July 20, 2010

Taking It On the Run

Since I’ve started my new job I’ve been coming home exhausted nearly every day. Training takes a lot more energy than I remembered, especially when it comes to learning the ropes and all the policies and procedures that go along with my position. I even realized I nodded off a couple times. This is not good.

It’s hard to go back to work full time. With two kids to raise and a house to clean, adding a job to the mix can wear a person out. I often wonder how the heck I did this for so many years before I took a stab at the WAHM thing.

I truly believe I have suffered from foggy brain, and so I’ve decided to do something about it. I’ve decided to get my ass off the couch and start shaping up. It’s easier said than done, let me tell you, but I’ve already put in three days of effort and I’ve got tons more energy.

Thanks to the inspirational Christina of A Mommy Story, I’ve begun the Couch-to-5K program. She posted her results and a link to the iPhone (and iPod Touch) app that can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store and I knew immediately I wanted to do it, too.

That first day was crazy. I thought it would be easy to run 60 seconds followed by 90 seconds of walking alternately for a total of 30 minutes of exercise. I as so optimistic about it that I pushed Owen along in the jogger, too. My legs were burning after 5 minutes. It was…CRAZY. But darn if I didn’t feel like a million bucks when it was over!

I completed Day 2 this morning and that familiar burn in the thighs and buttocks was a little stronger. Thank God I was smart enough to skip a day in between to recover. I hated the actual running part of this day, but again I felt awesome when it was over. I notice my energy levels have increased, my appetite isn’t as ravenous, either. Although that may have more to do with me drive to overcome cravings; I’m always hungry for steak after cardio, and that fact hasn’t changed.

I’ve given up soda, too. I think the caffeine had a negative affect on my health and my mental clarity. I’ve stopped buying chocolate. I haven’t had fast food in two weeks. The headache I had yesterday was my body reacting to the withdrawal symptoms.

Instead of the crappy food choice I used to make, I’ve incorporated more fruits, veggies and whole grains. And I’m drinking so much water I may explode.

But all the self-discipline is paying off. My pants fit better. They feel somewhat loose. I haven’t weight myself yet because I don’t want the number to sabotage my progress. I don’t want to hold myself to a number like I did in the past. That number will not take me down.

On we go. I’m going to be fit if it’s the last thing I do. (Let’s hope it isn’t. I don’t want to have the big one while running! That would totally suck!)

Posted by Dana @ 10:16 PM • Health, Wellness, Fitness, Exercise