“I’m going to exercise! WOO HOOOO!”
No, that’s not a direct quote from yours truly, but it is a direct quote from Eleanor seconds before she launched into running laps around the playground structure at the park where I run. She clearly was modeling the behavior she sees from me, and that’s a better reward than the 16 pounds I’ve lost so far this year.
Yesterday before my workout, Callista asked, “Mommy, why do you exercise?”
“I exercise because it makes me feel good,” I said.
My inner monologue was cackling so hard it gave me a headache because NO, Virginia. Exercise does not make me feel good. Quite the contrary.
It makes me feel inferior. I’m constantly battling my own body. I’ve added custom inserts to my properly fitted running shoes. I have compression socks I either wear while running or for recovery. I experiment with rest days. I’ve been video-analyzed and am working constantly on my posture, landing, stride and cadence. My legs scream for days if I attempt running on asphalt or a treadmill, so I can only run on local park trails, only during open hours, when the weather isn’t trying to kill me and the stars align with my kids.
Despite all that, I keep trying. I’ve taken a few short breaks – two for hurthurthurt legs and one for so much rain in a short period that I now I have Noah’s autograph – but I’ve been on the fitness train since late January.
I notice in my physical being. I feel better. My clothes feel better. I look healthier – my cheekbones are emerging from not-so-round cheeks again!
But the biggest difference is that my kids notice. They mimic me during regular play when the thought of my workouts randomly pop into their heads. “I’m going to exercise!” “I’m stretching.” “I need my foam roller. My legs hurt.”
But the best part was that “WOO HOOOOO!”
I wish I actually felt that way about exercise, but to hear that attitude reflected back toward me – oof. My perseverance must say more than my red, tired face when I return after a workout. I may not say, “WOO HOOO!” about working out today, but maybe I will tomorrow. Or next month. Till then, my feelings are a little more, “I’m going to exercise. Woo. fucking. hoo.”
Internal monologue only, of course.
LOVE THIS. Despite the hours I spend exercising each week, I feel like this a lot. As a parent, though, it feels good to see them want to run because you want to run (or at least reap the rewards of running).
Congrats on the lbs, too. You rock!
Why don’t you try something besides running? Use an elliptical, a rowing machine, or swim or aqua aerobics?
A gym or YMCA membership isn’t in my time/money budget right now. It’s hard enough to get to the park a few times a week. I’m making the most of my available resources I have available, which means walking around my neighborhood, running at the park or – gag – fitness videos, which I loathe but will do in desperation.
Amen, my friend.
I just wish we lived closer so we could trudge through hell together.
wooo fucking yeah!
great blog. thanks for the share
Go You! It’s not all fun and games (even, I’ve learned, for seasoned runners…) but the idea that my girls KNOW that strength IS beauty is worth every cuss word and pulled muscle that happens during a run. They think that ALL mommies run.
My suggestions: Throw in a little strength training – use your own body so you don’t need equipment – like squats, push-ups and sit-ups to start (just do a few and then build from there)(you get bonus points if you can do them with a toddler hanging on you!). It will help with injury-prevention and will kick up your metabolism. It can take as little as 5 minutes in the beginning and it WILL help. Just trust me. Don’t try to make it perfect. 5 push-ups is still better than 0 push-ups any day.
I was reading this post and there are plenty of other things you can do besides running, that are actually fun! I hold health and fitness support/motivational groups every two to three weeks for men and women to keep your self accountable in your fitness journey. The best part is it’s at home, perfect for moms with busy schedules. It’s amazing the result people get. Shoot me an email if you are interested.