Back in the dark ages days before kids, I was not really a runner. I ran, occasionally. But I was slender and fit.
How? I lifted weights three days a week and hit the elliptical, exercise bike and very occasionally the treadmill the other two days. Yes, 99% of my workouts were done during my work lunch hour, which meant the actual workout was never more than 40 minutes.
And I looked and felt amazing.
Fast forward to after Jones’ birth. I got smacked with Postpartum Depression AKA PPD. It was a rough time for me. Having a newborn is hard (especially when you get the non-sleeping version). Having a newborn while struggling with depression is a whole different world. (Not sure why it never occurred to me that it might happen, given that I’d always had wicked PMS and had worked through a few bouts of situational depression.)
Running saved me.
It wasn’t an instant fix, but from the very first 10 minute slog on the treadmill, I felt light coming back into my world. Slowly but surely, I ran back to myself.
I haven’t stopped running since then, in large part because I’m scared to fall back down that hole.
Until this summer. After 8 half marathons in about 3 months, my body needed a break. And the Virginia heat was pouring in and I haven’t exactly made it a secret that I don’t like hot. Or humid. So, after my last half marathon, I told myself I didn’t have to run unless I wanted to. I still had to workout 4-5 times a week, but I didn’t have to run. And it’s been working for me. I’m still a work in progress, but I’ve seen some huge improvements this summer…
Here’s what I’ve been doing:
- Best Body Bootcamp – I LOVE this! LOVE IT! My upper body and abs are more toned than they’ve been in years and I can tell my legs are getting stronger. I love that I can do all the moves in my basement with a few weights. I love that someone else does the planning for me. I’m almost through my 2nd 8 week session and I have every intention of signing up for the next session.
- Biking – not outside. Homey don’t play that. But I’ve taken a class at RevolveDC (loved it!) and I have a FitDesk in the play room. It gives me the cardio lift I still need.
- Being active with my kids – walking, hiking, playing in the pool, anything to keep them and me from sitting around in front of screens.
- White water rafting – possibly my best upper body workout all summer!
- Short runs – I’m pretty sure I haven’t run more than 4 miles at a time since my last half marathon.
It’s nearly time to start training again. After all, I have 5 more halves to run in 2013. But I intend to keep a much more balanced fitness lifestyle this fall. My body is thanking me for that!
ahhh it may be time for me to BOOT CAMP.
Awesome! There’s much to be said for switching gears now and then.
I could really use some boot camp in my life!
I love boot camp too! Good for you . Nice to be seeing results.
You look incredible!! Glad that you have been able to give your body a little running break yet still be so fit!!!
I’ve come back to lifting and more balance over more running too. Its doing so much for my body too. You look GREAT. but more importantly you sound so happy!
You look great! It seems like switching things up has certainly agreed with you.
it’s all about finding that right balance… nicely done.
Ah…finding a balance is tough and just when you find it something changes. It’s a constant juggle but it can be done. My body recently thanked me for taking a break 🙂
You look great!!