Last week, I decided I was fed up about being in a “funk”. So instead, over a course of the week, I ran a total of 20 kms (give or take a click).
Have I mentioned I’m not one to do things in halves ? Having twins might’ve given that away…ahem.
Anywho.
After one of the 5 kms treadmill sessions, I did a 15 minute free weights workout, then proceeded to swim 10 laps of a 50 metre pool. I don’t mean to gloat or show-off (well, maybe just a little…) but dang…can I just say how damn happy I’ve been feeling since ?
My body doesn’t just feel physically good but something’s kicked in my brain. Well, actually it’s lifted this stubborn fog of lethargy, a terrible case of low self-esteem and I’m starting to feel comfortable about myself again.
And this is where I think we truly underestimate the power of exercise. For months now I have been making some dumb arse excuses for not getting back into running:
It’s too hot/ It’s too cold/ It’s raining
The twinlets kept me up all night
I have to clean the kitchen (Yeah, it got that bad…I took to taking care of the kitchen instead of myself…)
But then, I got out there on Monday morning, made some creative alternatives with the family and ran about 4 kms – a humble start. After the run, the endorphins – those happy hormones – launched right in and I ended up having lots of energy to get on with the rest of the day. To enjoy it, even.
So, like any true addict, I went for another “hit” the next day. This time a 7 kms run. Again, “Bam !” More awesome happy chemicals through my body ! And so it went for the rest of the week.
When I stopped running last August after hurting my hip, I caught up with another mum who had been an occasional running partner but was also recovering from an injury. There we sat at the cafe talking about how, although we were doing other forms of exercise, we missed our running.
Lamenting over her forced break from her favourite pastime, my friend said, “These days, I’m in my car, drive by all these runners and see how happy they are. Do you see how happy they are ???”
I had to agree with her.
I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get back into it. I could use my injury as lame reason but I know I’m kidding myself. I recovered ages ago but it was easier to get out of the routine and forget how great I felt after all that puffing and sweating.
I need to remember how those happy hormones can make me look (and feel) like this:
Oh dear, I feel extremely lazy now as I sip my wine lol
Nah, enjoy the wine, Nat ! I would be if I could, trust me !
Good on you, Grace! You’re amazing! I wish I had your motivation – I’m sure it would kick my happy hormones back in too. In fact, you’ve made me want to do something – just looking at your face gives me an endorphin rush! Whooohoo!
Deb @ Bright & Precious recently posted..A Good Man
Let me know when you get a chance to get your runners on, Deb ! We can share the happy hormones together 😉
Yay…welcome back to your happy place. (It was hiding under your runners all this time!!)
As long as I go to the gym in the morning, I’m good, but as soon as I start making even an inkling of an excuse, it so easily falls by the way-side.
I guess ‘No excuses” is a helpful exercise mantra 🙂
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That’s a great mantra !
I’m trying to get my running in early. Earlier in the day the better, the more running I get done earlier in the week, the better too. I’m surprised at myself as to how motivated I’ve become !
I absolutly love to run, I love the feeling you described where you know you have got your body into a natural state of happyness. I missed running for 2 weeks as I was ill and was supprised how much more quickly I got tired when I started again. Its scary, we have to keep doing it and doing it often!
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Even when things were at its crazy busiest last year, I still kept running (even when I went o/s!). I oftens say it was the only thing that kept me going.
Good luck with staying the distance Grace and glad to hear you are feeling happy.
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Thanks, Nic ! I hear you about how it’s the only thing that keeps you going. For me it’s like having a mental anchor, knowing that no matter how busy things get, I always have running to keep things in perspective.
I’m working on having my own ”happy hormones” kick. At least, once a week ( a lame start I know, but at least, a start), my good friend/officemate and I run 1km after work, usually happens on Tuesdays and on (sporadic) Wednesdays, we have our team’s volleyball fun game. Volleyball as bonding is super fun, the energy released and the sweat are double fun. I’m glad you’ve come where you are now Grace-ie. 😉 mwah!
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That’s great how you have an office mate to get motivated with. And yes ! It’s all a great start ! I used to love volleyball in high school. Unfortunately, I suck at it 😉 Keep me posted on how those happy hormones go, Ava ! x
I love seeing that smiling face! Yay, you!
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I wanna see your smile when you finish your half marathon !!!
I just came across your blog and found this post to be quite inspiring. I used to run and haven’t in years but walk (not as often as I would like but you may inspire me) It really does help you handle stress better too.
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Hi Lisa ! Thanks for dropping by ! I love going for long walks too. Just getting outdoors and breathing fresh air – it all helps de-stress, doesn’t it ?
I know that I’ve been needing a good regular dose of exercise too but have been making excuses, mostly of tiredness. Now that Lil S is in Childcare, I really don’t have any anymore. Hmmm….writing that stopped me in my tracks…..I REALLY don’t have any anymore.
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I understand the tiredness thing. But you know, if you no longer have an excuse…;)
How darn adorable do you look!
Me? I look like a tomato head after a run and I’m not exaggerating! So embarrasing. I do need to loose a couple of kgs before the conference so perhaps I better start running around and getting those happy hits!
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This was the perfect thing for me to read! I’ve been using one excuse after another not to go for a run. And I don’t know why, because once I get going I love it – it’s time by myself with my music and my thoughts and even though I’m slow I always feel great when I get home. You’ve given me a kick up the bum! 🙂
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