I had the chance to go for a solo run today (no kids). It wasn't very far (3 miles). It wasn't very fast (10:14 pace) but I did have a chance to do some thinking.
Being a mom is hard. Being a mom who has a goal to stay fit is even harder. There are soooo many opportunities for us to put our fitness second to whatever seems the most pressing at the time. I, for one, am guilty of this. If I don't feel like I've gotten done what I want to around the house, or with school then I can't seem to pull myself away until it's done only to realize that by the time I get "it" done, I'm too tired or the window of opportunity to workout is gone.
I am also guilty of putting off or cancelling a workout because I feel guilty about leaving my husband with 2 kids (even for 30 min). Even though I know he's perfectly capable, it's just my nature to take on the burden of watching the kids myself (I do love my kids, I swear). I think it has to do with my limited ability to ask for help.
On my run today, I thought about all that and how being like that is affecting me as a person, as a wife and as a mom.
We all know the physical consequences of not working out right?! But what about the mental? Many runners will tell you that running is like therapy but it's free.
It's time...time to think (or not think if you so chose). But what about the mental implications of not working out?
In my mind, the mental implications can be just as damaging as the physical. It opens the door to self-doubt, lowers your confidence, and can build resentment in your relationship.
It occurred to me today, and I know this isn't groundbreaking really but it kind of was to me. That...
I'M WORTH IT!
I'm worth taking time away from everything to sweat.
I'm worth learning to just let the laundry sit there and go when the time is right!
I'm worth not feeling guilty that I just walked out on S with two kids, one potentially screaming. He'll figure it out.
AND YOU ARE TOO!
I don't care who you are, it's easy to make excuses. What we need to do is:
MAKE TIME!
Know that you're worth it. Know what you want to do. Know what you need to do to get there and do it!
If you're a new mom, heck just a woman with a lot going on, please, please keep this in mind. I don't care if you have to tattoo it on your arm, you're worth the effort and the time it takes to stay fit.
Do you ever fall into this trap? Are you good at allocating the time and sticking to it?
I'm long past the kid stage, but this still sounds so familiar. Yes you are worth it, and you should, you need to take the time to take care of yourself. Do not feel guilty for wanting a little time for yourself, and certainly do not feel guilty for expecting your children's father to pitch in while you do so. It's a seemingly built in woman's response, which usually has no basis (I'm sure your husband enjoys it!) in reality. Your health and fitness is important for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. Thanks Debbie! :)
DeleteGood for you and for your family, I think. Bravo!
ReplyDelete:) Thanks Elle!
DeleteTaking time for yourself makes you a better mom! I have always taken time for myself even as the kids were growing up. If I didn't, I'd pull my hair out. Raising kids is hard work and exercise alleviates the stress of it. No matter how sweet and well behaved they are, you just need to get your exercise on.
ReplyDelete:)
It's so good that you do that! I completely understand. I'd be bald too. ;)
DeleteIm probably too GOOD at making time for me :0)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a pretty good skill to have.
DeleteYes! We are worth it! Mom guilt is a tough thing to shake, but time for ourselves ultimately makes us better moms.
ReplyDeleteOh mom guilt! It's no good!
DeleteI struggle with this all the time too. Sometimes I feel like I'm making an excuse for myself to not get out there and do it though. My husband is like yours and is more than willing to stay home and watch the boys even when I'm gone for a couple hours for those long runs. Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand!
Deletemaking time for yourself is EXTREMELY important... whether itz to workout, shower, sleep, whatever... sometimes you've got to put yourself first - and this does not make you a bad mom!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh...sleep! That's another thing I like to do. :)
DeleteOh my goodness is this blog speaking to me! I am training for my first marathon so my nighttime is the only time I have during the day since I'm a stay at home mom and full time student. Its hard not to feel guilty and I think as moms we will always feel that way. Just have to learn to work through it and its easier said than done! We are all in this together and we will overcome!
ReplyDeleteYou are most definitely worth it! So important for your own self-care and for your family too. I do have to remind myself that if I don't take care of myself that it's really hard for me to take care of other people. You should not have to feel guilty for taking time to workout. You're setting a healthy example for your kids plus it's important time for your husband to have with the kids too.
ReplyDeleteI had so much trouble getting this into my head after C was born. But after a few weeks of being with her 24-7, I felt like if I didn't step away and take care of myself a few times a week, I wouldn't be doing her any favors either. After I built crossfit classes into my weekly schedule things got so much better and even my patience with life improved! Working out is good for the mind and the body indeed!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Katie! I struggle with that as well... feeling guilty when I have long workouts planned, or cutting them short/skipping them when my husband needs to get to work early, etc. It's tough! But yes- we are worth it... we need both the mental and physical release. Thanks for the great reminder!
ReplyDeleteSuch true feelings many mamas feel...but I think what we often feel guilty about (ie being away from the family to train) is also what makes us awesome mamas! Being healthy, goal-driven, focused, and dedicated. All good qualities that make us "quality" mamas. Though I am a step and foster mom, I am the dominant "mama" figure in these girls' lives...trying to set a good example for my little ladies. Keep up the good work...love your blog!
ReplyDelete