Eight to 12 weeks “no running” didn’t sink in right away when Dr. Reeves said it. But later it hit me like GI problems at Mile 10: NO RUNNING. No running, no races, no running with buddies, no pictures of running routes, no writing about running. No walking as exercise either. It made my stomach hurt.
Self-pity welled up in my eyes for about 30 seconds, and then I gave myself a reality check. Really? You’re going to cry about not running? You should be thankful to just be here on Earth, dummy. You get to hug and kiss your husband and son every day. You are healthy. They are healthy. So you can’t run for a little while. Boo, freakin’, hoo.
Up and at ’em.
The bike, elliptical and pool aren’t quite as easy. They involve equipment, which means I have to go somewhere else besides the road in front of my house. Since it won’t be as easy to get to the exercise, I’m going to have to fall back on some tricks. Here are some of the ways that have helped me “get out there” in the past (although, I suppose I’ll be getting in more — in the gym, in the pool):
1. Exercise in the morning.
I know, I know. Morning’s are rough. But, for me, early morning is the best time to exercise because, a) Mr. T and T Junior are still sleeping and I don’t feel guilty leaving, b) it makes me feel energized for the rest of the day, c) the gym/pool aren’t as busy, d) life doesn’t get in the way. If I wait to workout till later, I’m definitely going to find a way to talk myself out of it during the day.
I lay out my clothes the night before. My alarm clock is around the bed and across the room.
2. Cute Workout Clothes
I’ve learned that I’m more excited to exercise if I like what I’m going to wear while I do it. Maybe that’s a bit superficial, but hey, whatever works. I like pink workout clothes. I like my Running Skirt. I guess I just need to feel like a girl while I’m sweating like a pig. I think I will be able to wear it on the elliptical.
But I do not like to spend too much money on workout clothes, so I look for deals at Walmart (the Danskin line is great), TJ Maxx (shop off-season for awesome clearance prices), Target and eBay. I also just got a great price on a new Running Skirt because I’m a “fan” of their Facebook page and learned of their big sale right away. Subscribe, “like” or “follow” your favorite brands or stores to get the inside scoop on discounts, sales and giveaways. I also enter blog giveaways, which is how I won my first skirt.
3. Count Calories
Okay, so this isn’t advised if you’re not trying to lose weight. Obviously. And, I’ve read a lot about NOT doing this while you are marathon training. For me, this is a great way to motivate myself to exercise. Why? Because I get to eat more calories. Pretty simple. I use the free Web site, http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ to track my food. It also keeps tabs on my workouts/calories burned and weigh-ins.
And while I know that working out doesn’t give me permission to eat whatever I want, I certainly feel less guilty about indulging if that happens. Exercise/running has made me look differently about food and this is less of an issue than it used to be. Still, burning a few hundred calories can sure make deciding what’s for lunch easier. This is another reason I like to work out in the morning. I can plan my food for the day better. Okay, I burned 400 calories. So, I will add an extra snack here and 100 calories there, and I can have a Skinny Cow with peanut butter for dessert!
4. Go On an Adventure
I’m addicted to exercising and then writing about it. Every workout is like a new adventure for me. Plus, this blog community really keeps me going with their advice and encouragement. But you don’t have to have a blog to share your adventure. There are Facebook-type places like DailyMile and Strands, you can join and post your exercises. Or you can just write your workouts in a notebook. Either way, you are celebrating what you did that day. I really don’t like NOT having an entry every day in DailyMile, so it motivates me. Find me on DailyMile (here) and Strands (here — I’m new to Strands, so I could really use some friends).
With these tricks, I hope to be getting in to get in shape this summer.
6 comments
Good for you staying positive and finding the bright side(s). I admire your commitment to the morning workouts! That will definitely pay off when you find yourself back in marathon training, which you WILL!
Once you hit a routine it'll get easier! I abandon running outside when the weather gets crummy here & it doesn't take me long to get in the groove of going to the gym. Not quite as fast as getting OUT of the groove, but you know!
Great attitude Kerrie! You're going to have an enjoyable summer…I can just tell 🙂
Note to self, think like Kerrie! I have a pool at the gym in my neighborhood (I usually go to the one by my office) and I have yet to try it. I'm scared. But I can't run. And I know swimming would be good.
Way to go on making a plan and sticking to it! I joined Daily Mile, but never used it. Thinking I should try to give me some motivation.
Way to go Kerrie! Such an awesome positive outlook! You will be back in the swing of things before you know it!