...that's what I tell myself when I feel like stopping (which is a lot).
On my last post, I mentioned that in five weeks I went from absolutely hating running to running 4.5 miles without stopping. I got a few comments from people asking how I did it, so I thought I'd fill you guys in on what I've been doing with the hopes of inspiring even just one person to do something similar.
One of the things I wanted to do in 2011 was to get in the best shape of my life. It's no secret that you put weight on during pregnancy. I lost all the baby weight (plus some) within six months, but my body certainly did not have the same shape it used to (eventhough I weighed more pre-baby).
I was determined to get into the best shape of my life so that after I have #2 (in the distant future) (no mom, I'm not pregnant) I won't have a post-baby body x2 to lose (you bounce back quicker if you're in shape to begin with. duh.) Also, I've tried quite a few workouts but nothing has ever given me the results that running has...so running it is!
So what did I do you ask?
- I wrote down my goal (like I previously mentioned). This made it concrete and harder to ignore.
- I signed up for an 8k (About 5 miles). This gave me a goal to work towards. No excuses now. I'm doing the Shamrock Run on March 13th...two weeks to go!
- I was properly fitted for running shoes that worked with the way I run. Don't just go out and buy the shoes you think are the cutest. I made that mistake first, and my hip paid the price.
- I got breathable (non-cotton) workout gear, including shorts, knee length pants, a tank top, socks and a few sports bras. It's amazing how much farther you can run if you're comfortable!
- I made a training plan. Well, Chris did for me with the help of his excellence (get it?!)...
click to enlarge
I cross off the days as I go and I really enjoy crossing out those little boxes!
(we checked out the JM workouts from the public library and ripped them onto our computer, not the best quality but who cares, you're working out!)
These are the other workouts that I do because I want to break up the
running but still be working out 5 days a week:
(I workout for an average of 45mins a day, though the fitball/short JM days are about 25mins)
Long JM:
Short JM:
(level 3)
Fitball:
Giam fitball workout kit. Bought at Target (also $23.98 at Amazon). Comes with a 4lb. medicine ball and a great dvd with two workouts. This is the workout I started out with after Bennett was born. Great for beginners!
It would be ideal to just run MWF but I go grocery shopping every other friday morning, which left me no energy for running (3-4 different stores with a toddler is hard people)! That explains the switcheroo on those weeks.
Speaking of being tired, I think it's extremely important to schedule in a time for exercise, because it is so easy to just push it away if it's not "convenient", then before you know it you are going to bed feeling guilty that you put it off yet again! I'm not saying I'm perfect at this by any means but I do know that I feel a lot better about myself when I get in a workout. Just last week I started getting up at 5:30 to go run while Bennett is still sleeping and Chris is getting ready for work. I really like getting my workout out of the way so I don't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. If it works for you to get up early to make sure you get your workout in, I would definitely recommend it!
Recently, Sheena (also a former hater) has written two posts that are inspiring and packed full of good info for beginning runners. Read running101 and running 201. Oh and the 3-mile wall she talks about is real. The first three miles are always the hardest while your body warms up. It gets better after that. I promise!
images via
Regardless of everything I have posted here, I wouldn't be able to do any of it without my awesome hubby. Aside from planning my training schedule, for a majority of the time Chris has been coming home on his lunch breaks to stay with Bennett so that I can go run. He also is going to be running right next to me on race day! Even though he is planning to do his first marathon this year (he's crazy, I know) it still means a lot for him to run my little ol' 8k with me! Thanks Chris. :)
i'm going to go to the library tonight and get a JM video. Which one do you like the best? Did the 30 days shred work?
Good for you, Becca! That's awesome.
Good for you girl! I love making goals and crossing things off lists! Daniel made an Excel spreadsheet for our workouts, (and everything in life), too. Must be a guy thing:-) xoxo
I love Jillian. I did the 30 day shred and now alternate it with no more trouble zones.. Glad you're feeling good...feels so good huh!
whoa! you go girl! you may have inspired me.
Thanks guys...I honestly feel like if I can not be a hater then anyone can!
Fallon-I never did the full 30 day shred. I started out at level 2 and quickly moved to level 3 just because I needed something I could get a really good workout with in a short amount of time while B was napping. I'm sure the full 30 is amazing though! Do a search on the library's website first to make sure they have it in...I had to wait for someone to turn them in.
Bonnie- More like a nerdy engineer thing :) Last year for Christmas he went into Aritzia with an excel spreadsheet of the gifts he wanted to get me. The girls there still remember it too! haha
Echo- I've never tried that one...how long of a workout is it? Did you notice amazing results from doing the full 30 days?
AAAAWWWCCCKKK!! You're running the same race as my sister! Yay! I'll be rooting for both of you!
Wow, congrats!! That is SO awesome!!
I try to run every once in a while -- there's this perfect little one-mile stretch by my house that goes right to a lake. But, I've found that I'm super motivated to get my booty to Crossfit and Power Yoga sessions :]
In any case, find what you enjoy, what your body responds to, and go with it!!!
Great job, Becca! You and Chris both are doing so good. It's really cool that he comes home on his lunch break so you can run, I was wondering when you found the time to do that!
i'm so proud of you becs! you're motivating me....i think i need to get started. maybe i'll write down a plan this week....you should help me on sunday!
Way to go Becca!
so are running outside or treadmill? how's that going with all the rain?! ( i know poor excuse but curious!) i've been dying to getting into running again, but by the time i get off work at night it's dark and cold. bleh.
Kate- I'm running on the treadmill but I'm hoping to be able to at least be able to do one run outside before the race...I can run a lot longer if I watch the tv on the treadmills, plus I only need to walk down a few floors to get to the gym in our building so that makes it easier! I'm a wuss when it comes to running outside!
Hi Becca! I am training for a half-marathon too! I almost signed up for the one in Portland! I linked this on my post today! Hope you don't mind! SO INFORMATIVE!! : )