So, anyone who knows me from my pre-Oklahoma days knows that I used to exercise compulsively. Ever since I was in high school. I loved it. I loved that part of myself that was so driven and dedicated to staying in shape. I think that without it I kind of am an Eyore. Exercise makes life sunnier, at least that is always how I have felt about it. However, I have not been able to get it together since Maggie was born. I just lost my drive. I have been ho-humming over this for the last year. Part of it is just finding the time. I do not want to take my kids to a gym daycare. I took Elliot to the daycare at the gym from the time he was 6 weeks old and he was always sick. (Grace somehow avoided that, she has a much stronger immune system). Having a sick child takes on a whole new meaning when you have 3 children. That sickness makes the rounds for a month or 2!! So, that leaves waking up really early or exercising at night. I started working at night when Maggie was 2 months old, so that was out. That left getting up early (like 5:30)-not going to happen, especially when I was nursing Maggie in the middle of the night (she started sleeping all night after about 6 months). So here I am, a year later still needing to lose 15-20 pounds. With Grace and Elliot I had lost all of my weight by the time they were 1. I am not the type of person that can lose weight and stay that way without exercise.
So, 2 weeks ago (on Maggie's birthday) I dedicated myself to running again. It is getting light enough in the morning that I can get up and run at 6:30. I went 4 days last week and I am on my 3rd day this week. I am up to a little over 3 miles. I am beginning to feel that drive come back. I feel better mentally and emotionally, but my body hurts. I have never been this old and out of shape. I have some sort of injury in my left arch, right in the middle, that my dad tells me is very difficult to treat and really can only be helped by sticking a big shot of cortisone into my arch-no thank you. So I just take ibuprofen every day before I run and always have my orthotics in my shoes. Today the inside of both my knees hurt really bad for the first 10 minutes. It's probably because I spent a lot of time on my knees yesterday scrubbing toilets, showers and bathtubs. (I'm old, remember?!) But, I love the way I feel when I am done. I just have to keep telling myself that. Pretty soon it won't be so hard and my body will get stronger. It will only make me a better mommy and more pleasant person to be around. I can't just give this part of myself up, and I won't. I was just on an extended break!!
3 comments:
Becky....What is it about three kids and trying to find time to exercise. Mentally I NEED it more than ever but I am too tired to even go run.
When I go grocery shopping I squeeze my butt cheeks and cruise super fast up and down the isles....I consider that my work out! (I'm not kidding)
Anyway, I too have been trying to get back into the habit of taking care of myself....
You always actually did the exercise videos back in college at the little white house. DOn't you remember Tiffany and I would get our exercise clothes on and then lay down and watch the videos and not lift a leg????? Oh the good ole days. I have to leave the house to get a workout now or else I am interupted with a jump on my back or a milk spill in the kitchen isle.
WHoa didn't mean to write a novel...I bet you look as cute as ever...I always loved your cute hair styles!
Oh Becky, I hear you. I feel the same way! Right after I had Gage, I got on this kick to exercise and had lost all the pounds I packed on during college and felt great. I stayed pretty consistent with work-outs for 4-plus years, and the past year or so, it's just SO HARD to make it happen. I am convinced that it's 3 kids! We're just more tired than ever; I honestly NEVER, EVER wake up feeling rested, and it's SO HARD to fit everything in... I keep telling myself that my kids will grow up fast, and I know there will be time for dedication then. For now, I just work-out when I can, and try not to stress about the days when I can't.
Becky! This blog entry is so happy! I know exactly what you're talking about because I am in that "compulsive exerciser" category and I'm terrified of not being able to exercise and get my endorphin high once I have kids. Just don't give up. Of course it's going to be hard and you're going to get really sore because you took a year off. But you'll get to the point where it doesn't hurt so much - just always always remember how good it feels when you're done. Sometimes that's the only thing that gets me to go. I tell myself that I've never finished exercising and said, "I wish I didn't do that."
You're awesome. Keep it up. :o)
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