Usually when I go out running/exercising I like to go by myself. For several reasons including it gives me time to clear my head & get away from everything, and I like to be able to concentrate on what I want to do at my own pace. But also because I'm embarrassed to let people see what state my fitness is really in. I'm scared that my actual will be less than what they expected.
Today however, Papa Patch & I headed out on a run/walk together as we are away on holiday at the moment and thought it would be a nice change. We are often active together, but don't work out together. And to be honest, I didn't particularly enjoy it. It wasn't the company I didn't like, it was the fact that I felt stupid that I couldn't keep up with him. And it was embarrassing to let him see me struggle with something that he cruised through.
I bought this up during a moment we stopped so I could catch my breath, how I hated that I found it so hard, especially when he didn't. I didn't want him to think less of me just coz I couldn't run as fast as him, or push through the last 100 metres like he could (even though I know he never would think like that!!). And he made the point back to me that yes, my fitness isn't where it used to be (pre baby), but that I've come so far since having baby. And while I still have a way to go, I need to make sure I celebrate what I can do now, rather than get down about what lies ahead.
Those words really hit home. Why am I beating myself up because of what I can't do (YET!), instead of congratulating myself on the progress I have already made. And even for just getting up off the couch in the first place and DOING SOMETHING! So many people WISH for better bodies, yet are quite happy to do nothing physical about it.
So from now on, I'm making small goals to spur my motivation along the way, and I'm going to make sure I celebrate those goals when I reach them. And I'm not going to be embarrassed (well try not to anyway!) of my current state of play, because it's a work in progress. I'm working my butt off to get to where I want to be, and to improve my lifestyle. That in itself should be celebrated.
Plus he said, don't forget that no matter how slow you go, you are still lapping those that are still sitting on the couch!!
This page is for me. A page dedicated to all things health, fitness, beauty, motivation & achievement. A page to help me find balance in this crazy world we live in.
I totally agree and am slowly learning. 7mths ago going for a walk outside was daunting, I started by doing a 15min loop and it did stress me out initially. 6mths ago I was regularly walking for at least 30mins and had such a strong desire to give running another ago... I resisted the urge [too self-conscious]. 5mths ago I finally started interval jogging... no one laughed, yelled out their cars or mocked me - amazing!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't tried running since I got really sick in October but had a sudden urge to the other day. Completely surprised myself with how far I ran! Your running program sounds great, if we can work in a time to give it a go together it will be a new challenge for both of us.
You are doing fantastic and you are getting the results you want and deserve! Next year we are totally doing that off-road run near the mountain ok!
Eeee I've even started blogging again, thanks for the inspiration!
Hey Chick, your absolutely right mate, woman in particular are very quick to put themselves down. You know your doing the right thing, and so does everyone who reads this, just keep going!
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%. Every little bit of progress helps, and it's important to reflect on what you've accomplished so far, not just what you have left to accomplish!!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI came across your page recently and I'm trying to find an email address to contact you on to ask if you would please consider adding a link to my website. I'd really appreciate if you could email me back.
Thanks and have a great day!
hi emily, you can contact me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama-On-The-Move/359899267359401
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