thinking about it.
As for time to work out, the only thing I can say is that Audrey loves being in the stroller when I'm walking or jogging. I'll get up and put on running clothes the first thing and take her out as soon as she's up. It is warm even then, but most days it is at least bearable. I shower when she goes down for her morning nap and get ready for my day then... If you are wanting to go before Elli is up maybe you could do it before Chris leaves for work so he'd be home with her and you could go sans baby. If you are training for a 5K most of your workouts should be pretty short (30-45 minutes I'd think).
As for the bored, have you tried running since you've had Elli? I used to listen to music and podcasts while running to keep my mind off of it. Now I just enjoy the quiet. If I am feeling talkative I'll narrate for Audrey everything we are seeing. (e.g. "Look at the rabbit." or "Aren't those pretty daisies?") Mostly though, I switch between talking and quiet and we both enjoy the time.
Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you, be it running, biking, swimming or workout videos during nap time. I find I have a lot more energy and an happier after working out.
Hey Amy-
You have a BOB right? I do too and John enjoyed all our runs and walks in it when we were in England. I just make it a scheduled part of our day, either before or after the morning nap.
As for the gym childcare, is it any good? In the gym at Bury it was 2.10 pounds a hour so it wasn't cheap, but it was very good. I choose to see it as something good for John to be at (he was learning, interacting with other kids and playing with new toys). And it was good time away from me so he could get used to another caregiver. It is cheaper than a babysitter, and I think $3 an hour is pretty reasonable. so it just depends on how you choose to view it. However, if you can't afford it, that is overarching issue, but if you can then maybe it would be another good activity for Elli. If you went twice a week for an hour that isn't bad.
This may be surprising....I hate to break it to you, but I really don't like to run. I rarely look forward to it. Every now and then, I might get excited about a run, but I mostly wish I never had to do it. On the other hand, running is the most effective way to burn fat. So, that's why I do it. And, it's fairly easy. Not easy while it's happening. Rahter, you can just go out the door and do it. No, joining a gym or anything. Running is my preferred form of exercise, but I don't prefer it to not exercising, if that makes sense.
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