Mamavation Monday: Moving On
It’s been a couple of rough weeks for me on this desperate journey to make permanent changes to my lifestyle and health. The shock of transitioning from the extreme high of being able to continue running for twenty minutes without stopping to suddenly not being allowed to run at all took its toll on my emotional health along with my physical health. While I waited to see a doctor, I began walking almost daily. Some days I walked four or five miles, listening to music and feeling the rush of pushing my body to move faster, walk farther. I found myself enjoying my walks almost as much as my runs, and I settled into a new routine. My weight loss picked up steam in the two weeks that I wasn’t running, and I am now almost down twenty-five pounds. All of these highs and lows have shown me that my original fitness and weight loss goals are not only attainable, but that I can move the bar and still succeed. I’ve now decided to aim higher, even if it does not include running. I’ve also seen the doctor and have learned that I may not need to turn to a surgical solution to repair the damage caused by the running. I hope to begin physical therapy as soon as possible, and at that time will be re-evaluated to see if running can be added back into my routine.
In the meantime, I’m adding new ways to exercise into my life. I learned from a childhood friend that there are waterproof MP3 players and with the excitement of a kid on Christmas morning, I ordered one along with a new swimsuit and goggles. I have always loved the water and swimming and the thought of listening to soul-soothing music while moving through the water covered my arms in goosebumps. My parents, who love to bike, have pulled out the ten speed they had made for me twenty years ago and are getting it brought up to speed so that I can begin biking on those paths where I used to run. It seems that the very injury that at first appeared to limit me has instead pushed me to find other forms of exercise that I will hopefully enjoy just as much if not more.
I’m going into this week feeling strong again…and ready to attack my new goals.
Its always nice when unexpected downers can be turned into positive experiences!
Congrats on the weight loss! Getting on the scale was depressing for me, so I had to stop weighing 2 months ago. Now I measure my success by pre-pregnancy pants I can fit into, I’m sooooo close to getting back in those tight jeans! And have got back into my looser pre-pregnancy pants. It feels good to have a larger wardrobe again.
Kick some ass, sweetie!
You ROCK! Keep up the good work! Swimming and biking will be just as fun as running, I am sure! (Maybe you can bike as a family?!)
Keep it up!
I love your positive attitude! You are one inspiring lady.
Good for you!! Yes, cycling can be a great rush also and is easier on the body. My DH is a cyclist and has slowly been converting me. We have a tandem and biked across Oregon with a group called Cycle Oregon. Many states have their own. If you ever go for the really high bar, check it out!
Love reading about your ups & downs, your journey and your victories. You continue to inspire me Amy!
Reading your post is really inspiring, your positive attitude and all that. Makes me continue my journey… The weight loss challenge..
Bravo to you, Amy! It sounds like you’ve settled into a routine that suits your body just fine. Good going! 🙂
[…] realized that I am not going to be able to run as often as I would like, and that I will need to find new ways to push my body that include far less impact. I have also realized that I need to set new, specific goals in […]