Happy Friday, friends! I need to brag for a minute. I don’t do this often, so I hope you won’t mind. I’ve been exercising four or five days per week for two months! This is no small feat for a mama of three small kids and wife of a man who works long hours. HIGH FIVE!
I caught up with some friends last week, and I mentioned to my girlfriend (who is an amazing- and busy- working mom) that I’ve been strength training twice per week, and doing cardio-mostly running- two to three times per week, and her first question was “Where do you find the time?”
The quick answer is that I just make the time to do it. Sure, I have laundry to fold and dishes to wash, but darnit, I need to work out, and as long as the kids are fed and happy, I will get it done. But that isn’t entirely accurate (the laundry part totally is, though). The better answer is, I have a lot of support.
Twice a week, I have Trainer Jen, who kicks my butt for an hour, while my husband watches the kids before he leaves to work. Another two mornings are spent running with my pal Sara, who lets me babble about nothing and everything while we pound the pavement. I usually head to the gym on a weekend day too, while the Mister B. hangs out with our kids.
Trainer? Check. Running Buddy? Check. Helpful Husband? Check. I guess the quick answer could be, I’m fortunate. I’m really grateful to have these people around to help me reach my goals.
Which brings me to another reason I have to get it done; I have goals!
In the short term, I’d really like to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes. The weight isn’t shedding as rapidly as it did with my girls (Baby number three, I’m over thirty, blah blah, blah), which suuuucks, especially since I’m working so hard. Don’t get me wrong, I think I look good, and I don’t mind buying new clothes- just ask my husband. But I have cute shorts, just sitting in my closet, and I want to wear them!
I also want to run a successful half-marathon this fall, which means respecting the miles. I’m building my base now so I can start adding mileage, and hopefully some speed (though I’m not really concerned with that right now).
In the long term, I’d really love to run a half marathon under 1:50.
The best answer to my friend’s question? I’m really motivated. And it takes a village. I’m lucky to have such terrific people in my corner.
One of those people is back in his running shoes again. My husband (and all of our kids) joined me for our first family of five run last weekend. I’d been looking forward to this day since I had Little Dude!
Mister B. has a different relationship with running than I do. He enjoys it; but he prefers to run short and fast, and never during football season. Now, fitness often takes a backseat when pregnant, and if you’re the husband of a pushy exerciser who isn’t being very pushy…well, football season drags into basketball season, and maybe baseball season too.
Last Saturday, I registered for a local 5 miler and 2 miler, and pushed Mister B. to do one or the other. He committed to the 5 (!!!), so off we all went for an afternoon run.
Hopefully, the first of many.
Usually, I have a question for you. Instead, I’d love it if you’d give a shout-out to the people who support you and your running goals. Or just go and give them a hug. Have a great weekend!
I’m going to go ahead an give my hugs to you and Mr. B!! I am so excited that he has registered for the 5-miler with you! That’s pretty awesome to get that sort of support! SO YAY YOU BOTH!!! (and happy weekend!)
HUGHUGHUG. Thanks, Vic! Happy weekend to you too.
Oh my I love this post…. yes, having that support system and people who understand that ‘I need to work out to feel good, function in society, and be happy’. Thank gee your hubby is a superman and can watch the kids for a bit while you pump iron. I love your goal list– I’m sure you will ROCK that half marathon when the time comes. Respect the miles– love that statement!
Yes! I completely get it. The kids and I were having a bad day a couple of weeks ago, so I dragged everyone to the gym to I could sweat it out. They were happy, because our gym has different toys (!!!) and I really needed it, haha.
Thank you! I have a long way to go for my half-marathon time goal, but I’ll keep working on it.
You totally rock. I definitely agree that you need to have a good support system to make your goals happen. As you know, I’m not so keyed in on a specific time goal but just GETTING IT DONE. Dude is instrumental in making that happen and so are my parents and inlaws. They are the ones who watch the kids when I’m off doing my thing… although I suppose that camp comes into play, too, when it comes to getting it done.
Other things fall by the wayside. Laundry happens when I’m talking to the kids after their activities. Dinner gets made when I get to it… sometimes. I really have to work on that. But eventually everything gets accomplished!
I’m also REALLY fortunate to have such good friends who are in the same position as I am. I love nothing more than signing on to Daily Mile and seeing that you and I ran at the same time. It’s almost like we are together.