You know, I wasn’t one of those really sporty kids – at the age of two I was diagnosed with asthma when my left lung collapsed. What I learnt through being an asthmatic is that as soon as breathing gets hard, best stop.
This didn’t necessarily stop me from playing sports, but it did stop me from being good at sports. I played hockey, softball, cricket and enjoyed cross country running at school (couldn’t have been more than 5km). I certainly wasn’t a fast runner, but at the age of 15 I think I just had more interest in it then some of my cooler friends.
As a teenager I joined the local lifesaving club. Please don’t be imagining some bronzed Aussie on a surf beach! I joined the local bay beach club. We spent our weekends driving around in the boat and practicing to rescue people because we didn’t get any real emergencies other than kids who had cut themselves when hunting around the rock pools. It was a lot of fun for a teenager - running, swimming, sun tans and did I mention driving the boat?! Also the illicit, childish love affairs thanks to all the hormones….
I guess I got quite fit during that part of my life, but then I finished school, got a job and become relatively sedentary (other than the nights out at clubs where we danced until 6am). I played cricket with one of my sisters only because she guilted me into it and continued being a wicket keeper (best position on the field!) until I was pregnant with my first child.
Then it happened. Things had already been getting a little less taught and terrific and a lot more blurred by the beautiful life I had. Pregnancy was fine the first time around – didn’t put much weight on and slimmed down within weeks of the birth through no real effort. Then I started EATING! The breast feeding made me hungry and I had to fill this insatiable need to feed my face. Yada yada yada. Cutting a long story short, two kids and five years later I was a good 15kg over what I had been BC (Before Children).
I had tried going to the gym (hate it), and made some pathetic attempts at running with the dogs instead of walking them, but none of it really worked and I didn’t want to give up my food and alcohol. Then I had an epiphany.
I was chatting to a mum at swimming lessons, as you do, and she was busy showing me her feet that were absolutely wrecked because the week before she had run the Half Marathon at the Melbourne Marathon Event. And I thought, bloody hell, if she can do it, so can I! She talked about the late Kerryn McCann’s training plan and the group she had been involved in for training. I thought long and hard about it and realized that my brother had been doing a lot of running as well, so I spoke to him about it.
I figured that my brother and I have the same genes and if he can run a half marathon (or three), then I can! OK – let’s clarify, he is 6ft 4 and strong….. Don’t let little details get in the way of your aspirations I say.
So, December 2008, I started talking big in the playground. I told my husband and extended family that I was going to run the half marathon in October 2009. I could only run for 12mins at a time and I have no idea how slow I was, other than, very.
My brother was amazing. He bought me a subscription to Runners World magazine and told me to text him my progress. This was sensational considering my own husband was rather doubtful of my ability to commit and follow through on my claims.
It is not that I am one to give up, but more that I am REALLY others focused. I always put others’ needs in front of my own. I don’t know why, I always have, and on some level I believe that it is a nice attribute to have to care about others more than myself. What this means though, is I haven’t always done exactly what I wanted to do and that I haven’t always been able to follow through on my desires. I think many mums are in this position.
This is why I love running.
Once I decided to train for the half marathon, I had to change the way I operate. And about time too as potentially I could have started to raise a couple of brats. I started to put my needs and wants at the same level as others and start working on how I could get them. I have to say, my husband was very supportive of my training plan even though he was doubtful of my ability to follow through.
My first event was the Mothers Day Classic in May 09. An easy 8km event. My brother agreed to run it with me which was really touching considering that it was a very short run for him comparatively and I ran VERY slowly. I told him to run his own race, it was just good to have him at the start line with me for my first ever race. He didn’t. He stayed with me the whole way and ran the same incredibly slow time that I ran. He encouraged me, provided support and I just loved having that quality time with my baby-brother. I felt connected to him again.
Then the hard work began. I had to start running harder, faster and longer distances. I kept at it and began to realize that I actually could run and feel puffed and that was ok. I learnt that I could ask my husband to sacrifice his gym time in order for me to meet my training plan. I learnt about fuelling, stretching, rest days and all the different leg muscles.
I think the fact that I had a training plan and it was clearly visible on the fridge, really helped me to get the support and motivation I needed to stick to it. I also could stick to my change in behaviour of putting my needs as far forward as everybody else’s.
There were a couple of hiccups on the way. An injury eight weeks out (ankle and knee), but get this, I learnt how to run with pain – a first for me. Of course I had it all checked out and the long and the short is that it was soft tissue damage so therefore I wouldn’t be creating any long term issues for myself. I just had to warm up before I went out and ice it when I got back after stretching. I got tonsillitis the week before the big race and was in tears thinking that I wouldn’t be able to do it.
Of course, the kids were up half the night before the big race – you have to expect that kind of thing. But I DID IT! I RAN a half marathon. Within ten months I had gone from running 12 minutes to running for 2 hours 25 minutes (I told you I was slow). What an achievement. My hubbie was so excited and proud, and it was amazing having the kids at the finish line to watch. And not only that, but I have developed the following attributes:
• The ability to push through pain and discomfort
• The knowledge that with time and effort you can significantly improve your performance – just stick at it
• Mental toughness that has spread across all parts of my life
• The understanding that everything changes. One bad run doesn’t mean the next one won’t be amazing
• Knowing that running isn’t in your legs, it is in your head
• I love the mantra “go hard or go home” – which surprises me still as it is so harsh
And I have discovered the amazing meditative ability of running. Being able to put everything in perspective and to truly believe that we ARE all enlightened beings as espoused by Buddha, and that we just have to stop blocking.
Running gives me time to reflect on the tasks I have to get done, to day dream about the beautiful beach house I would like one day, to consider my relationships and what I can do to improve them. I also take that time to clear out my frustrations and get a better perspective on life so that I am calmer and more relaxed with my children. Just the fact that I am ALONE for half an hour is amazing. I feel so free and unfettered when I run. It is magic.
So what now? Well, I am planning on doing three half marathons this year – yes, you read correctly, three. And my goal is to do one of them under 2 hours. I find having a race goal gives my running a focus that ensures I fit it into my family’s plans. Now if I can muster up the stamina to do three half marathons and achieve my sub-two hours goal, I am looking to treat myself to a trip to the U.S. to run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon in March 2011.... and perhaps meet some of my new #momsrunning friends. Who’s in?
Oh, and in my dreams, I am a Kenyan.
Guest Blogger: Rosalinda Batson is a Mum of 2, Co-Director of a business focussed on professional and personal development. Passionate about organisation culture & change. Oh and a runner!
See Rosalinda's Business: Neural Networks - Leadership Training & Development, Business Strategy, Sales Force Development
Follow Rosalinda on Twitter = @RosalindaBatson
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I am a Runner by Nicola Taggart
Hi, my name is Nicola and I AM a runner.
Honestly, until recently I had never thought of myself as a runner. Yes, I had run (more like jogged or shuffled) off and on in the past, but I never considered myself an actual runner.
What defines an "actual runner" you may ask? That's a good question. In my mind, my belief was that an "actual runner" ran on a regular basis, liked running, could run without stopping for 30 minutes or more, had the running gear, had the running body (what's that, anyway?), they ran with other runners and talked "running" with other actual runners.
Since none of these things described me, a runner I was not.
Hi, my name is Nicola and I am a runner.
There. I said it. I. Am. A. Runner.
What changed, you may ask?
1. I connected to a greater vision/purpose then just exercising. You can blame this one on my step-mom. She is an avid "actual runner" herself. In fact, she's a multi-time relay and marathon runner. All those things I described above: those are her. In a wine-induced, post-partum haze moment, I agreed to run a half-marathon with her. It's local. It's a flat run. It supports a great organization (Girls Inc. of the Island City). And it's still six months away. Close enough to motivate me. Far enough to seem like I have a good, long time to get ready for it. Getting out to run on a regular basis for the benefit of exercise alone just hadn't worked for me in the past. I would get motivated for a few runs and then lose focus and easily give up. Having this greater vision and purpose to run a half-marathon and support an organization which I believe in (and was once on the board for) has not only helped me get out the door on days I don't want to, but it has be focused on a bigger, more inspiring goal then just exercising.
2. I created a plan that feels right for me and that that I can get excited about. Most importantly, if feels doable. It's broken down by weeks and days so that I can focus on the small steps to reach the bigger goal. The idea of running 13.1 miles seems crazy and scary to me. However, seeing the training schedule and learning some techniques from others who have come before me makes this all feel less crazy and scary. The key is to learn what you can from experts and others, but to then take that and create what works for you. You get to do this on your own terms, but know that just like all things, having the insight and guidance from others who been-there-done-that can help you in ways you may never have imagined, but it only helps you if it works for you.
3. I started "acting as if" I WAS a runner. When I've worked with clients who want to change a habit, like stop smoking, I ask them to think about what non-smokers do and don't do differently then smokers. They don't take smoke breaks, they don't buy cigarettes, they check off "non-smoker" on forms. I realized I needed to do the same thing with running. I already had my ideas of what "actual runners" DO (see my definition above), so it was easy for me to get in that mind-set. Once I got a few runs under by belt, I had a sense of what type of running clothes I'd like and went out and bought some; my step-mom gave me some of her running magazines, which I've actually enjoy reading; I found a running partner; I joined the #momsrunning Twitter running group; and most importantly, I started telling myself and others that I was a runner.
4. I enlisted accountability. I had an immediate accountability partner with my step-mom, but we don't live close enough to run together and I knew I would need to expand my accountability circle if I was really going to go through with this. I posted my goal and commitment on Facebook and have gotten much encouragement from others. I also started Tweeting about my runs, which led to the introduction to the #momsrunning group, which has been a source of great advice and support, and as I mentioned before, I found a running partner. A running partner is great to have to keep you on track and motivated, especially on those days when you are struggling to get out the door or run just a bit further.
5. I am going slow and easing into it. Okay, I'll admit that my over-achieving, highly-critical, perfectionist gremlin (am I the only one who has one of these?) decided to show up when I started this endeavor. I went out running three days in a row. With only one run under by belt over the past nine months. Expecting to be able to run 3 miles straight. Without stopping to walk. Or without feeling like I would die. Um, a bit of insanity on my part? No, it was just the gremlin talking. I kicked that little guy to the curb after that first week and have now realized that easing into running longer distances is the key to success. I've also learned-with the help of the Twitter #momsrunning group-to let go of my limiting belief that to be an "actual runner" you have to be able to run the entire time…without walking…for not just the first three miles, but the remaining 10.1. That felt very daunting. I am now doing a run/walk combo that I am really enjoying and that allows me to actually go longer because I feel better throughout the run. I am currently running 10 minutes and walking 1 minute, repeating this for at least three cycles.
6. I am listening to my body. And, honestly, now that I am running more regularly, my body feels it when I don't get out for a run. So, not only am I learning to listen to my body when I do run, which means slowing down or stopping if something is painful, but I am also listening to my body more when I am not running. I am realizing that my body really wants and needs the activity-physically, mentally and emotionally.
7. I am pushing myself, even when it feels uncomfortable. Not when it feels painful, but when it feels uncomfortable. Again, this is about listening to my body and understanding the difference between physically needing a break versus my mental blocks that may be sabotaging my goal to finish a run. Anytime we are stretching ourselves and working towards creating new habits and reaching big goals, there is going to be discomfort. The key is recognizing when that discomfort is simply a time to stretch yourself to push through versus slowing down or even stopping to determine if something needs your attention before proceeding on.
8. I am celebrating the small steps. It's easy to down-play the small steps and accomplishments. Yes, I got out the door for a run, but….I walked part of the time, I was slow, I didn't feel good, I should have gone longer (damn that gremlin!). But the truth is that some days you get credit just for getting out the door. And when you get out the door and you get a run in, especially as a busy mom, it's an accomplishment worth celebrating. With my greater vision and purpose of the half-marathon, I am able to stay focused on how the small steps will lead me right to that finish line in June.
And because I am now a runner, I know that finish line isn't the end of my time as a Mom Running!
Nicola Ries Taggart, The Executive Moms Coach, creates and leads programs that support women who are business leaders and owners, as well as moms, be their best in both worlds. Nicola knows that having a successful and rewarding professional life and a fun and fulfilling personal life is possible when you are willing to create a life you love, on your own terms.
Honestly, until recently I had never thought of myself as a runner. Yes, I had run (more like jogged or shuffled) off and on in the past, but I never considered myself an actual runner.
What defines an "actual runner" you may ask? That's a good question. In my mind, my belief was that an "actual runner" ran on a regular basis, liked running, could run without stopping for 30 minutes or more, had the running gear, had the running body (what's that, anyway?), they ran with other runners and talked "running" with other actual runners.
Since none of these things described me, a runner I was not.
Hi, my name is Nicola and I am a runner.
There. I said it. I. Am. A. Runner.
What changed, you may ask?
1. I connected to a greater vision/purpose then just exercising. You can blame this one on my step-mom. She is an avid "actual runner" herself. In fact, she's a multi-time relay and marathon runner. All those things I described above: those are her. In a wine-induced, post-partum haze moment, I agreed to run a half-marathon with her. It's local. It's a flat run. It supports a great organization (Girls Inc. of the Island City). And it's still six months away. Close enough to motivate me. Far enough to seem like I have a good, long time to get ready for it. Getting out to run on a regular basis for the benefit of exercise alone just hadn't worked for me in the past. I would get motivated for a few runs and then lose focus and easily give up. Having this greater vision and purpose to run a half-marathon and support an organization which I believe in (and was once on the board for) has not only helped me get out the door on days I don't want to, but it has be focused on a bigger, more inspiring goal then just exercising.
2. I created a plan that feels right for me and that that I can get excited about. Most importantly, if feels doable. It's broken down by weeks and days so that I can focus on the small steps to reach the bigger goal. The idea of running 13.1 miles seems crazy and scary to me. However, seeing the training schedule and learning some techniques from others who have come before me makes this all feel less crazy and scary. The key is to learn what you can from experts and others, but to then take that and create what works for you. You get to do this on your own terms, but know that just like all things, having the insight and guidance from others who been-there-done-that can help you in ways you may never have imagined, but it only helps you if it works for you.
3. I started "acting as if" I WAS a runner. When I've worked with clients who want to change a habit, like stop smoking, I ask them to think about what non-smokers do and don't do differently then smokers. They don't take smoke breaks, they don't buy cigarettes, they check off "non-smoker" on forms. I realized I needed to do the same thing with running. I already had my ideas of what "actual runners" DO (see my definition above), so it was easy for me to get in that mind-set. Once I got a few runs under by belt, I had a sense of what type of running clothes I'd like and went out and bought some; my step-mom gave me some of her running magazines, which I've actually enjoy reading; I found a running partner; I joined the #momsrunning Twitter running group; and most importantly, I started telling myself and others that I was a runner.
4. I enlisted accountability. I had an immediate accountability partner with my step-mom, but we don't live close enough to run together and I knew I would need to expand my accountability circle if I was really going to go through with this. I posted my goal and commitment on Facebook and have gotten much encouragement from others. I also started Tweeting about my runs, which led to the introduction to the #momsrunning group, which has been a source of great advice and support, and as I mentioned before, I found a running partner. A running partner is great to have to keep you on track and motivated, especially on those days when you are struggling to get out the door or run just a bit further.
5. I am going slow and easing into it. Okay, I'll admit that my over-achieving, highly-critical, perfectionist gremlin (am I the only one who has one of these?) decided to show up when I started this endeavor. I went out running three days in a row. With only one run under by belt over the past nine months. Expecting to be able to run 3 miles straight. Without stopping to walk. Or without feeling like I would die. Um, a bit of insanity on my part? No, it was just the gremlin talking. I kicked that little guy to the curb after that first week and have now realized that easing into running longer distances is the key to success. I've also learned-with the help of the Twitter #momsrunning group-to let go of my limiting belief that to be an "actual runner" you have to be able to run the entire time…without walking…for not just the first three miles, but the remaining 10.1. That felt very daunting. I am now doing a run/walk combo that I am really enjoying and that allows me to actually go longer because I feel better throughout the run. I am currently running 10 minutes and walking 1 minute, repeating this for at least three cycles.
6. I am listening to my body. And, honestly, now that I am running more regularly, my body feels it when I don't get out for a run. So, not only am I learning to listen to my body when I do run, which means slowing down or stopping if something is painful, but I am also listening to my body more when I am not running. I am realizing that my body really wants and needs the activity-physically, mentally and emotionally.
7. I am pushing myself, even when it feels uncomfortable. Not when it feels painful, but when it feels uncomfortable. Again, this is about listening to my body and understanding the difference between physically needing a break versus my mental blocks that may be sabotaging my goal to finish a run. Anytime we are stretching ourselves and working towards creating new habits and reaching big goals, there is going to be discomfort. The key is recognizing when that discomfort is simply a time to stretch yourself to push through versus slowing down or even stopping to determine if something needs your attention before proceeding on.
8. I am celebrating the small steps. It's easy to down-play the small steps and accomplishments. Yes, I got out the door for a run, but….I walked part of the time, I was slow, I didn't feel good, I should have gone longer (damn that gremlin!). But the truth is that some days you get credit just for getting out the door. And when you get out the door and you get a run in, especially as a busy mom, it's an accomplishment worth celebrating. With my greater vision and purpose of the half-marathon, I am able to stay focused on how the small steps will lead me right to that finish line in June.
And because I am now a runner, I know that finish line isn't the end of my time as a Mom Running!
Nicola Ries Taggart, The Executive Moms Coach, creates and leads programs that support women who are business leaders and owners, as well as moms, be their best in both worlds. Nicola knows that having a successful and rewarding professional life and a fun and fulfilling personal life is possible when you are willing to create a life you love, on your own terms.
Connect with Nicola
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NicolaRTaggart
Monday, September 21, 2009
Manic Monday Mama Working Out until I Drop
Whoah Mama! What was I thinking! I can barely sit here right now to do this post! I am so exhausted. I went crazy working out today.
Got up at 5am - okay well the baby woke me up at 5am. I didn't wake up on my own free will as I am soo not a morning person! After I got baby settled by 5:11am I decided to drag myself out of bed and somehow put on my workout clothes. I wrote my husband a note - I didn't even tell him I was going. I didn't want to say I was going to do & then not do it after SAYING I was going to do it. So, I left hubby a note that I would be back at 7:30am or 8:00am & to call me if he needed me.
There is this 6am spinning class at the YMCA I have been wanting to do for months - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. I somehow got to the Y before 6am to find out that the spin class is now 6:30am. So, I headed upstairs and did some warm up biking and walking around that track. As I was walking around the track this very fit 50-60 something lady was there lifting some weights in her sports bra and hot shorts with a great body. Before she left the room she went to the pull-up bar & did full out pull-ups!
I walked into the spin class 6:25am and the hot pull up mama was our instructor ! I have taken Spin Classes before and really enjoyed riding with a group of people in a room with super upbeat music - noone gets ahead of you & no catching up. I have loved the instructors motivating you through 60 minutes of a super workout!
Well, as I may have mentioned before I am not a morning person and I don't talk much the first hour or two I wake up. This instructor was NOT motivating and encouraging at all. She was shrill and brow beating. Not, "you can do it! only 10 more seconds at 80%", she was more like "come on, stay up there, don't you stop!". It's just not my cup of tea. Reminds me a bit of The Biggest Loser - I couldn't work out with Jillian. She is more a brow beater than leader and motivator.
Bummer - 'cause the people were fun and the activity I enjoy. Though a couple other wanky things she did is she had us get off our bikes and do these crazy holding squats - squatting for 30 seconds or 60 seconds. Huh? I have never ever done that in a spinning class. Then, she wanted us to get of the bikes at the half way point and go across the hall to the gym to jump rope. Huh? What? Well, I left at that point as I wanted to get home by 7:30am to wake up the household to get ready for school.
Side note: I was spinning behind two very fit women. One with with the body I had before kids and the other with the more realistic body of what I hope to have after kids. Still, was very motivating to see my past body and future body right in front of me while working out.
Then, I watched my girlfriends 21 month old toddler for the day - little Emma is only 1 week older than my little Jon Jon. They are a hoot & tons of fun - but boy do they have lots of energy. They only gave me one 1 hour nap - I was hoping for at least a 2 hour nap or two 1 hour naps.
Later that evening, I went to a Women's Running Clinic I signed up for 8 weeks ago. I left the house at 6pm and the class ended at 8pm. It is great working out with 40 other women. All types, all sizes, all fitness levels & most importantly always someone to run with and chat. Now, that Leader is super motivating and ONLY has positive things to say!
Then, crazy lady Melissa (me) had a Tennis Class afterwards from 9:30pm to 10:30pm and we actually played until they kicked us out at 10:45pm. I was soo out of energy the last 15 minutes, the racket was feeling too heavy & I was missing shots. This is an advanced intermmediate class - so no messing around and no beginners here.
I did stop and eat a salad and have a beverage between the running clinic and tennis class - but that wasn't enough - I needed to get some protein in there because that salad did not sustain me through the tennis class.
Well, something's gotta give. I am going to ditch the spinning class on monday mornings. There is one on Monday afternoons, but I would have to take 2 toddlers with me - though they have baby daycare. I think I will call first to find out if it's the same instructor.
I paid for the Women's Running Clinic and really love that group & the only other clinic I could take at my beginner level is the 5K training class - but it is on Friday nights. Friday nights are preserved at our house as Lierman Family Fun Nights - with board games, card games, wii, rockband, pizzza, pop, pjs, popcorn, and a movie! I paid for Tennis too & LOVE my instructor - he is awesome! Tennis, hum, maybe I will call tomorrow and see if there is another night for tennis that doesn't conflict with kid's and husband's (hubby is a teacher and a coach) afterschool activities.
I have soo much work to do tonite, but its 1:06am and I am soo toast. I can barely keep my eyes open, but I wanted to download this post while it was fresh and I was feeling it! Any bets on how sore I am going to be tomorrow & how funny it will be to see me with my sore legs hobbling down the stairs in the morning!
Anyone wanna wake me up tomorrow ?
Got up at 5am - okay well the baby woke me up at 5am. I didn't wake up on my own free will as I am soo not a morning person! After I got baby settled by 5:11am I decided to drag myself out of bed and somehow put on my workout clothes. I wrote my husband a note - I didn't even tell him I was going. I didn't want to say I was going to do & then not do it after SAYING I was going to do it. So, I left hubby a note that I would be back at 7:30am or 8:00am & to call me if he needed me.
There is this 6am spinning class at the YMCA I have been wanting to do for months - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. I somehow got to the Y before 6am to find out that the spin class is now 6:30am. So, I headed upstairs and did some warm up biking and walking around that track. As I was walking around the track this very fit 50-60 something lady was there lifting some weights in her sports bra and hot shorts with a great body. Before she left the room she went to the pull-up bar & did full out pull-ups!
I walked into the spin class 6:25am and the hot pull up mama was our instructor ! I have taken Spin Classes before and really enjoyed riding with a group of people in a room with super upbeat music - noone gets ahead of you & no catching up. I have loved the instructors motivating you through 60 minutes of a super workout!
Well, as I may have mentioned before I am not a morning person and I don't talk much the first hour or two I wake up. This instructor was NOT motivating and encouraging at all. She was shrill and brow beating. Not, "you can do it! only 10 more seconds at 80%", she was more like "come on, stay up there, don't you stop!". It's just not my cup of tea. Reminds me a bit of The Biggest Loser - I couldn't work out with Jillian. She is more a brow beater than leader and motivator.
Bummer - 'cause the people were fun and the activity I enjoy. Though a couple other wanky things she did is she had us get off our bikes and do these crazy holding squats - squatting for 30 seconds or 60 seconds. Huh? I have never ever done that in a spinning class. Then, she wanted us to get of the bikes at the half way point and go across the hall to the gym to jump rope. Huh? What? Well, I left at that point as I wanted to get home by 7:30am to wake up the household to get ready for school.
Side note: I was spinning behind two very fit women. One with with the body I had before kids and the other with the more realistic body of what I hope to have after kids. Still, was very motivating to see my past body and future body right in front of me while working out.
Then, I watched my girlfriends 21 month old toddler for the day - little Emma is only 1 week older than my little Jon Jon. They are a hoot & tons of fun - but boy do they have lots of energy. They only gave me one 1 hour nap - I was hoping for at least a 2 hour nap or two 1 hour naps.
Later that evening, I went to a Women's Running Clinic I signed up for 8 weeks ago. I left the house at 6pm and the class ended at 8pm. It is great working out with 40 other women. All types, all sizes, all fitness levels & most importantly always someone to run with and chat. Now, that Leader is super motivating and ONLY has positive things to say!
Then, crazy lady Melissa (me) had a Tennis Class afterwards from 9:30pm to 10:30pm and we actually played until they kicked us out at 10:45pm. I was soo out of energy the last 15 minutes, the racket was feeling too heavy & I was missing shots. This is an advanced intermmediate class - so no messing around and no beginners here.
I did stop and eat a salad and have a beverage between the running clinic and tennis class - but that wasn't enough - I needed to get some protein in there because that salad did not sustain me through the tennis class.
Well, something's gotta give. I am going to ditch the spinning class on monday mornings. There is one on Monday afternoons, but I would have to take 2 toddlers with me - though they have baby daycare. I think I will call first to find out if it's the same instructor.
I paid for the Women's Running Clinic and really love that group & the only other clinic I could take at my beginner level is the 5K training class - but it is on Friday nights. Friday nights are preserved at our house as Lierman Family Fun Nights - with board games, card games, wii, rockband, pizzza, pop, pjs, popcorn, and a movie! I paid for Tennis too & LOVE my instructor - he is awesome! Tennis, hum, maybe I will call tomorrow and see if there is another night for tennis that doesn't conflict with kid's and husband's (hubby is a teacher and a coach) afterschool activities.
I have soo much work to do tonite, but its 1:06am and I am soo toast. I can barely keep my eyes open, but I wanted to download this post while it was fresh and I was feeling it! Any bets on how sore I am going to be tomorrow & how funny it will be to see me with my sore legs hobbling down the stairs in the morning!
Anyone wanna wake me up tomorrow ?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Get Running ! No More Excuses !
Guest Post by Heather Gannoe a running mommy and blogger of www.runfastermommy.com.
She is also part of our Virtual Running Group on Twitter #momsrunning; you can find her on twitter at @runfastermommy
Get Running! No More Excuses!
If I had a dollar for every time I heard an excuse from a mom regarding exercise, I'd be rich. I'd be blogging right now on my diamond encrusted laptop from a yacht in the islands. Alright, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I hear it all too often.
"It must be nice to have all that free time."
"I hate/cant' afford the gym"
"My kids aren't in school, and husband works full time"
"I can't afford a treadmill"
"I'm just too tired after work, bath time, then bedtime"
I could go on and on. Moms, I'm here to tell you that your excuses are LAME-O! News flash: MOST running moms are average moms, JUST LIKE YOU! They are not elite athletes paid to train all day. Instead, they work full time jobs. They have a house full of chores, dishes, and laundry. A husband and kids to feed, clean up after, chase, and answer every beckon call. Bills to pay, carpools to run, soccer games to attend. But the one thing these moms have that others don't isn't something you can buy in a store. It's called MOTIVATION! And you can have some too! You just have to start, which is essentially the hardest part. There is a saying that it takes 21 days to start a new habit. You may hate it today, but I promise at the end of 21 days you too can look forward to your workouts, and have that motivation!
Before you start rolling your eyes at me, let me tell you this: out of the 21 races I've done in my very short running career, all but 3 were done after I had kids. I'm currently training for my third full marathon. Believe me, I'm no stranger to the demands of motherhood. My partner and I both work 5 days a week (but never have the same day off), and we work opposite shifts as to avoid daycare costs. Meaning, the second I come home from work, he goes into work. I alternate working with going to college full time pursuing my bachelors degree. And I toss into this mix, two beautiful little boys, a quickly approaching 3 year old, and a 9 month old. Oh and that house full of housework! Life is chaotic, but I have found the one thing that keeps mommy happy and healthy: running.
I think once we become mothers, we develop a sixth sense. Not the one where you can sense your child about to throw his bowl of cheerios across the room even though you aren't actually looking at him (otherwise known as "eyes in the back of the head"). No the other sixth sense: creativity! When it comes to working out with kids, you need to be creative. There is absolutely no reason you need to spend hours on an elliptical machine in a sweaty gym while your kids cry in the gym daycare! Here are some suggestions for you:
-Two Words: Jogging Stroller. An amazing invention! And my kids just LOVE running with mommy!
-Find company. Or just trade! Are you a part of a local mommy group, or do you have mommy friends? I'd be willing to be there are other moms in the same situation as you, and don't know where or how to start. Suggest making a "workout" play date. Put those babies in the strollers and go for a walk or a run! Stop every so often to do some lunges, squats, crunches, etc. Or, follow a beginner training program for running, such as the Galloway method or couch-to-5k. The company will keep you motivated and prevent you from skipping out on the workout. Or, swap babysitting while you or your mommy friend hits the gym/goes for a run/etc.
One of my running mommy friends had the most amazing suggestion that we have recently put into action. Both of us wanted to get in some speed work as a part of marathon training, but didn't really have the time without the kids. So she suggested that we meet at the local (fenced in!) track, with all of the kids, and plenty of outdoor toys! We take turns: while one is running her laps, the other keeps on eye on the kids. Then, while the first mom is on her "recovery" break, she is in charge of watching the kids while the second gets in her run.
-Kids too big for a jog stroller? Let them go for a bike ride! They can ride along side of you while you run. Or, go for a bike ride with them!
-Just get outdoors...walking the dog, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, a game of soccer at the park, set up an obstacle course, do some hanging pull-ups on the jungle gym or some step-ups on the park bench. Anything can be kid and family friendly!
-For those who would love to workout kid-free: re-evaluate your day. I HATE mornings,especially the "waking up" part, but getting in that long run at 5:00/6:00 a.m. while the hubby and kids are still sleeping starts my day off in the BEST way! If mornings aren't an option, how about your lunch break?
-If you have at least an hour, you can easily squeeze in a 20 minute workout, shower, and still grab your lunch with time to spare. Do a workout video while your kids are napping or playing quietly. Videos these days are not the leotard wearing dancing/stepping routines they used to be. There are some amazing workouts out there! Putting the laundry pile aside a few days a week isn't going to be the end of the world. I promise. You deserve the time!
When it comes to the time and money spent on my running, I remind myself of this: Even though I always put my family first, I am still an important, deserving part of this family. It is just as ok for me to take some "me" time, as it is ok for hubby to take some "him" time to watch the football game on T.V. (see where I'm going with this?). It's all about compromise!
People always ask me what my "secret" is. The secret is: You Have To Believe In Yourself! You have to WANT this for you, because YOU are the only one who is going to get out there and do it! Exercising and being fit is so much more than fitting into those sexy jeans (although that is always a great bonus!) The most important part of all of this is the example you are setting for your children. In our society today, obesity is an epidemic, and inactivity is all too common. The best way to teach your kids to live a healthy, active lifestyle is to lead by example. And giving your kids the gift of having a happy, healthy, active mom? PRICELESS!
ABOUT OUR GUEST BLOGGER:
"My name is Heather, and I'm one of those "crazy running moms". A toddler (two and a half) and a baby boy (eight months), and their handsome daddy have stolen my heart, they are my everything."
"Running keeps me sane in the chaos that is my life (but I wouldn't trade this life for the world!) . In fact, it's pretty much an obsession (most runners would agree). Somehow, I've gained quite the competitive streak within myself, and I'm now trying to "go faster". My most current goal is a Boston qualifying time...that is, if I can squeeze the training in with a jog stroller"
Check out Heathe's Blog at:
www.runfastermommy.com.
She is also part of our Virtual Running Group on Twitter #momsrunning;
you can find her on twitter at @runfastermommy
She is also part of our Virtual Running Group on Twitter #momsrunning; you can find her on twitter at @runfastermommy
Get Running! No More Excuses!
If I had a dollar for every time I heard an excuse from a mom regarding exercise, I'd be rich. I'd be blogging right now on my diamond encrusted laptop from a yacht in the islands. Alright, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I hear it all too often.
"It must be nice to have all that free time."
"I hate/cant' afford the gym"
"My kids aren't in school, and husband works full time"
"I can't afford a treadmill"
"I'm just too tired after work, bath time, then bedtime"
I could go on and on. Moms, I'm here to tell you that your excuses are LAME-O! News flash: MOST running moms are average moms, JUST LIKE YOU! They are not elite athletes paid to train all day. Instead, they work full time jobs. They have a house full of chores, dishes, and laundry. A husband and kids to feed, clean up after, chase, and answer every beckon call. Bills to pay, carpools to run, soccer games to attend. But the one thing these moms have that others don't isn't something you can buy in a store. It's called MOTIVATION! And you can have some too! You just have to start, which is essentially the hardest part. There is a saying that it takes 21 days to start a new habit. You may hate it today, but I promise at the end of 21 days you too can look forward to your workouts, and have that motivation!
Before you start rolling your eyes at me, let me tell you this: out of the 21 races I've done in my very short running career, all but 3 were done after I had kids. I'm currently training for my third full marathon. Believe me, I'm no stranger to the demands of motherhood. My partner and I both work 5 days a week (but never have the same day off), and we work opposite shifts as to avoid daycare costs. Meaning, the second I come home from work, he goes into work. I alternate working with going to college full time pursuing my bachelors degree. And I toss into this mix, two beautiful little boys, a quickly approaching 3 year old, and a 9 month old. Oh and that house full of housework! Life is chaotic, but I have found the one thing that keeps mommy happy and healthy: running.
I think once we become mothers, we develop a sixth sense. Not the one where you can sense your child about to throw his bowl of cheerios across the room even though you aren't actually looking at him (otherwise known as "eyes in the back of the head"). No the other sixth sense: creativity! When it comes to working out with kids, you need to be creative. There is absolutely no reason you need to spend hours on an elliptical machine in a sweaty gym while your kids cry in the gym daycare! Here are some suggestions for you:
-Two Words: Jogging Stroller. An amazing invention! And my kids just LOVE running with mommy!
-Find company. Or just trade! Are you a part of a local mommy group, or do you have mommy friends? I'd be willing to be there are other moms in the same situation as you, and don't know where or how to start. Suggest making a "workout" play date. Put those babies in the strollers and go for a walk or a run! Stop every so often to do some lunges, squats, crunches, etc. Or, follow a beginner training program for running, such as the Galloway method or couch-to-5k. The company will keep you motivated and prevent you from skipping out on the workout. Or, swap babysitting while you or your mommy friend hits the gym/goes for a run/etc.
One of my running mommy friends had the most amazing suggestion that we have recently put into action. Both of us wanted to get in some speed work as a part of marathon training, but didn't really have the time without the kids. So she suggested that we meet at the local (fenced in!) track, with all of the kids, and plenty of outdoor toys! We take turns: while one is running her laps, the other keeps on eye on the kids. Then, while the first mom is on her "recovery" break, she is in charge of watching the kids while the second gets in her run.
-Kids too big for a jog stroller? Let them go for a bike ride! They can ride along side of you while you run. Or, go for a bike ride with them!
-Just get outdoors...walking the dog, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, a game of soccer at the park, set up an obstacle course, do some hanging pull-ups on the jungle gym or some step-ups on the park bench. Anything can be kid and family friendly!
-For those who would love to workout kid-free: re-evaluate your day. I HATE mornings,especially the "waking up" part, but getting in that long run at 5:00/6:00 a.m. while the hubby and kids are still sleeping starts my day off in the BEST way! If mornings aren't an option, how about your lunch break?
-If you have at least an hour, you can easily squeeze in a 20 minute workout, shower, and still grab your lunch with time to spare. Do a workout video while your kids are napping or playing quietly. Videos these days are not the leotard wearing dancing/stepping routines they used to be. There are some amazing workouts out there! Putting the laundry pile aside a few days a week isn't going to be the end of the world. I promise. You deserve the time!
When it comes to the time and money spent on my running, I remind myself of this: Even though I always put my family first, I am still an important, deserving part of this family. It is just as ok for me to take some "me" time, as it is ok for hubby to take some "him" time to watch the football game on T.V. (see where I'm going with this?). It's all about compromise!
People always ask me what my "secret" is. The secret is: You Have To Believe In Yourself! You have to WANT this for you, because YOU are the only one who is going to get out there and do it! Exercising and being fit is so much more than fitting into those sexy jeans (although that is always a great bonus!) The most important part of all of this is the example you are setting for your children. In our society today, obesity is an epidemic, and inactivity is all too common. The best way to teach your kids to live a healthy, active lifestyle is to lead by example. And giving your kids the gift of having a happy, healthy, active mom? PRICELESS!
ABOUT OUR GUEST BLOGGER:
"My name is Heather, and I'm one of those "crazy running moms". A toddler (two and a half) and a baby boy (eight months), and their handsome daddy have stolen my heart, they are my everything."
"Running keeps me sane in the chaos that is my life (but I wouldn't trade this life for the world!) . In fact, it's pretty much an obsession (most runners would agree). Somehow, I've gained quite the competitive streak within myself, and I'm now trying to "go faster". My most current goal is a Boston qualifying time...that is, if I can squeeze the training in with a jog stroller"
Check out Heathe's Blog at:
www.runfastermommy.com.
She is also part of our Virtual Running Group on Twitter #momsrunning;
you can find her on twitter at @runfastermommy
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday - New Week - How many times are you going to run this week?
Mondays
I am so low energy on Monday because weekends are so busy with husband and kids home from school, I am just exhausted on Mondays. I spend the whole day RTO - Restoring the Order of the house.
How can I get motivated to get out and run today? I know that I will feel better if I do. I haven't run the past 3 days because we have had wicked thunder and lightning. Now, I will run in the rain - I'm not a total wimp. However, I will not ever run in thunder and lightning. I don't even twitter during thunder and lightning.
Motivation. What motivates you? How do you get out the door? I don't fit into my shorts and capris from last summer and I will be darned if I will buy any new clothes. I refuse to buy clothes a bigger size. So, my motivation today is to fit into last summer's clothes. My motivation today is to feel better and get that endorphine release.
What's your motivation for TODAY?
I am so low energy on Monday because weekends are so busy with husband and kids home from school, I am just exhausted on Mondays. I spend the whole day RTO - Restoring the Order of the house.
How can I get motivated to get out and run today? I know that I will feel better if I do. I haven't run the past 3 days because we have had wicked thunder and lightning. Now, I will run in the rain - I'm not a total wimp. However, I will not ever run in thunder and lightning. I don't even twitter during thunder and lightning.
Motivation. What motivates you? How do you get out the door? I don't fit into my shorts and capris from last summer and I will be darned if I will buy any new clothes. I refuse to buy clothes a bigger size. So, my motivation today is to fit into last summer's clothes. My motivation today is to feel better and get that endorphine release.
What's your motivation for TODAY?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
