This winter was rough on the workout front. It was the first time in my adult life that I didn’t have access to a gym (I know, #firstworldproblems and all that.) The thing was that I just didn’t really want to work out. In college I was all about the gym, and working out to burn off the excess meals I ate on the weekends. Which was necessary because you can’t eat fourth meal 1+ times a week and not face the repercussions. I’m crediting the absence of fourth meal with why I didn’t gain weight this winter, lack of exercise and all.
It was just so weird because after four years of really craving to work out, the last six months I really lost that drive. I had an epiphany about it the other day, and I realized that the reason I had stopped feeling a need to work out is because I had changed my thinking about the importance of working out. In my mind, I’d adopted the thought that what you put in your body really has more of an effect on your weight and how you look then exercise. That since exercise was maybe less of a catalyst for weight loss for me, that it didn’t matter as much. (Just writing this makes me want to hit myself, because who cares??)
But like most things in life, it’s not an either/or scenario. It’s about finding balance between the two. Maybe I don’t need to hit the gym 5 days a week like I did in college, but I’m not going to feel good if I limit all exercise to going on leisurely walks.
One of my goals this year was to run in a race. Brian and I (and my dad!) signed up for a 10k on Memorial Day weekend, so training is officially happening. Getting back into running has been challenging, but I already feel a lot better. Brian has been nice enough to go on the long runs with me so far, which has made a huge difference. We ran 4.5 miles on Monday, and I was totally wiped out. But I’m starting to look forward to my runs more and more, which is definitely progress. I really do like running. I just needed a reminder.
Have you ever gotten into an exercise rut? What did you do to get out of it?
That's so great that you're doing the 10K. That takes true dedication. One of my goals before I turn 30 is to do some kind of marathon. Keep us updated on your progress, it will be part of my motivation for sure!
I've been in a huge exercise/running rut. In 2010 I was running 30-35 miles a week, easy. Now I run a mile or two and I'm out of breath. Sigh.
I'm supposed to run a 10K the first weekend in May, so we'll see how that goes. I haven't run more than 5 miles in a week in a while (ah, how far I've fallen!), but I really must get out there soon if I plan to run any of this race!
Good luck with training. Maybe we can keep each other motivated online!
This winter was really hard for me too. I was struggling with some neck pain, the weather was TERRIBLE, and I just didn't feel like working out. My goal is to start getting back into running and walking now that it's nice. I ran three 5K's last year, and I'd like to do another one again soon.
Good luck with your race! I'm sure it will be great!
Good luck with the running training! I've always wanted to get into running, but it's just something I really struggle with. I used to run all the time (I used to play soccer some 3-4 times a week in high school), but then stopped in university. And now, it's like TORTURE. I can't get very far without being super duper winded. I don't think I'm in terrible shape, I work out other ways, but try and I might, I just can't get running again. Boo constant failure. Any tips for easing back into it?
I've never been an athletic person or liked working out. Unfortunately, that seems to have caught up on me… I need some serious motivation! That's so awesome that you're doing a 10K! good luck with training!
I totally am in a work out rut right now. I have been since we moved to CA. It's driving me nuts (clothes aren't fitting and I don't feel very good about myself), but I can't see to get out of it. I ran 2 miles last week and about died!! I need to get this work out train moving! Good luck training for your 10k!!!
Here's the thing about exercise and me, I always have the intention of getting into it, but my crazy list of to-dos always stop me in my tracks. Your post is kind of inspiring though and maybe, just maybe, if I started dedicating a little more time to me and a little less time to others (and other things) I'd be less emotional and less groggy at like 9PM. I think you're on to something here pretty lady.
I'm up to 3.1 miles without stopping…this is actually down two years ago from my 10k's but I'm not naturally a runner. So, start small. 4.5 miles might be too much. I say add a mile once a week till the race then you won't be so exshausted but that's just me being lazy lol
Good for you! I know you guys can do it! And imagine how awesome you'll feel when it's done! Four years ago I was seriously in a rut. All through my teens I was a runner, and then my first year of college came. Boy did I need a wake up call! I was sacrificing something that I loved and felt terrible about myself. Once my clothes stopped fitting well and I didn't feel good in them, I knew that I had to get back to my old self. So I started running again and started strength training. I'm not wonderwoman by any means, but let me say that Jillian Michaels dvds (although it's insanely painful!) did the trick! Now I'm back to my old self, running and all, and feel the best I have in a long time. I'm running a 10k too in September. Scary! Isn't it crazy how sometimes these ruts occur and once you get out of them, you're like why did I even get there in the first place? Good luck with it Kate! You've got this!
I think our brains work pretty much the same way. I have a tendency to make up these really rational excuses for myself, which are pretty convincing. The fact is that running bores me so much, and that I really wait for a chance to do yoga and dance again… At least that is what I'm telling myself now…
But I do walk my daily 5 miles altogether, to and from school.
I've been in an exercise rut for the last 3 years….I really need to get my butt up and actually do something. I start but then I always make excuses for myself. Not this year. I'm going to make it happen.
Hi Kate! I just found your blog today, and it's always so fun to discover other local(ish) bloggers (I'm in the Roanoke area). As for exercise, I just recently became an exercise instructor and that was partially because I knew if I was teaching a class I would HAVE to exercise on a regular basis! It's been so much fun, and it keeps my nose to the grindstone.- Sure enjoyed my visit here. I hope your evening is a pleasant one. Stay warm!
I rarely do exercise. Hahaha, good luck for the 10k. =)
Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
I hope you'll stop by again soon and follow if you like! :)
Lischen
xxx
I am trying so hard to be more motivated to run. I am on week 6 of couch to 5k. It is so difficult to find enough hours to fit everything into just one day!
You go girl!!! A 10K is a great distance – long enough to keep you accountable and motivated, short enough to be attainable. :) Good luck!!
Ha, I feel like an exercise rut is sort of the story of my life! I've realized, I just hate exercising, I'm not motivated and I get bored. The only way I can get out of the rut is to stick to a strict schedule and not break it – I am actually proud of myself for doing well with this right now – I work out every M-Th at 6pm, no exceptions, and have been doing it for 3 months now, yay! That is awesome that you signed up for a 10K and have started training… it helps to have someone to exercise with, for sure!