I ran. Once. Last week. It was glorious.
Man oh man… I can not use the excuse when talking to other working moms, “Everyone has time for a workout” anymore. Yes, there might be time in the day… but oftentimes (myself included) the resources are not there.
My days have been a blur of working while the boys are in school. Quickly coming home for an hour to work on homework, eat snacks, do a few chores and head out again for sports practices. Returning home at dark for a super late dinner, clean-up for bed, bedtime routine… then pass out shortly after the kids.
Time. Yes. I could run while the boys are at practice. I could workout and run with the team as I co-coach my son’s soccer team.
Time. Yes. I could wake up at 5:30AM to bust out a quick 30 minute strength DVD workout.
Time. Yes. I could put on my reflective vest and run my neighborhood streets once we get home from our evening of games/practices.
Our days are busy… and I am finding that when there is actually time to run, with no interruptions, I take it.
I ran once… last week… and it was glorious.
My husband basically pushed me out the door Sunday afternoon to go for a run. No, I wasn’t cranky… but he knew that the opportunity was there and I needed the extra push to take advantage of the run time.
I think the last time I ran was a week ago, on the weekend. Ha! Man, I guess you can now start calling me Running-Once-A-Week Rachel. It is an adjustment and I am working on it.
The weather was gorgeous. It was a sunny (and windy) afternoon with temperatures in the mid 60’s. I decided to run the local farm/gravel trail near my house. I ran by feel. I ran with heart. It was fantastic.
While on my run, I saw 1 small snake, 3 deer, 9 turkey and many squirrels. 5 miles of nature and fresh air does do this running mama’s heart good!
I found that even though I have not been running as often as I would like, my pace was faster and my endurance strong. Perhaps I was running on fresh happy legs that my body just wanted to run!
My fitness goals for this week are to add strength to my week… and to do something every day: 30 minutes or 3 miles.
Last week our family went for a 2.5 mile family hike and I ran 5 miles. That was the extent of my fitness last week. Oh yeah, thousands of steps pacing the elementary halls and classrooms… but that doesn’t really count.
This week I plan to follow the 21 Day Fix strength training workouts while sneaking in a few quick/short runs when time opens up.
I need all the motivation and accountability I can get these days. Feel free to link up and join Janice, Fitness Cheerleader, and I as we host #MotivateMe Monday.
Have a healthy and active week!
Janice @ Fitness Cheerleader says
Great job Rachel! Like you said, I find time either before work, or after while the kids are doing their activities. Occasionally I take a longer lunch to fit in a workout. Have a great week!
Carla says
I am with you in committing to doing something every day. I want to commit to going to yoga one time this week – – but I fear I might disappoint myself.
Rachel says
Ha! I totally TOTALLY understand and GET this!! 😉 As I typed up my weekly goal… I realized that the boys get home in 30 minutes and I haven’t worked out yet today. Woopsie. My day off quickly became a ‘catch up with home life’ haha! I hope you get your yoga workout in this week, sweet friend! 🙂
Shannon @GirlsGotSole says
Yay, celebrate the small victories! You have to get back up on that horse somehow. ☺
Hope you can make it more than a once a week thing again.
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Good for you momma! I know it’s so hard to find the time and just get in the mindset to fit it in somewhere. I have a one-year old and chasing him all day leaves very little time to focus on me. My friend who has children in school with sports says it only gets harder! Glad you were able to get out and do what you love 🙂
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Yay for getting that amazing run in! I have no idea how f/t working moms do it… good for you for squeezing it in when you can but also be gracious with yourself when you can’t.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
This is awesome! I don’t have kids and sometimes find it hard to make time – so go you! Must be nice to get such a great run in!
Mitch says
Good for you, keep it up! Now I feel like I better hot the stairmaster at the gym tomorrow first thing!
Mitch
Stephanie says
What beautiful scenery to enjoy while running! I’m glad you were able to take advantage of that time and do something you enjoy! What a great way to kick off your week.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
Life does get in the way sometimes, and if you only get one moment in, it’s beautiful if it’s that awesome 🙂
Sandra Laflamme says
You juggle a lot and do it well. You will find your new routine and get in a groove. I bet it felt great to get out the door for a run though!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Is that trail as remote as it looks? That’s really neat that when you run you can see the deer. do they ever have a reaction to you running?
Erika says
Being a mom is so busy anyways, so I think any time you find to run, you are doing great. Good job getting out and enjoying yourself on your run!
Maureen says
I never feel like I have enough time in the day to get everything done. It is great you were able to get out and do what you love!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Your running trails always look so pretty. Do you like the 21 day fix workouts?
Ashley says
It is hard as a working mom with school age kids to find time to exercise….I am struggling these days to find any time at all to exercise. I simply can’t get to bed early enough to get up early enough to exercise. Our nights are spent doing homework and running here there and everywhere between gymnastics, soccer, girl scouts, and church class…But, I did walk last night for about 45 minutes while my oldest was in girl scouts!
Cassi says
I didn’t wake up earlier to do my workouts but I get them done first thing in the morning before work.
Jamie says
I know the feeling. The first run after a break is always exhilarating . I always find I feel faster and more agile – well over short distances anyway.