I Don’t Get it
For the past three weeks or so I have been walk-a-running. Meaning, I am attempting to *gag* run. I started off taking a nightly walk, then building the eumph to turn that brisk walk into a run.
Now traditionally I have been the “Only run when bear is going to eat you” kind of girl. I would glance at those craaaazy fools jogging in all sorts of weather, shake my head then sit back and enjoy my geeky pleasures of computers, gaming … even knitting, not at all close to jogging.
But alas, I am not happy with my current self. Not striving to be a la twiggy, but would like to feel a little less jiggity, more firm, strong. A lot of this lies in the fact that I want to be a positive role model for my daughter. She is going to be bombarded with images of what women *should* look like. I would like to counter that with a real perspective. That with exercise and a decent diet one can be healthy and happy with ones self.
Running just happens to be the most efficient way to achieve this exercise/diet thing. So run I shall. It hurts. However I play little head games with myself, like I am going to run just a little farther before going back to walking. I have mastered a good third of my trail running, the rest I walk like uber fast. hehe The third that I run is on a decline so gravity is helping 
Still it feels good for the ego that I can even run without collapsing in a heap of mush.
Ethan & I went for our follow up appointment to our so cool doctor. As you may recall there was a little concern that Ethan was not gaining weight. Well I am happily reporting a half a pound increase!!! Not too shabby for a boy that is walk/running everywhere himself!
I too passed with flying colours. My blood pressure is back to normal numbers and all my blood work came back healthy!! I was so relieved. I am working very hard on this healthy being, so to know that it is showing in my health is awesome. My doctor laughed at me describing my walk-a-run attempts and encouraged me to continue. I was expressing my frustration that after three weeks of this human torture I have not weighed in less. He said to keep at it, because even if the scale isn’t moving the health factor is good. I am hoping all this effort begins to show a little, you know for encouragement … positive reinforcement.
So when does this running gig turn into a thing people look forward to? Or do you exercise because you have to, not because you love it? Do you exercise regularly? Why? Why not?
I’m finding that as my fitness builds up it is becoming more “bearable”: ) I think for me it’s more the feeling I have afterwards…. runners high.
Good on you! My reasons for doing it are very much the same as yours. I have a small goal fr early next year which is run Round the Bays which I walked this year.
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I absolutely hate running, so it would never be something I look forward to. Other things, yes. I like to ride my bike, or swim. Now that I could look forward to.
Good for you for starting this!
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Fun post! I must delurk to say that I know exactly what your describing because I do it too. The little mind games? Those are the only way I get anywhere (even on the treadmill). I sitll hate running, but I do it anyway because after I get started, I’m ALWAYS always glad that I did and when it’s over, I can crash hard and it feels so good. I find that I sleep better, drink more water, and have more energy the next day when i exercise. Also, I have only lost 2 pounds since January, but the INCHES are melting quickly. I guess I’m gaining muscle just as fast as losing fat? Not sure - but it sounds good!
Just one question for you… you are a very busy girl - how do you find time to exercise!?!
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Hey, I’ve been saying since October that I was going to get started walking then so I could start running. It will be for the health of it because I doubt I will ever like it. I’m fat. I’m very fat. I have a thyroid disorder, it makes me even fatter. I have a cookie disorder that doesn’t help.
Anyway, I have a degree in physical education and I promise you, I have never liked exercise.
Have you been to my new site that you designed so masterfullly?
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I have been running for years and still have to play mind games - good for you! I’m not finding time to work out right now which makes me sad but it’s my own fault.
Congrats on Ethan’s gain - I knew he was fine!
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I’m gonna have to email you some walk/run tips - I’ve coached quite a few learn to run clincs. Running becomes fun when you discover what motivates you to run and set goals based on that ie: are you lonely? Run with a firend or a club, etc…
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Ahhh, running…first and foremost: CONGRATS on lowering your blood pressure! That’s awesome!
I’ve run at various times in my past. Mostly, I’d start running on the street. I’d run one telephone poll, then walk the next. Then the next time, I’d do the same, but faster, then run 2, walk 1 and so on. I never looked forward to it.
I did look forward to ‘running’ on an eliptical machine, again at various times during my history
Now, I’ve been walking everyday at a very good pace and I definately look forward to that. I usually skip on Saturdays, and usually miss it all day. I just love the way it makes my body feel.
I exercise because I want to be healthy - not because it’s fun. Oh no, it is surely not fun. Sure you end up feeling good in the end, but starting out is always something I have to make myself do.
That being said, I was exercising every day for about a month and then I had to stop (had to because I just can’t make it to the gym anymore) and combined with the south beach diet (which I’ve since gone off but still eating really well) I’ve lost 20 pounds since January.
That equals going down a pants size for me (since, um, my pants were tight - LOL). I’m thrilled with the results and because of the weight loss, I do want to get back to exercising.
Oh and I am *not* a runner either - but I was trying to be. Walking fast is good enough for me. LOL
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I am so proud of you! Believe me when I tell you, the hardest part is getting started and sticking with it, and it sounds like you have that wipped! Honestly though, for me? The challenge of reaching my running goal kept me going, and made me like it. Once I was able to run two miles without stopping (okay, keep in mind this was about 10 years ago!) I couldn’t wait to go again to see how further I could make it! Stick with it long enough, and you will love it, and you will feel guilty when you can’t go.
Well, that’s how it was for me anyway!
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I’ve heard that it takes a month of consistent exercise before you get into the routine (and stick with it). When I exercised, I found the feeling of getting stronger/smaller to be the best reward/incentive to keep going. I have not figured out how to incorporate exercise and mommyhood and am quite impressed! Good for you.
That is awesome, Chelle. I’m very proud of you.
I love working out and I have found what works for me. Some people are runners and some people are not. It does take time to where it does not hurt but eventually you will let go and feel free. get some music you enjoy and get pumped up when you do it. Also interval training is great..meaning run, jump rope or push ups and sit ups, lift and then walk. You can do intervals of different things to trick the body. Also get a running stroller and run with ethan too. Good luck!! I too know the feeling of looking at a body that does not make me feel sexy or pretty..it is tough.
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I can’t run because of a dodgy ankle but I am with you on the trying to be healthy part. I’m trying out Yogalates (combo of yoga and pilates) which is meant to whip you into shape in no time. Still waiting on that positive moment too.
I’m sick of how I look and fed up seeing all the pretty clothes in the shop and knowing they will not look good on me because my boobs are too big. *growl*
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I dunno. I don’t get it either. I WISH I could jog like those crazies out there…I go to the gym and walk really fast on the treadmill…Then I do some toning with machines..so that helps too…But running.
Never have, never could, never will.
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I find lots of excuses for not working out but my weight keeps climbing and I think I’m maybe too good at making excuses. Sigh.
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COUCH TO 5K CHELLE!!! You described my feelings towards running TO A T!!! But last spring, with summer fast approaching, I downloaded the couch to 5k to my iPOD and, dare I say, loved it! *puke!* If I ever do it again, I’ll be sticking to the first 4 weeks or so just because I really don’t care to run an entire 5k and I don’t like feeling nauseaus when I work out! lol Good luck and congrats!!!
I’ve gone in spurts with exercising (on again, off again). I’m currently off again. I need to get back on again.
Keep up your good work!
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good for you!!! i so need to get myself into a regular exercise routine, not only to firm up some of the flabbier areas, but for my health.
keep it up.
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I’m glad you and E are doing A-OK!
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[...] amazes me what a few weeks will change. I blogged about my confusion concerning running. I didn’t get it. Well while J was gone, I couldn’t get out there [...]
I never thought I could run, but my husband gave me Personal training to help shift the post baby weight (I gained about 30kg more than 60lbs) when my joints and muscles got stronger my trainer got me to run (Ok more jog) I got up to running (jogging sounds less cool) 5km a few times a week and felt amazing. Since moving and establishing a new business, and falling pregnant I haven’t done it since, but I remember the exhilleration and plan to chat to my doctor at my next visit about getting (slowly) back into it. Glad to be back visiting your blog, been a wild year for us, but glad to see some familiar faces again.
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