At the end of this past pregnancy, I had an epiphany: I want to get into better shape. I felt great during my pregnancy just by walking, staying hydrated and chasing around a toddler. But the big belly gave me limitations and I found myself swearing to myself I could never become that heavy again.
I used to be a fit person. I was a cheerleader and dancer and a push-up queen (the non-modified way, ya’ll). Then, I slowed down in college. I worked out once or twice a week and walked everywhere, but all the weekend drinking I did counteracted any progress I made for my body. {Darn beer.}
Once I started working full-time, life truly got away with me. Obviously the drinking dissipated, but I was so mentally exhausted by the time I got home that the last thing I wanted to do was workout, despite my apartment having a gym. So began the past few years of doing nothing to better my body except the occasion workout class and walks.
When Karina was born just 6 weeks ago, I had a realization: I had been granted a second chance at getting fit. The spider veins that seemed to be growing in my legs during pregnancy due to weight gain quickly went away and the pounds dropped off of me easily {It helped she was 9+ lbs!}. Then, I started having energy like never before. I started to wonder why I felt so good when my postpartum appointment answered my question: I am 18 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight. I’m not going to share the weight number, but I will say I almost cried when I saw it. I hadn’t seen that number in a LONG time. Yes, I know, I am one of the LUCKY ones.
It makes sense: I have more energy because I weigh less. I’m the type of person who always is looking for signs with things, and I truly think God gave me this luck as a wake-up call. Getting fit is going to make me a better mom because I’m going to have the energy I need to keep up with these little gals. Because…
I want to run with my kids. I want to ride my bike alongside them. I want to swim in the lake with them. I want to climb to the top of the play structure and actually fit my booty down the slide. And most importantly, I want to live to an old age so I can hold their children and play with them, too.
After getting clearance from my doctor that I can start exercising, this past week has begun my journey of being a healthier version of myself. Weight loss is not my goal, though let’s be real – dropping some lbs would be nice. I want to be able to indulge when I’m craving chocolate and not count calories for everything I eat. I just want to choose smarter ways to fuel my body and set fitness goals.
My first goal? Drink more water and less sugary beverages, and to run my first 5K in two months. Do I like running? Heck no. But, making room in our monthly budget for a gym membership isn’t an option right now. Running is free and can be done wherever and whenever. Plus, the Couch to 5K program is perfect for me because it’s just 3 days a week for 30 minutes. That’s something this mama can make time for and still get home fast enough to feed my baby.
This has been a long time coming and is something I needed to figure out on my own time. Thank you, God, for pointing me in the right direction and helping me get an encouraging head start.
{A special thanks to a few of my BFFs, Sarah and Lindsey, for inspiring me to do a 5K. Can’t wait to run along with you girls!}
Stay tuned…
What small fitness goals have you set? How do you achieve them?
I am so happy for you!! If you are looking for some great workout DVDs, check some out at the library and see which ones you like! Ours lets you keep them for 3 weeks. I highly recommend the Bob Harper (from Biggest Loser) inside out workouts. There are 4 great ones that kick your booty and all you need is a set of weights (TJ Maxx is the cheapest!). You need to give me running tips, I really want to start but I loathe it!
What fab tips…I LOVE it! Workout DVDs are a perfect idea for winter 🙂 And thanks for the tips on the weights – those are something I am looking to get.
Seriously, check out the C25K plan. I love how it breaks it down into a manageable plan. Believe me – if I can do this, anyone can! http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
Awesome goal! I also found some great workout options on my On Demand section of our cable (I think most providers have similar offerings) if you’re looking for something to add. Some of them are only 10-15 minutes. But YAY running — it’s my favorite exercise.
Thanks so much for chiming in! Good to know you love running. I may need to look to you for inspiration!
Yay!! Good for you! I hate running too…. I tried the Couch to 5K thing (iPhone app) and it was really freakin’ hard! Ok.. just the running part was hard because walking fast was easy!
Here’s a link to some free workout videos too! http://www.gaiamtv.com/
Thanks for the link – I will totally check it out. But you’re scaring me about the app! That’s what I’m using. I move on to week 2 this week, so here’s hoping it goes smoothly!
P.S. You’re another inspiration with all your healthy posts lately. They have been helpful in me re-thinking how I want to live. So thank YOU! 🙂
Oh yeah, that’s good to hear. I hope you feel better in the routine and I love your fist goal, drink more water and less sugary beverages…I agree! that’s a nice plan.
Good luck to you on this journey! You’re going to love the C25K program – it’s super helpful and so awesome w/ your iPhone – `my favorite feature was I could play music with it, and the announcer, Victoria as I named her, would come on through my headphones and tell me when it was time to walk or run. No more having to look at the timer constantly.
The first goal of water is so huge! I’ve been drinking so much water lately and I can’t believe how much better it makes you feel. Totally cleansing!
HA! Love that you call her Victoria…It seems like such a fitting name for her!
I agree on water. I drank a TON while pregnant and think that made a ginormous difference in how I felt this time around. I keep telling people I think it’s key to keeping the fountain of youth!
You’ve inspired me so much these past few months. You and several others were the swift kick in the butt I needed to get back on the train 🙂 Keep up your amazing work too!
Good luck!! The C25K plan is a great choice. Running can suck sometimes, but stick with your plan and it should get easier and more fun (errrr, more tolerable). On non-running days, try to do some type of quick and free activity around the house…push ups, crunches, planks, dips, leg lifts, etc. Can’t wait to read about your progress!
Good for you, Lauren! I’m also on the same road to a healthier me and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’ve debated on trying the C25K app on my iPhone but so far I haven’t. I would love to run a 5K soon though!
That is awesome, good for you!
I am 4+ months postpartum and still haven’t got my ass in gear to workout. I know right? But the kids are keeping me busy so…. I need to get running though!
I so love the quote about the couch. I now just need to get off the couch and get moving. You have inspired me.
I so love the quote about the couch. I now just need to get off the couch and get moving. You have inspired me.
I know — such a great quote! Hope you keep moving. Now that I am, I feel great! Plus, it’s so nice to have some quiet time to myself while I’m out 🙂
So proud of you! You will love the feeling you get when you cross the finish line at your first 5K. It’s so exhilarating. Hope to run one with you some day. 🙂
Thank you so much for your support, Nikki! And I would love to run with you one day for sure 🙂