So you probably saw last week when I posted the Wordless Wednesday picture that Scott and I are doing the Biggest Loser together. My dear husband doesn’t need to lose any weight. He did gain some pregnancy sympathy weight but has since lost it all. On the other hand, I would like to lose 10-15 pounds to get me back into my pre-pregnancy clothes. I can fit in to some things but the muffin top makes things incredibly uncomfortable. Ha!! Plus, I lost a lot of my muscle mass during the pregnancy and after and really want to tone up.
My biggest struggle with getting back into shape is time. I have worked out occasionally during lunch but it's a limited workout and I have to use the yucky building showers and then am overheated afterwards. The evenings are tough because we don't eat dinner until after Elle has gone to bed--so sometimes as late as 8! That leaves the mornings. And I'm thrilled to say that I've been heading to the gym at 5:15 in the morning. Scott literally has to kick me out of bed (my request) so that I don't just hit snooze for two hours, but I'm hoping I can make a habit out of this. Plus it means I'm not so rushed in the mornings and hopefully it can lead to some more "me" time.
To get me started in getting back into shape I'm doing the Couch to 5K program. For those of you who aren't familiar, C25K is a 9 week series of workouts to help train someone from the couch to be able to run a 5K. I'm planning on running a 5K on March 10th so this plan works out perfectly for me! Since I'm a moderately conditioned runner I haven't been following completely (first couple of weeks so far alternate running and walking but sometimes I'll skip the walk and just run at a slower pace), but it's been a lot of fun to compete against myself AND Scott!!
I'm babbling, but more the point of this post is to direct you to the Get Moving Fitness Challenge that Amanda and Jill are hosting. Yup--it's a spawn of the 100 Mile Fitness Challenge but this time YOU get to pick your goals. And it's certainly not too late to join to fun. My goal for the challenge is to work out 50 times by March 31st (the challenge deadline). This doesn't seem like much but it's about 4 workouts a week and for this recent couch potato, 4 workouts is a lot!
Super excited!! Just need to get used to being up before the crack of dawn. Ha!
On my running playlist this morning: Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. Love.
And, because I die at how cute Elle's little baby running shoes are...
How are you moving this year?
You're so motivated. I had goals to lose 10-15 pounds also. I still have a little extra weight from my last baby (who is now nearing five) that I've been meaning to drop forever. January is almost over, and I haven't done anything!!! Maybe I'll try your couch to 5k.
ReplyDeleteI usually exercise best in the mornings also before the kids are awake. If I don't do it then, I just don't end up doing it.
Elle's shoes are very cute! I love when they start wearing real shoes. It makes them look so grown-up.
I'm not moving. I dont even care. so there.
ReplyDelete5:15 and I just do not get along. *shudders* I am, however, impressed, and I've already started wondering how to reclaim (a better version of) my body after baby is out.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Trish! I am sure you will do fine. It helps when it is a team effort and not just something you are trying yourself.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are doing well! I'm tracking what I do elsewhere so I'm with you all in spirit. I'm working to lose 15 lbs. Combined food adjustments and daily walk/job. We can do it! Oh, and the photo of Elle's jogging shoes is adorable :)
ReplyDeleteI hope to do the C25K this upcoming fall, assuming my ankle injury has healed by then. I'm down to doing pretty much no exercise these days because of the ankle, grr. But I did love C25K the first time I did it. Since I did it indoors, I never actually ran a full 5K, but one day, I really want to.
ReplyDelete*Kristi - The C25K program is basically three days a week of running 30 minutes for 9 weeks. Think it's pretty doable if you can find the extra hour in the day to break away (that's the hard part!!). 5-10 pounds doesn't seem like a lot but it's the hardest to come off!
ReplyDelete*Lisa - Awesome
*Trisha - I'm a morning person and 5:15 is even too early for me. But every night I tell Scott: "When the alarm goes off, kick me out of bed." And he does! If you're planning on nursing, that will help some of the weight come off. When I was on leave I walked almost every day with Elle but it was much warmer than your cold Illinois winter!
*Kailana - It's definitely much easier when someone is working along side you. It's hard to find the motivation alone!
*Terri B - Two weeks in and not bad--just need to adjust to the time! The drive to work has been really tough on those days. ;) Did you join the Get Moving Fitness Challenge?
*Amanda - Sorry to hear about your ankle! Sounds painful. I've been mostly running inside as well because running in the dark makes me nervous, so hopefully when it comes to 5K time I'll be ready--my running stamina has never been good no matter what shape I'm in. Feel better!!
Trish- Oh how you motivate me to be better. I admire your dedication. As I said earlier, I am also doing the Couch 2 5K. This is my first week of doing it. I have never been a runner, but I am hoping to become one. I have always wanted to run a race of some sort, so I figure this is my first step! It is going well so far.
ReplyDeleteI die! at those shoes for Elle. I love that picture, and Scott is amazing to kick you out of bed. I would never ask Houston to do that. I am NOT a morning person and would never put him in harm's way ;)
Good luck to staying consistant with getting up that early. You can do it!
Good luck with Couch25K! Just a warning..it's brutal at first…I couldn't stick with it, but I know you can ;)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a priceless picture!!! I'm hoping to lose about 10 pounds myself. Some days I work out (and feel so much better for it) and other days I don't. I'm hoping to start being more consistent with it as it is really important to me. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds like you are doing good :)
ReplyDeleteLove love the picture, it tells so much!
Since a couple of years I'm working out quite a lot and it made me feel sooo much better. I love how it makes me feel 'in my skin' and it has made me feel stronger both physically and mentally.
So I'm cheering for you!! Gogogo!
Enjoy it!
Trish - you are inspirational!
ReplyDeleteI did so well last spring - walking on a regular basis in order to prepare to walk the streets of Paris in July. Since returning from that trip --- nothing :(
I hope to start that walking routine again soon. I'm not sure what is holding me back. I have the time and I have the equipment. I just need the motivation, I guess
I have to be at work by 7:00, so I get up at 5:00 in order to enjoy a couple of cups of coffee before heading out at 6:40. No way can I squeeze in a workout in the am! Once the days get longer and the weather warms up, I plan to get back on my bike and start riding again. My goal? At least 150 miles/week. Thankfully, I walk a lot at work. During the holidays I was hitting well above the 10,000 step goal. I just wish I had time/motivation to get back to the gym and do some strength training with a trainer. They have a way of keeping it fresh. Mine kicked my butt every time! Good luck to you! You're already off to a great start.
ReplyDelete*Michelle - I hope that the C25K goes well for you. I think the hardest part is just finding the time! I know Elise has run several races after she had Hudson--including a Half Marathon! She wrote a post on her training if you can find it. Good luck!! You can do it!
ReplyDelete*Samantha - It's SO hard to get into the routine and make time for working out when there are so many other things to do!
*Cessie - There have been a few times when I've been really fit and I do love the feeling--it's hard when you break the routine. Do you have any favorite workouts?
*Molly - I know! Use walking as an excuse to start listening to audiobooks!! ;)
*Les - I'm guessing you have a pedometer that you wear at work? I've been thinking about getting one as well. So, a bike rider, huh? Have you done RAGBRAI? ;) My sister did last year and it sounds so awesome!
My NANO has a built-in pedometer. I usually listen to audio books from 7-9 while I'm shelving (at work) and then once the store opens, I get rid of my headphones but keep the NANO in my pocket so I can track my steps. There were a few days during the holiday season that I walked over 14,000 steps!
ReplyDeleteI've never done RAGBRAI and probably won't. I don't care for camping and I'm not sure I like the idea of riding with a huge pack of people. I've heard some horror stories about crashes... I'm also a fair weather rider. If it's too hot or too windy, I wait for a better day. If you want to see where I ride, go here.
Aw, those little purple shoes are so cute! I'm working with a personal trainer, right now. I started going to a gym about 8-9 months ago and have lost 25 pounds, so far. My personal trainer is awesome. I couldn't have gotten this far without her.
ReplyDelete*Les - So cool about your nano!! I wonder if I could do something similar on my iphone! Such beautiful scenery for your bike rides! And I know what you mean about the bike crashes. My stepmom's good friend was recently run over (by another biker in the pack) and has all sorts of hardware in her wrist now. Yikes!
ReplyDelete*Bookfool - That's fantastic about the weight loss!! It's amazing how much easier things can be with the proper support system. I've never worked out with a trainer but secretly one day I'd love to teach aerobics. ;)
Good for you. I can't wait to hear how it turns out. I myself have started running at 5:30-5:45am before work in order to have more time with Steph and PJ in the evenings. It sucks getting up but it's totally worth it at the end of the day when I've already got my run done.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I didn't know C25K was "couch to 5K". I wondered what the hell that meant.
Maybe someday you'll be running your first marathon. :-)
Wooo hoo! YEA for you! So happy you are moving. You're my hero with the 5:15am. I think after a while, you're body will adjust and you'll be good to go. hmm with the time difference I'm getting ready work at the same time!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I would like to run, my knees can't handle it. I may try jogging in a few months for something different, but will stop if the knees are too achy.
Oh and as far as men and weight, it just melts off them for some reason. My hubby is the same way, that bastard. Love him to death anyway :)
You are an inspiration. I've been wanting to lose about 20 pounds since S was born and he just turned two. The only time I could fit in excercise is in the morning, like you, but I just don't think I'd be capable of getting up that early. What time do you go to bed?? I am SOOOOO impressed.
ReplyDelete*Pax - It took me a really long time to realize what C25K was as well. Ha! And it does suck getting up in the morning--especially when it's cold and rainy like it was this week, but I hate having to workout in the evenings (and rarely do). Not sure about the marathon--that's frightening!
ReplyDelete*Jenny Girl - 5:15 sucks and I only managed it once this week. I blame the rain. Ha!! I'm sorry about your knees--I find that the impact is tough on the joints but especially on my feet. Elliptical seems a bit easier.
*Joanna - I've started using an iphone app called MyFitnessPal so that I can track my calories. I HATE do it and it SUCKS but it really helps you see exactly what's going in your mouth. And ya--getting up early is terrible and I'm still not good at it. ;) I usually go to bed around 10.
"Not sure about the marathon--that's frightening!"
ReplyDeleteI said that exact same thing when I started running back in 2006. And I've now done two of them. Plus countless half-marathons, 15Ks, 10Ks and 5Ks. It's addicting. ;-)