out of excuses

January 10, 2012 in my life

Shortly after our baby was born, I went out and bought brand new running shoes. I did this in hopes that it would help get me focused on getting back in shape. But old habits are hard to break, and my commitment to exercise only extended to a promise of starting tomorrow. More than six months of “tomorrows” passed, and I was no closer to getting back in the gym. With the new year comes new resolutions and, of course, this is one of mine.

Two days ago, I reluctantly laced up my running shoes and paced around the house trying to psych myself up for the inevitable. On the way to the gym I managed to convince myself that I was indeed going to DIE. I would succumb to my laze and procrastination right there on the indoor track. I tried to tell Allen I had made a mistake — I wanted to get back in the car. I wanted to go home. I wanted my mommy. Waaah! Finally out of excuses, I regrouped and marched my post-baby body right into the gym. I took it “easy” that first day by focusing on a cardio workout. There was some sweating, some cussing, some praying and ultimately some celebrating. I did it! I pushed myself to finish my first good workout in more than a year. I’m still super sore from running intervals for an hour, but guess what? — I am still alive! Woohoo!

There is a point in me telling all of this. You see, I have a big milestone approaching… I have committed myself to the next seven(ish) weeks to finally make good on my tomorrow and get back in shape. I hope that putting it out there in such a public way will hold me accountable. Come February, I want to be able to run circles around my 30th birthday and maybe, just maybe, shake those last five pounds of baby weight in the process. Wish me luck!


 

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15 comments

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Becky - yay Amanda! I started off 2012 with the same goal! Where are you working out? If you EVER want a workout buddy…LET ME KNOW please! Its so much more fun that way. ;)January 25, 2012 – 1:04 pm

Ron Pollone - Not only a talented photographer, but a gifted writer, too! Nice.January 14, 2012 – 10:26 am

Marissa Nicole - Good luck! I am in that procrastinating boat with you. I keep pushing it off & off & off, but my goal is to be ready for my first bathing suit season as a mom. Bikini ready? Ha yeah right. I will be happy to be ready for a Victoria Secret 1 piece…that’s the plan at least. Good luck to you too!January 13, 2012 – 5:34 pm

katie o. - I need that motivation. Of course, I also need more hours in a day. :) Good for you for getting out there, but honestly, you already look great!January 12, 2012 – 10:51 pm

Deb - Pre-pregnancy weight, wedding weight, intervals, 5K, stroller jog, body pump? Y’all make me tired! BUT, I am impressed that you have so many friends that are encouraging and healthy. Keep going… I’ll babysit. =)January 11, 2012 – 8:09 pm

Erin - You did an HOUR of intervals?? I’m super impressed. Keep it up! Although, you look great as is!January 11, 2012 – 1:50 pm

Maggie - You can do it! You have inspired me to start exercising again! I’m not sure why I don’t exercise more. I really do feel better when I’m active. Good luck!!!January 11, 2012 – 11:22 am

Gracie Johnsey - Good for you. I don’t know what it is about those last 5 lbs, but they’re the toughest. Good luck girl, I’ll join you on a stroller jog sometime if u want! Ok maybe a stroller walk…I dont do cardio these days, just a little strength training via body pump twice a week :) Keep us posted on your progress, oh yeah, and your 30th bday celebration!January 10, 2012 – 10:59 pm

Paige - Way to put it out there!!! Nothing makes you more accountable than letting EVERYONE know what your goal is. Keep it up for 5 weeks….after that it can become a habit and it is much easier. You got the gear…now throw that little one in that stroller and hit the road!!! PS it makes a much better workout pushing those jokers!!!January 10, 2012 – 7:22 pm

Gail - Good luck hon! Think about signing up for a 5K. Nothing gets me motivated more than a name on a registration form and a bib ;)January 10, 2012 – 7:08 pm

Christie - That’s awesome Amanda! I send you much encouragement! I know you’ll do it and feel so much better for it! You look fabulous now, but I know it’s more about how you FEEL, and reaching that goal you have set for yourself! So you go girl! Get your runnin’ shoes on!January 10, 2012 – 6:33 pm

Jimmy - Good luck Amanda!! I am working on getting into shape for my 30th Bday this year as well :) I have about 35 pounds to shed :(January 10, 2012 – 6:18 pm

Tina - Good for you! It’s SO hard getting back in shape after you fall out of your routine….unfortunately that’s where I’m at right now!January 10, 2012 – 6:13 pm

Coe - You are me 6 years, one baby and 20 lbs ago. I know it’s negative encouragement, but I ENVY YOU! The baby weight was “easy” to loose after number one. Now, I didn’t just wish it away. I did have to diet and I did have exercise, but by exercise I mean literally took some high pace strolls around the Springville park and poof…10 months later – hello, pre-pregnancy weight. Fast forward to now, over 3+ years post baby #2 and that weight is still here. You know what they say about breastfeeding and loosing weight. I stick a big ole tongue out at that one. Baby #1 – B/F for 16 weeks; Baby #2 – I B/F the whole year and even at that one year mark I was 20 lbs over the pre-pregnancy mark. The closest I’ve been is 6 lbs. away from the pre-pregnancy weight. I’m sitting here now at a not-so-comfy 12 lbs away from pre-pregnancy; 17 lbs away from my goal weight (my wedding weight). I say all of this to encourage you; to tell you you’re not alone and to tell you one last thing. I try to negatively encourage myself by reminding myself THIS is the youngest I’m ever going to be. If I’m going to keep aging (and I can’t control that one); I can control what I look like. If you’d like, follow Operation Skinny Sista (in conjuction with my sister) on FaceBook for hints, tips, encouragement and honest moments when I do slip (like finishing Casey’s Cheez-its a little bit ago). You can do; I’m sure of it!!!January 10, 2012 – 6:13 pm

Brittani - Go Amanda! You can do it! And if you’re willing to throw it out there and hold yourself accountable in the most public way, then deep down you know you can do it too :) Just live for that feel-good feeling when you get to walk out of the gym feeling SO good!January 10, 2012 – 6:07 pm

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