I want to start jogging again...I have often thought about it. I've had two false starts since the baby was born. Today, the day the baby turned 7 months, I am starting again! Here's the list of what's been holding me back:
First, I like to make everything an occasion, or fit into a neat box...I'm a square. If I don't start on the first of a month, and continue for the month, or some other perfect combination of date & time, I am likely to put it off. It is a very convenient excuse.
Second, I am an ugly jogger...an ugly exerciser. Red face and sweaty...it's unavoidable. I used to be in MUCH better shape, but then again, I used to push myself that much harder. Getting ugly in public is not my favorite thing to do.
Third, people a decade older zoom past me on the belt line (midtown Toronto trail). I feel like I am standing still in comparison. I used to measure the success of my jog by how many people I could pass. It was a little game I played with myself. I got into a race with a guy once who was about to pass me, I was too stubborn to let him....I think my face turned purple that day.
Fourth, and Fifth, the two children. I can only take one of them in the jogging stroller. (Today I went alone and my husband watched both.)
Sixth, the baby hasn't been sleeping. His teeth are out and things are settling down again.
Seventh (really, how many excuses can one come up with?), caffeine. I only recently reintroduced it to my diet...it makes me go!
Eight, gear. If I have to look ugly in public, I like to at least be in a pretty cool get up. I look much cuter in a sporty hat or visor, but my forehead breaks out in pimples.
I will stop there...that is more than enough reasons. I ignored all excuses today and took off on a thirty minute jog on a very busy beltline. (Passed one other jogger.) I plan on sticking to a 'two jogs outside a week' regimen this summer. I rely on you to keep me at it!
Do you have any favorite excuses? Please share!!
You aren't an ugly jogger - I'm an ugly jogger ;)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite excuse is I'm just plain ol' lazy. Running a 10k race is on my to do list for 2012, and I haven't laced up my running shoes once. I should probably get on that, but well, I'm kinda lazy and I don't look as good as you in my gear.
You look great!! I need to get back into exercise. I went back to work after 8 years out after my kids were born, and I was in a great exercise routine, then returning to work killed it. Am going to take your lead and try to get to the gym 3 x a week!!
ReplyDeleteMy face looks like a turn up...or a tomato! The camera is being kind here!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to re-start!
ReplyDeleteStarting, of course, has it's own challenges...but re-starting is impossible...the bar has already been set so high!
My neighbour says 'once a jock, always a jock!'
I'm completely all or nothing when it comes to exercising regularly. It is easier to do it 5-6 days a week rather than 1-2. So that's been my hold up since having my baby. And she is now 2, hahaha!
ReplyDeleteI'm an ugly worker-outer as well. I feel you. For real. I turn blood shot red in the face and get wispy hair strewn across my face. Not pretty. I'm not even "trying that hard" either! It's just what happens. It's a sight to see when I actually try hard. I DO turn purple....people ask if I'm okay. That's awesome..
ReplyDeletePs I think I have that tank top too. I bought mine at winners.
No time is always my excuse. Work, friends, tv, books, magazines...everything else gets in the way! BUT - when I do make time I love to jog! I sign up for races to keep me motivated - and I love getting a finisher's medal (I've maxed out at the half-marathon - not sure if I can push my brain or my body to do the full. 10Ks are much more enjoyable!). And who cares if our faces get red? There are a lot of lazy people out there and I don't want to be one of them! I usually run in runningskirts.com because they're cute and the owners are super fit, friendly, and inspiring (and also my friend's sister-in-law - truth be told). Keep it up Shannon! And don't forget to make sure you've got good shoes! Happy running!
ReplyDeleteJordana
If you run fast enough people will just see a blur! At least you are out there trying! I always say "you go, girl" to myself when I {drive in my car} pass someone jogging. Here you go: "YOU GO, GIRL!!"
ReplyDeleteumm... I need to shave my legs. That's my #1 excuse :)
ReplyDeleteI agree you are a pretty jogger and if I were you I'd tote the boys around because they make you look even better;) An inspiration.
ReplyDeleteOkay so my excuse used to be no sports bra. Until my husband bought me two. Now, I like you, feel like I need cute jogging attire. Oh and good shoes. No one should be with out good jogging shoes. ;)
I have no excuse worth repeating here. I was getting into jogging and doing quite well at it (for me - for someone who loathed running more than any other type of exercise.) and what got me through it was how great I felt afterwards. I guess it's endorphins - whatever it was - it was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYou are not an ugly jogger. My face gets so red when I run that I look like my head is going to explode. And I sweat like crazy. But still - the afterglow is worth it! :)
If you want to see an ugly jogger, set up a seat in the Beach and I will show you. Picture Elain from Seinfeild dancing, and I am the equivalent in running. By the way - you have THE cutest family. (and you look awesome)
ReplyDeleteYou are so fit and definitely not an ugly jogger. I recently hopped back on the bike and uncovered a pretty scenic trail near our house (it's always been there but I just didn't know). The first day I was as tired as a dog only after a 5KM ride. My husband said my face was blue by the time we got back to the house, not pretty! After a few times it started to get easier, and I actually feel uneasy for not going out there at least twice a week. It's definitely a good lifestyle to stick to.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, you don't look like an ugly jogger in these pics! My excuse is always -- no time, and that my knees are going. But really it is important to make time for exercise. I think we are all better moms, wives and friends when we take care of ourselves. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm new to jogging- currently on week 3 of couch to 5k. I feel you on the red face thing. With the tiniest bit of exertion or heat my face turns into a tomato!
ReplyDeleteI have been starting & stopping non stop for teh last few months. I never can make the, need a workout bruddy...etc. etc. You look fantastic girl....i will try twice a week too!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you look all athletic and FIT. *I* get BEET red, and it lasts for hours after I finish running. My favourite excuse is... I don't feel like it....I'll go tomorrow...I'm too tired...and lately, It's too hot. Shameful.
ReplyDeleteYou look fantastic!!!! I obviously haven't seen you jogging but you look great in these pics so that's all that counts ;) Keep it up!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite excuse is that the jogging stroller makes me so slow that I might as well just not go. I loathe the jogging stroller. My feet hit it all the time, my arms can't move freely like they want to, and most of all, the fact that I am pushing my daughter who is lounging and eating mum mums while I am huffing and puffing makes just about go insane.
ReplyDeleteNo you're not!!! You look so cute. And you're an inspiration, for all of us who have a list of excuses longer than we can count. Time for me to get out there and "just do it" too : )
ReplyDeleteNo excuses but if I don't get out there first thing (or at least after school drop off), it just won't happen. Right now I love spinning - well, I LOVE that it's over in 45 minutes and I work harder at it than running.
ReplyDeleteMemories of the beltline....great running place with lots of shade for much of it.
I've been determined to fit it in twice a week plus 2x a week of yoga. So much so that I have turned my organization upside down and am sorting/purging/prioritizing/etc. You know, to be a bit more efficient and then I can do this thing!
Sitting and reading twitter ain't gonna do it.
I am the same way! So I fit in some time on the elliptical machine this morning, and a bit of jump rope outside too! (Until I started cleaning the patio stones)
ReplyDeleteI forget where I bought this...I think sporting life, on sale of course! After my first baby!
ReplyDeletehmmm...you are giving me an excuse to buy another pair of shoes...except this pair of new balance really doesn't have the miles on it yet!
ReplyDeleteI often smile stupidly at runners...only because I know how hard it is to lace up and get out the door...even if you are in the habit...
ReplyDeletedamn...i forgot!
ReplyDeleteok, ok...don't zoom in!
yup! taking the jogging stroller out makes me feel like a warrior, although a bit less of a good work out!
ReplyDeleteI sweat BUCKETS! see my belly button sweat?
ReplyDeleteThanks Lindsay!
ReplyDeletethat image gave me a chuckle!
I know what you mean! It is so easy not-to-do...but once you get going, you feel like something is missing!
ReplyDeleteyah....easy on the knees!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't jog pregnant...my knees! ouchie!
it barely gets better elizabeth...at least, for me, I am always red in the face!
ReplyDeleteyou do need a workout buddy! what about an online work out buddy!?
ReplyDeletehmmm! Not athletic...not fit! but HUGE THANKS!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph!!!!
ReplyDeleteIts hard to figure out running without your arms, eh?
ReplyDeleteI am sure I have dozens more excuses on any given day...those are the most recent ones!
ReplyDeleteI miss yoga! I want to do free sunday yoga at lululemon...I went three weeks in a row, about 2.5 years ago...then dropped it again!
ReplyDeletemy next door neighbour is SUPER FIT...she is tight! and I asked her husband (because I was too embarrassed to ask her) what she did, it's yoga...for the last 6 years
(she has 4 kids)
You look fabulous Shannon, but I understand your feelings and can totally relate! I have naturally curly hair and any outdoor activities always result in frizzy, wild hair. I also sweat and get flushed in the face super easily....needless to say, I'm quite the sight ;)
ReplyDeleteI am a total start and finish kind of girl too! If I can't finish in the time I have, I won't even start it!
ReplyDeleteI want to start running, but I always seem to find some excuse. I guess I just need to get out there and just..GO! I went out one time and barely got the end of my street!
ReplyDeleteIf you've been out jogging in the heat we've being here in Toronto lately, props to you! I can barely manage to walk my dog in it.