Exercise for a goal
Even though I have fallen madly in love with running, if I don’t have something that I’m working towards, I tend to stay in bed or on the couch or anywhere that doesn’t involve my running shoes. Case in point – I took EIGHT weeks off after the marathon last October. Oops.
I began to really feel the effects of not exercising. I had no release for pent up energy, and I missed those happy endorphins. (I think my family missed those happy endorphins too.) I also started coming down with colds more easily and found myself generally more tired.
After looking for weeks, we found a treadmill on Craigslist and I’ve started my running regimen again. I’m planning on running a 25k in early May. There’s nothing to get you moving like a deadline that you’ve paid money for. No matter how cold the basement is or how chilly it is outside, I will find a way to get my miles in. The commitment to an outside goal makes all the difference.
Here are some ideas to keep you moving this winter.
– Sign up for a race, like a 5k, in the spring. Whether you walk or run it, you have an exciting event to look forward to and a goal to work towards. Look for an event in your area on Active.com.
– Join a community weight loss program. Our little town has a wellness committee that sponsors a team weight loss challenge every spring. For a small fee, teams of four compete to drop the most weight. Look for something similar in your area.
– Sign up for a class at the Y or a local gym, or look for classes at local churches. Making friends while exercising means you’ll be more likely to show up consistently.
– Make your own challenge with a group of friends. Have everyone put in $5 or so and compete for something like the most miles walked or most calories burned or the most percentage of weight lost.
– Sign up (for free) on Daily Mile and connect with others interested in the same type of fitness as you are. Look for me, I’ll be sure to encourage you in your journey! My handle is Amelia R. Daily Mile also has little widgets that will calculate how many donuts you’ve burned or how many tv’s you’ve powered or how many times you’ve gone around the world. Set a goal based on one of those widgets and try to beat it!
I’m joining a “gym”! Hopefully it will get my brain working as well as my body!
During Christmas time (actually right after Thanksgiving) I was sent an e-mail on joining a “No Weight Gain” over the holidays group. It finished around the 1st of the year. Then another group started up “Get Fit Don’t Quit” about twice a week they send messages of encouragement and recipes. I’ve changed my plan of attack again and I’ve lost 6 pounds so far. It involves drinking more water and eating more fresh veggies & fruits instead of snack foods loaded with fat and calories. I feel great! I’m also still doing the Wii. 🙂
Susie – it also gives you a bit of much needed kid-free time 🙂
Mom – WAY TO GO!! I’ve been drinking more water too. 6 lbs is awesome!!