Wednesday, June 29, 2011

i need some help

anyone that has some suggestions, i'm in need. i've been trying to start running again (it's been like 15 years... and when i was a teenager i still didn't run all that much or far, but i enjoyed it then, so i'm saying "again" even if it's not technically accurate) and i need some motivation. what do you do to motivate yourself to exercise? how do you exercise with small children? how do you eat healthier (without "dieting", which i hate and refuse to do)? any ideas?

ps, i've been jogging in the evenings after paul gets home, and usually that works for me, but it's so HOT! and i haven't been going as long as i want, i still like it, and i still feel good, but i get so thirsty (even if i drink as i go i feel dehydrated). i also go on long walk/jogs some mornings (with afton on her bike and the other 2 in the stroller, but i can only go as fast as afton... and that's not very consistent or very fast). i know i need to do more, but i can't figure out a practical approach.
(and i'm posting this in part so i don't have any more excuses)

8 comments:

katharine said...

is there anywhere you can do water aerobics? that is a really nice exercise that you don't get too hot and sweaty. it might be good to help build your endurance. i did a night class before and liked it. another idea might be a ymca, they offer memberships on a sliding scale, which usually includes babysitting when you are in classes! as far as eating, i recommend starting the day with a huge breakfast with protein (like eggs or meat), that helps cut down on snacking later.

Wendy said...

I have never been good at exercising, but one thing that has helped in the past is to do it with someone. After I had Sophie, my friend Hannah and I would do dvd's at her house. After I had Libby my friend Kathie and I would walk together, with our kids in strollers. It helped me to have to be accountable to someone else. Every morning that Hannah would call to work out I would think of not answering or saying no, but I knew that I committed to her to do it, so I would go and I always was glad I went.

Wendy said...

Oh, and as far as eating, maybe smoothies with lots of fruit/veggies and fat free yogurt? Please, I am for sure not the one to ask. I eat like crap most of the time. :) But I lost a lot of weight in the weeks after I had my tonsils out because I only had smoothies all day long.

Kim said...

We've been trying to be healthier overall as well. One of the things that works for me is a blog written by a neighbor and friend, called "Super Healthy Kids" (http://blog.superhealthykids.com/). Her biggest thing is trading half your plate for fruits and veggies. She even sells kids plates that she designed to help train your mind to this fact. (And the USDA just changed their guidelines to this exact image: http://blog.superhealthykids.com/2011/06/choose-my-plate-the-new-2010-dietary-guidelines-food-icon/). She posts meal plans, and recipes, which are great for adults as well as kids. And she will talk about the science of different fruits and vegetables and what their benefits are. Learning stuff like that has helped me eat better than anything else, I think.

As for the running when it's hot outside, I do a cheesy little walking video called "Walk Away the Pounds" that you can buy at Target or Walmart. It's aerobic walking, including some light weights. I've just started it again after having Kaylee, but before I was really losing some good weight with the 4 mile walks. And they're super easy.

Either way, good luck to you!!!

soybeanlover said...

I really didnt start running again until Ed started kindergarden, but with the humidity it's just hard. As for eating healthy, salad for breakfast! It changes how I feel and what I want to eat the rest of the day. I usually get hungry again around 9:30-10, but that is the kids snack time anyway. Cam's dairy allergy has also been a weight loss blessing. No more deserts, no more prepackaged foods. Good luck, keep us updated.

emily said...

Hey chica! the only thing that works for me to get in consistent workouts is to wake up early and go before anyone else is awake. It stinks to wake up early but, if I don't do it that way, it just doesn't happen. Once I'm used to it, I really enjoy my quite time to myself in the morning too. I have a running partner that I go with a lot and I always carry pepper spray. It makes me feel safer in the dark especially. There are a lot of online workouts for couch to 5k that you might check out. Sherri Boren did one last fall and then kept going. She even did a 1/2 marathon. She looks awesome.

Darlyn said...

The only way to beat the heat and exercise outside (which I much prefer) is to go EARLY. That's hard if you don't also go to bed early. But you can do it.

Re: water issues. Try drinking more all day long, not just during and right after exercise. I am not good at this, but it should help you stay hydrated. And it can help you feel fuller so you don't want to snack as much.

Good luck!

elise said...

thanks all, i've been doing a little better, it helps to just know people are knowing i'm trying (if that made sense). i can't run early mornings b/c paul's off to work by 6 most days and i refuse to run at 5am! but i am joning the dallas runners club, meaning i have some specific goals to work towards, and i'm even committed enough to pay money (eek!) so hopefully i'll have some positive results to post soon!