Mamavation Monday: Setting Realistic Goals
While I was pregnant with Flash, I became more and more incapable of moving. My back hurt so badly that I could only sleep in one position (basically, sitting straight up with my legs in front of me), and exercising was excruciating. I watched as all my Mamavation Sistas posted about the 5ks they were completing or the Zumba classes they were attending, and I was jealous. Envious. Desperate to get out there and do something.
This past Wednesday, I had my 6 week checkup, and Dr. M cleared me for exercise (yay!). This was perfect timing for the Mamavation Virtual 5k that was held June 8th and 9th. I was ready to get out there and move — and complete a 5k with my gals.
So, Aaron and I arranged our time to be sure that Flash had been fed and the Animal was entertained. I took my phone with me in case something nuts were to happen — I was simply going to walk the 5k around our neighborhood.
I had barely reached 1.5 miles when my phone rang. Flash was up and ready to nurse. He hasn’t learned how to take a bottle yet, so that meant I needed to get home and pause my workout. I accomplished 1.9 miles the first day.
On Sunday morning, we did the same thing. As soon as Flash was fed and down for a nap, I took off to do the rest of my 5k. As I was walking, I had an epiphany: Walking is just as great an exercise as any. My baby is only 6.5 weeks old. It’s okay if I don’t run any 5ks anytime soon.
It took me 30 minutes to walk almost 2 miles on the first day of my 5k. With this realization came the second epiphany: Being out of the house for 30 minutes is an easy feat. I am not too far away, and I’m still getting a great workout. And, I’m by myself.
This has been the biggest challenge since Aaron and I had the Animal: when was Lydia going to get a workout in since our babies depend on me for nutrition?
I always over-extend myself and put way too much pressure on myself. Walking for 30 minutes every day is great. I don’t have to become a 5k runner any time soon. There is time for this. I don’t really like running that much, anyway.
What realistic goals have you set for yourself? And have you ever had an epiphany and realized you were pressuring yourself too much?
Now it’s time for my victories!
Non-Scale Victories
- Doctor said all looks great – yay me!
- School is out for the kiddos, and Aaron only has 2 days of work left before he’s here every day!
- I went grocery shopping and bought neither ice cream NOR cookies. This is huge, people. There are no desserts in this house.
- I have decided to apply for Mamavation Mom – stay tuned for my application video!
Scale Victories
- I am down another pound bringing my total loss since Flash was born to 28 lbs. Woot!
Have a great week!!
