For years I have been trying to get back into running. After beating cancer, giving birth to four children, RAISING four children, getting divorced, and getting remarried, I found that I didn't make enough time to exercise. I now find that I know the true meaning of the phrase "use it or lose it". UGH!
Over the last few years I have been slowly easing moderate exercise into my (almost) daily routine. I have been trying to lose my baby weight and slow down the aging process. The results have been a bit frustrating.
A few weeks ago, I decided to push myself a little harder and see what happens.
I started running.
Sounds impressive, huh? It's nice to be a runner again.
My secret is that I can only run a minute or so at a time. I decided that in order to stick with it and actually enjoy it, I need to ease into it slowly. So it started with baby steps.
I got on the treadmill on day one with no expectations other than do the best that I could. I focused on visualizing myself effortlessly floating across the tread, basking in the idea that a runner's high was on the horizon. I paid attention to my form, making sure that my joints moved smoothly and efficiently together, almost like a mannequin doll. I was able to stay in that state about 30 seconds before my energy started to cave in on me.
Taking it back to a walk, I relaxed for a few minutes, and then tried it again. This time I was a bit more warmed up, so my run lasted a tad longer and felt a tad better. I repeated this about 3 more times, and then called it quits. Enough for day one, I happily declared.
The next day, I tried it again. With no pressure other than trying my best and improving my progress, I ran/walked. I added more visualizing such as imagining the extra fat I was carrying was just burning up. This created even more incentive to push a little harder and farther.
After two weeks of this, I got on the scale and found I lost 4 pounds! This was so amazing because my diet had stayed the same (I always eat super healthy food).
It's been about five weeks since I started this baby step routine and I have noticed a few more things:
1. I think I have created a new habit because I actually look forward to my daily run/walk.
2. As I continue to add more visualization and affirmation work while exercising ("my cells are buzzing with energy," "my fat is burning up," "running is easy for me,") I find that my progress is improving nicely. I have fun seeing if I can run just a little bit farther than I did the day before.
3. Somedays I just walk. No problem. I feel good about being consistent.
4. I find that I am able to add variety to my routine. Last week I went on a trail in the woods down the street from my house. Yesterday, I walked with a friend and caught up on her news.
5. Sometimes the effort lasts 5 minutes, sometimes an hour. When I feel like I've reached my limit, I stop. No problem.
6. I am starting to add some other types of exercise in, too. Last week my husband and I went to the beach and did laps to and from the floating dock. (He did many more than I did, but that was just fine. We both truly enjoyed it.) I have started baby stepping with weights in our basement gym. I also LOVE to take a bit of time and lay on my yoga mat and just stretch--like a cat. This week I am getting my bike out of the shed.
7. I don't have a set time when I do it everyday. I just fit it in sometime.
8. I am starting to wonder what other baby steps I can take in my life!
It all seems a bit exciting to me as it doesn't add stress or great pain to my life. Of course, I am committed to keeping it going in my life--a very important part of my progress. I also have people around me who support and celebrate with me.
I am sharing this with you to possibly inspire you to start your own baby steps. What would they look like?
I would love to hear your story! I am always looking for inspiration myself. Thanks for listening....
Love, Kathleen
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