I ran 3 miles yesterday.
This has been nine weeks in the making. I started primarily because although I had already lost most of the baby weight I had gained, I had also lost quite a bit of muscle. So the initial goal was to firm up so that I would feel decent in a bathing suit this summer.
I started a program called Couch to 5K. I guess the first step on this journey was to admit that I was out of shape and in need of a slow start into a healthier lifestyle. As much as I wanted to have quick results, I knew I had to stick to the program even if it hurt my pride to walk more than run during the first few weeks. What I love about the program is that it challenges you but doesn't ask for too much so that you think the goal is unattainable.
This week is the last week of the program, and I will be running 3 miles two more times. I have seen positive changes in my body, but I have seen positive changes in other areas that outshine the physical ones.
1. I have a lot more energy.
2. I tend to be in a better mood after I have run. I know that something happens chemically in your brain when you exercise so that you are happier in the end. But for a task- oriented person and mother of small children like myself, I am happy and energized just to have completed something. House work is never done; taking care of children is continuous; there is always another meal to cook. But at the end of the day, I can look back and know that I did run a full 3 miles. I started it and I finished it.
3. I can think more clearly, so it is easier to guard my mind from going in a downward spiral of discontentment and at times maybe even self- pity.
These changes are making me a better wife, mama and home-maker.
I wasn't looking for an outlet that energized me, even though I should have been. But I am so thankful to have found this one. Running energizes me. I am sure that there are some other things that energize me as well. I love to write, for example. (I just don't do it very much. Hmm.)
All that to say:
What energizes you?
(I would love to hear from you.)
This has been nine weeks in the making. I started primarily because although I had already lost most of the baby weight I had gained, I had also lost quite a bit of muscle. So the initial goal was to firm up so that I would feel decent in a bathing suit this summer.
I started a program called Couch to 5K. I guess the first step on this journey was to admit that I was out of shape and in need of a slow start into a healthier lifestyle. As much as I wanted to have quick results, I knew I had to stick to the program even if it hurt my pride to walk more than run during the first few weeks. What I love about the program is that it challenges you but doesn't ask for too much so that you think the goal is unattainable.
This week is the last week of the program, and I will be running 3 miles two more times. I have seen positive changes in my body, but I have seen positive changes in other areas that outshine the physical ones.
1. I have a lot more energy.
2. I tend to be in a better mood after I have run. I know that something happens chemically in your brain when you exercise so that you are happier in the end. But for a task- oriented person and mother of small children like myself, I am happy and energized just to have completed something. House work is never done; taking care of children is continuous; there is always another meal to cook. But at the end of the day, I can look back and know that I did run a full 3 miles. I started it and I finished it.
3. I can think more clearly, so it is easier to guard my mind from going in a downward spiral of discontentment and at times maybe even self- pity.
These changes are making me a better wife, mama and home-maker.
I wasn't looking for an outlet that energized me, even though I should have been. But I am so thankful to have found this one. Running energizes me. I am sure that there are some other things that energize me as well. I love to write, for example. (I just don't do it very much. Hmm.)
All that to say:
What energizes you?
(I would love to hear from you.)
