It all comes down to exercise. When I run regularly, everything is better: writing, level of alertness at work, patience with the kids, bedroom attitude, general okayness about the world. I hate that this is true, but it is. So today I blog about how I’m going to get back on that damn treadmill. I was in great shape four years ago when Josh started school. Here’s the photo of the day he metriculated.
Maybe it reflects how we really had no idea of the stress of what we were taking on. Magnolia knows though, she’s like, “Born into this mess, people; don’t blame me.” But more likely it reflects that I had the energy and will to deal with the difficulty because I was running the shit out that shit. It’s since come to a halt–for whatever reasons. I have a good week of running now and then, but I always manage to fail myself and finding that groove of habit. I have been dreading the photos that will be taking place come graduation day.
A couple days ago I wrote that I’d stop seeing the mediocre and the ugly in myself, but it has to accompany action and for me that means running again. Really running. I don’t know what you all may be coming to my blog to read and probably it’s not this kind of post, but since this is blog about beginnings and transformations I guess this applies. Here we go again you stupid treadmill! It’s time I pulled my shit together. Here’s hoping that blogging about it will make it so.
Jody Sparks Mugele 
Run, Jody, Run! I’m right with you–not running, mind you, walking is the master challenge for me and my newly bionic back, but I support you with the wholest of hearts. And I will happily share the artful combinations of profanity I come up with about how much I hate walking if that will help with your running.
Yes yes yes! Creative cursing will help for sure! Bring it! And yay for you working again and feeling better! Good news indeed!
you go girl! you can can DOIT! 🙂
Haha! Yes. I want to feel like that!
“Bedroom attitude” — *snickering*
I so understand this. It’s absolutely true. Exercise makes everything work better, but getting into the groove is difficult. It will take you several months to be there. MAKE yourself do it when you don’t want to, and then write a note to yourself about how AWESOME you feel when you’re done and post it somewhere–a place where you’ll see it on those days when you think, “Meh, I could skip today…”
I started working out last August after 5 years of on-again-off-again (let’s face it; mostly off). I feel SO much better now, but it definitely took a little while and a lot of pushing myself to work out 3-4 times a weeks whether I wanted to or not (let’s face it; mostly not). Good luck sticking with it, and YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Thanks Tammara! Love the encouragement. I also bought “encouragement clothes” to help me get motivated.
You can make an arse of yourself with me at the Shamrocks & Shenanigans run March 14th. Then we can scrape ourselves off the pavement and go have a pint a Conor O’Neils. I thought signing up for another run would get me back on the treadmill but NOPE. I’m so not ready for it but I paid and will go…
Dude, Kristin, way to call me out publicly. That’s kind of awesome and I actually appreciate that. I’m on like Day 2 of Plan-Pull-My-Shit-Together and there’s no WAY I can run a 5k in a month. Though I am going to sign up for the Chelsea Heart and Sole. This is my public declaration. Jill said I could run with (in the same race at least) as her. So I shall. Kristin if you want to, please please join in the fun. Fun, ha! Also I will drink beer with you after you run! Scout’s honor.
Not my intention at all. Sorry!! I’m on day one of run outside everyday I’m in the warm FL air and I’ve already showered and there was no run. I’m such a slacker!!
No way; don’t be sorry. I seriously appreciate it. I will do a 5k, but I want to actually run the whole time. As for Florida, just have Chris push you around in that fancy stroller. At least you’ll get to feel the wind in your hair.
Yeeeah, he convinced me to take the small cheapo one (so good thing I got that bag, eh?) I’m such a pushover.
Here’s me. Here’s anyone poking me with a finger. Oop, here is me on the floor. Jackarse.
I’m bummed because Girlfriend would have loved the breeze. You know from my wicked fast running.
Ha! This cracked me up! I know what you mean. And Girlfriend will eventually have her breeze!
Great idea, Tammara! Glad to know we all struggle, Jody. Thanks for sharing yours.
Thanks right back at ya, Diane. Now, I will proceed to kicking your ass at Scrabble.
All I needed was motivation! I haven’t been able to write anything for 3 weeks, and I have stuff to write about! Nothing works or sounds right, it’s almost like I forgot how to write and I’m now I’m replacing that creative itch with donuts and naps… long naps, maybe I have malaria? So anyway, I’m gonna get back on the bike and as you say hopefully the exercise will make everything better.
Malaria. Ha, I love this. Bikes I do not love. Donuts yes. Napping uhHellyeah. You not writing is poopy–I am anxiously waiting for the next b/t Naps installment. So yes, get back on the bike, Jim! Am I talking about the exercise bike or the writing? Yes.
I’ve been working on exercising more too. We are struggle with squeezing it in. And we need it most when we’re stressed out but that’s sometimes the hardest time to be motivated. Keep up the running AND writing. And read for a bit of fun.
I really like this post. I think what it all boils down to is discipline. Its really odd, too, because you never would have thought that you needed discipline for the bedroom or for things that you like to do. But having a commitment and being patient with yourself is so important in everything you do, and if you can do that on a treadmill, you can do that anywhere.
Thanks, Andrea. Odd is right. Discipline has always been such an unattractive word to me. Of all the ways I’d like to be described, “disciplined” has never made the list. But you are right; it makes the rest of the areas of my life more fun and rewarding. I’m going to work at seeing “disciplined” as a complementary term.
This really resonated with me–the discipline part. That discipline in ONE area could lead to more enjoyment in other areas of life. Why does that seem like such a revolutionary and monumental concept? Dunno. But I need to get my shit together too, so I guess I might need to pursue a little discipline. This afternoon, for no reason whatever, I pulled my sorry butt off my chair and took the dog for a brisk 30-minute walk (and I don’t think she enjoyed it!). It is sunny out; it felt like a start. And then I came back and saw your post. I feel even more motivated now.
(And “bedroom attitude” is the most charming and polite way of saying “Get your beastly mitts off me, you troll” I’ve ever heard.) 🙂
I’m with you on needing to find time to exercise. I started working out last year, and it really does make me feel better overall; but lately life has been getting in the way. It’s so hard to keep a balance between all the things you want (and should) be doing!!
Please send some of your motivation my way. I was doing SO WELL! And now I am sad to report I have stopped! Keep blogging about it…maybe it will get me going again!
Will do! I never thought this post would generate so many comments, but I glad it did! You can do it Julie! Let’s plan on a race up North this summer.