I know that many of you that read this blog are active, healthy people. I was once too. Sort of. To be honest, I was never one of those people who enjoyed working out. Or even being super active. I played soccer in high school and loved swimming as a kid, but that's all really. I've never understood people who say that working out makes them feel better, but I do know that working out made me feel better about myself and that was something.
When I hurt my back I lost all motivation to be active. I can't really explain it, but when the simple movements required to get through the day (bending to plug in your laptop, crossing your foot over your knee to tie your shoes, reaching across the backseat of the car to retrieve an umbrella) cause you pain and discomfort, the thought of actual exercise seems ridiculous. I would have moments and try, after all I herniated those discs nearly two years ago, but it would hurt too much or be too hard and I would be too busy with work and school to keep trying. This week, with eleven months to go until the wedding and me feeling more and more gross about my physical self, I decided that enough was enough. This month, my goal is to run on the elliptical for 30 minutes three times a week.
I did it. More than that, though, today was the first time since I got hurt that I ran a mile in under 15 minutes. I know that sounds lame, but you have to consider the circumstances. And that, even when I was running every day after work, I still never went faster than maybe 9 minutes/mile. So today, I celebrate this little victory. And share it with all of you. And hope you won't mock how out of shape I am.
5 comments:
Me again (I am apparently comment crazy today....I hope you enjoy them! I know I love comments). Yeah you on running a mile! I like to think I work out regularly and I am not sure I could run a mile! Great job!
Way to go, Jess! That is awesome! Keep it up, girl. And don't forget about having a good diet- veggies, fruit, portion control as that is just as important with getting back into shape, if not more so.
You are such a strong woman, that I'm not surprised with how well you're doing, but I am impressed.
I'm happy for you, Jess! It's a wonderful sense of freedom, isn't it? I too found I could go running this summer - without a knee brace, and without causing myself a good deal of pain, too (take THAT pessimistic, narrow-minded orthepedic surgeon)!
I think much of the time, the small victories are just as valuable as the big ones. They motivate in the short term, and in the long term they accumulate to form a bigger picture. Keep it up!
The first steps are always the hardest when making changes ... and you've done that!
In my opinion, the two things needed for a successful gym life are:
1. a goal (What's better than a wedding?!)
2. a good playlist (Thank you, Steve Jobs, for ipod/itunes)
I think it's awesome that you've reach a goal for yourself!!! Marcia is right about the food to help with the feeling good - and hopefully you're still finding time to make time for yourself.Beth
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