Another week is done! This one felt so different than the others. Last week I shared that a big struggle for me was the amount of time it was taking to get my 10,000 steps each day, mostly because of the types of exercise I was doing. I expect it to take time, and putting in the time is really important - but it was getting to the point that other necessary stuff was getting pushed to the back burners. I asked God for wisdom about that situation and ended up with a sort of funny solution.
Running has always scared me. I think it might have something to do with dealing with asthma as a kid - that feeling of not having enough breath was too common and so unpleasant. In my post for week four, I mentioned that I had given running a try again. It was freezing out that day and the cold air burned. During every little portion of running I thought "this is the last one - I don't think I can run anymore after this". But sure enough, when I went back to walking, I'd catch my breath a little and feel a real desire to run again. That was a pretty cool feeling and I felt that some new hope and joy was developing there.
I found an old, free copy of Jesse Owen's (a 1936 olympian runner/broad jumper) autobiography in our school library. I started reading it around the day I tried running again - and then that night I had a dream about running. And it was so fun! I think this has been one of the coolest parts of this health journey so far. I'm getting excited about something that has always scared me and felt off limits before.
It's been very icy the past week or two, so there haven't been a ton of opportunities to run outside. So the funny solution? Running in place (not with Bekah - I just liked that picture). Sometimes for 5, 10, 20+ minutes at a time. I'll watch a video and just run. Haha - I sort of feel like I'm cheating the steps or something... but I guess that's not really possible? I feel stronger and like my endurance is better each day with that. I get sweaty and happy and excited to run outside. Hopefully the ice will melt away for good this week and next week I'll have some outside running reports to give you. :) I'm still mixing in REFIT dance fitness and having a lot of fun - but I was ready for a little variety.
Another thing that really encouraged me this week was when my parents visited on Saturday. My mom (who is always so encouraging) said that she saw such a difference in my energy level that day. It was so sweet to hear because I was feeling that same thing! In past visits, I felt like I just wanted to melt into the rocking chair when they were here. Just because, ya know, with your parents you can kinda put down your guard and be honest about how you feel. But Saturday was so different. I wasn't discouraged. I wasn't feeling low about the tough stuff of being a mom. I was energetic and able to enjoy our visit so much more! I'm so thankful for that. If eating better and living a more active lifestyle can help me be more present during family time - then both those things are so worth holding on to.
A couple things I want to work on this week? 1) Eat less sweet stuff/junky food, more whole foods, keep track of food 2) Get outside and give running a try again and again 3) Start the day in prayer and praise and check my attitude/heart first thing.
Thanks for following along again this week! I'd love to hear about any kind of health or habit changes you've been making, too.
Love,
Bonnie
If you'd like to check out the previous posts in my health journey - here they are!
Bonnie i love your honesty and your willimgness to let us readers walk this with you. I am So proud of you for doing it! I know personally how hard it is, and love what you put into it. Oh, and at lunch today, i was surrounded by a dozen people who told me how very hard it was to lose you and Luke when you went to school, which only made me love you more!
ReplyDeleteYour doing great mama! Remember that ultimately you need to be healthy for mission and sometimes that means caring for your family first and not getting in those steps you had planned for the day. It can easily become an idol in our lives if we don't keep our priorities on God. You are doing great! I struggled with childhood asthma too, so I know your reservations on running, but I would encourage you that I have now been running for years and it is my favorite thing to do :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a darling photo of you two girls! :) Good for you for finding a solution to the running dilemma - there's great motivation there for you to have done that! I'm inspired by your health journey and I'm really, really hopeful that I can start my own journey towards better energy & health once this baba is out!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Rebecca. I've been thinking of you since your little girl was born! Hope you are doing really well and getting good rest and being good to yourself. You're doing such an amazing thing raising those beautiful girls. Thanks for your always sweet, thoughtful, and encouraging comments!
ReplyDeleteKimbre, this comment you posted a month or so ago has been such a blessing and help to me. Thank you! I have been reminded so much of that phrase "healthy for mission" and it's been a big help in keeping this all in the right perspective. I exercise because I want to live a long, satisfying life where I can love and care for people. Your love of running was a big encouragement too. :) Thanks for taking the time to share such a thoughtful, kind, and inspirational comment. I truly appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for these kind words, Gerry! Each part of your comment struck a chord with me and meant so much. Those lunch time people are too nice! :)
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