Excercise and Peace of Mind

So it's week three of returning to full time work and I am physically feeling great. The baby is sleeping well so far and therefore we are able to get a decent amount of rest. The latest lesson learned is -don't carry the weight of the world- there are others to help.
After a few days of trying to plan when I was going to get in some workouts during the week, keep the house straightened up, keep up with bottles, kitty litter, etc... I have two choices.
One- run myself around trying to keep things clean and mentally feel stressed that I am not getting to workout but twice a week -or- Two ask my husband when I need his help in order to get out and workout.

After a few days of missing workouts my husband could tell I was not myself. He was right. All I needed to do, was ask for his help with some small things around the house in order to mentally free up some energy to get in a workout. The point is, when exercise is important to someone- both physically and mentally - it's important to find a way to maintain it as a priority. Both for the benefit of yourself -but also those around you. They sense your energy- lack of energy -and frustrations when you are not happy. So the next day, I made it a priority to workout -even for 55 mins, kept the intensity up and felt great. Afterward, I felt completely refreshed and motivated because I was able to release the tension I had been carrying.

It's not selfish to prioritize some workouts if it's something that keeps you balanced, centered and focused. A happier you is a healthier you.

Regaining Fitness levels after the baby

Week over week, I feel stronger and my endurance levels are getting better. The challenge is of course, figuring out how to fit it all in. I decided that my workouts were going to have to be at 5 or 5:30 am...and then the baby decides that breakfast 1 is at 5:30 am so there goes my workout. (I have not committed to trying to workout at 4 am...) I am sure things will fall into place soon enough and for now, I am going to be grateful for each workout that I can get going forward and try to make each one count.

Yes, I will be more flexible and efficient with my workouts. Even if it means I need to get in and out and kindly excuse myself from the occasional 'social' discussions that some want to engage you in.

The good news is that my clothes fit better and I am feeling very good. Now I just need to focus on the appreciation of each workout-even if it's only 2 or 3x a week right now with returning to work, getting the baby to and from daycare, and managing the day to day so I can spend some quality with the baby as well. For now, it's one day at a time and focus on finding the balance and eating as clean as possible.

A Reminder on Sharing the Trails

So this week was one which I looked forward to the weekend more than ever before. It was the first week back to the office all 5 days, the Baby started in day care and the weather was going to over 50 degrees! What a perfect way to enjoy the baby than taking the baby in the jogger stroller and my doggie partner for a jog on the trail!!!!

I'll spare you the issue with the jogger stroller and leave today's blog on the bigger message of 'sharing the trails.' The area parks are shared by bikers and runners and families alike -that's half the beauty of the trail. Being someone who really enjoys an intense workout, I can appreciate the intensity of serious bikers and runners on the trail. I admire the dedication and focus they have on the path of their training.

So please allow me to get to the point, if you're going to train on public park trails, know that you are not the only one there. Get over yourself and realize that the trail is not just for you and your rude comments to a young family enjoying a walk in the park. We, (my husband and I) of all people are aware of our surroundings and are courteous of others with 'passing on your left' and 'excuse me' whenever either apply. I have witnessed not so courteous use of the trail with packs of bicycles or runners that take the width of the trail -but I chalk it up to 'o well, maybe they don't realize...' I would never think that a couple with a baby jogger would be the target of being yelled at by a rude lone guy on a bike because he wanted more than his fare share of the path. (The funny part here, is that we were actually at a stop on the right side of the trail -so I could pick up the sock the fell of the baby's foot -with no one in front or behind us and he was coming the opposite direction on the other side of the path....and clearly plenty of room to continue in his direction.) If your training is that intense and you feel as though others are going to hinder your training, perhaps you should reconsider the path you take and also reevaluate the priorities of the day...

Besides the drama this lone cyclist created, it was a gorgeous day at the park.