Just by cutting out sweets and thinking more about what I put in my mouth, I have lost 1.5 pounds. It feels good to make better choices. It is getting easier to say "no" to temptation. I've gotten into the habit of drinking a glass of water when I want a treat (which is, oh, about 16 times a day). I am much better hydrated than I have been in a very long time.
Exercise, however, is a different story. I'm finding that even though I have a stronger desire to exercise, my life hasn't changed. I still have two tiny kids who need constant attention. My list of things I can only do when the kids are sleeping is already impossibly long. I'm still not sure how to overcome this problem, especially because Colorado's winter is settling in and outdoor opportunities are few and far between.
So this morning I decided it was time to complete the "baseline workout" set forth by my personal trainer (aka RaceDayTraining.com). It included an 800 meter run, 40 squats, 30 sit-ups, 20 push-ups and 10 burpees. I figured it would be a challenge, but not a huge deal. I was more concerned about the fact that it had taken me five days to complete it than the fact that it would be hard.
Let me tell you how it went.
First I nursed the baby. Then I got into some workout clothes. Then I wrote down the exercises (twice - I lost the sticky note once), and then I passed off the baby and stood on the treadmill. It wouldn't turn on. Zach flipped the switch for me. Then Gavin turned it off. I set my stopwatch (the workout had to be timed). Finally I got the machine started, but the speed didn't match the number I pushed -- I was off to the races at about 12 miles an hour. I pushed the "slow down!!!!" button about ten times. The treadmill went faster. I switched off the treadmill and tried again. The same thing happened in slightly slower motion since I pressed a smaller number the first time.
Great. I haven't used the treadmill in months, and now that I'm geared up to get moving again, it's on the fritz.
Frustrated (understatement), I went upstairs to complete the other exercises without an audience. Even in a room by myself I was embarrassed. The squats weren't too bad. Sit-ups? Ridiculous! Since when am I unable to do sit-ups? Oh, since my belly turned to jelly. I did cheater/girly push-ups, and then labored through a series of burpees that would have made my seventh grade P.E. teacher send me to the principal's office.
Humiliated with myself, I ran out the front door for my half-mile run....er, jog. It was snowing, the roads were slick, and my shoe came untied as I rounded the first corner. I held my open cell phone in my hand, since that functioned as my stopwatch. Now, I have long fancied myself a runner. I have also long operated under the notion that a little work could easily whip me back into shape after a running hiatus. I have also thought that if I just wasn't pushing a double stroller, that running would be easy.
These fantasies were quickly shattered as I jogged that half mile. I couldn't believe the parts of me that were bouncing and wiggling. I couldn't believe the constriction in my lungs. I couldn't believe the way my heart was pounding.
Wow.
I want to run a 10-K in two months. I think I am completely insane.
However, I'm not giving up. Yesterday, I got an email from RaceDay Training. The site is sponsoring a 90-day Challenge that is open to the public, free of charge. I think all of you should check it out. I have signed up, but I need some support!
Can you imagine all of us in 90 days if we all jumped in together?
