Check In

A number of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about the weight loss and fitness goals I had for myself moving forward.  That was six weeks ago and I thought it was time for a check in.

The past six weeks have been a lesson in patience, endurance, commitment and strength, but I am happy to report that I am feeling great and seeing results.  I have lost 7 pounds in the last six weeks but more importantly, feel like myself again.  It is amazing how even just starting and sticking with something for this short a time has made me come alive and has motivated me to keep going.

I cannot say enough about the "Back to run" program that I have followed thus far.  My neighbour and friend got it from a athletic therapist  and it is basically a slow and steady introduction back into running by combining walking and running at intervals.  As the runs and weeks progress, you slowly decrease the amount you're walking and increase the amount you're running.  It took me 4 weeks to go from walking for 4 minutes, running for 1 minute (for 30 minutes total), to now running for 30 minutes with no walking plus interval speed training.  There is absolutely no way I would have stuck with things and increased my endurance to what it is today had I not started slowly and gradually increased my runs.  I was able to complete every workout without pain in my joints, something I have never been able to do before as nagging past injuries usually surface very quickly.  I now feel like I can play around with my runs, completing quick speed interval training and also gradually increase my long runs.  I am going to continue with this plan until January when I will start following a specific half marathon training schedule as I plan to complete at least one race this spring.

The kids have really been great through this new routine of getting up and getting to the gym.  Colin has enjoyed multiple swims with his grandparents as well as loves the day care room.  Addy has been great as well and really does put her needs on hold for mine tolerating being awake for much longer than normal.  I also know that it will only get easier as she grows and is able to stay awake for longer periods of time.

Like I said before, starting working out again has really been a fantastic and much needed addition to my routine.  I really do feel like myself again.  My clothes fit better and I actually enjoy getting dressed in things other than yoga pants.  I feel like I have more energy for the kids and for life in general.

Ironically while at the Y one day, I saw this commercial for the Good Life Fitness Centre.  Although it is a man in the commercial and shocker, I am not a man, the message really resonated with me.  Clearly I am not going to the Olympics anytime soon and will most likely not compete in sports ever again except for the odd senior women's basketball game.  For so long, the desire to be the best and to compete was my motivation to workout and push myself physically.  Now that that is gone and in the past, I need to find new reasons to stay motivated and to keep on top of things.  This commercial, I think, does a great job of naming some perfect reasons.  For lack of a better term, it's about living the good life.

I'm so glad to be back.