Category Archives: Project Size 10

Run like a mother {update}

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Soooo, it has been a while since I’ve waxed lyrical on my goal of running 5km by Christmas.  Probably because it’s clear that’s not going to happen.

Runners

It’s not so bad.  I’ll get close. I just had a couple of weeks off.  And was running sporadically before that.  If I pick up my game now, I should be able to run 5km in a month or so.

Half my problem is that I reached my goal weight.  Which is fabulous!  I weigh now what I did when I got married at 22.  But it means I got slack.  Which is not fabulous because I have a secret goal weight that is three kilograms less than my weight now.  And then I have a super secret crazy goal weight that is another two kilos lighter than that.

The thing is, I’ve realised that this exercise thing isn’t just the means to an end.  If I want to keep this weight off, if I want to get to that secret crazy goal weight, if I want to indulge in delicious food and glasses of wine and stay reasonably slim… then this running thing has to become a habit.  It’s for the long haul, baby.

That conclusion doesn’t exactly fill me with glee.  I’m not a huge fan of the exercise thing.  I love how I feel afterwards – the aching muscles and clear head and endorphin-filled blood.    But during the run?  Hating it.  Doubting myself.  Wishing it to be over.

All for a good cause though.  It feels good to be looking forward to summer and skirts and shorts and fake tans and bathers.  It feels good to have my hubby tell me how sexy I look (although he does that anyway – he is my biggest fan and for that I am so grateful).  It feels good to know I’m setting a good example for my kids.

I really hope to be back here not long after Christmas to report that I have done it.  Be nice to tick one of my resolutions off within the first month of the year!

Reset

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So last week

I fell down the stairs.  Yes, you read that right. And yes, I hurt myself.  It could have been worse.  I fell on my back and was pretty sore and sorry for quite a few days.

I also ate a whole lot of crap.  Snacking and chocolate and Grand Final Day celebration food and drink (mmm… champagne).

I got out of the habit of getting up early.  Blame that on rainy days, school holidays and a hubby at home.

I ran once. See falling down stairs above.

It’s time to hit the reset button.  Back into routine.  Back into being aware of what I put into my mouth.  Back into running.  Eyes back on my goals.

What do you need to hit the reset button on this week?

Run like a mother

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Running has always been a bit elusive for me. I’m not a runner, I’d say. I don’t run.

Recently, though, it has presented itself as a perfect choice of exercise. Burn loads of calories, exercise at any time of the day, no need for special equipment, and getting out of the house with just my iPod for company.  I downloaded the C25K app, donned my eight year old runners, created a makeshift armband out of wide elastic to hold my iPod, and off I went.

Disclaimer: These are not my running shoes. My runners are eight year old cross trainers that are falling apart. Must do something about that.

I didn’t die. That kind of surprised me.

The best time for me to run is early in the morning before my kids get up.  There is something quite magical about being out in the fresh, cool air at 6am.  Luckily, hubby has been home this week, so if I miss that opportunity (read: sleep in) I’ve been popping out in the afternoon while bubby sleeps.  I’m looking forward to some later runs once daylight savings is here too.

The couch to 5km program is very doable for a beginner runner. There are a few different apps available for the iPhone (and probably other platforms too).  This one allows me to listen to my own music or podcasts and prompts me to run and walk for each interval.  Week one, run one I felt challenged but not defeated. And the second run felt even better. I’m trying to add an extra run in every week too, as well as some other form of exercise.  This week, that was a walk to the post office with my kids.  I don’t recommend that if you want to walk with any pace.  Look mum, another dandelion…  I know it will probably get harder as the running parts get longer, but I’m hoping to stick with it and be running 5km by Christmas.

And then I might even be able to say with some confidence, I’m a runner. I run.