Before having Kris, I would have considered myself a runner. I loved the wind in my hair, the sweaty red face after working my rear end off, and the way my legs looked so toned and muscular. Saying "before having Kris" is actually a bit misleading. See, I mean way before I had Kris. Like before I was married, like 5 years ago!
So, let's try this again. About 5 years ago, I was a runner. I ran regularly. I loved it. I rarely dreaded a run. When I was angry I pounded the concrete to get my feelings out. When I was elated, I felt like I was flying while running.
Now that I've had Kris, I want to be a runner again. I've not really mentioned this before, but I am actually below my pre-pregnancy weight. I left the hospital below my pre-pregnancy weight. As you guys know, I was terribly sick during my pregnancy. I gained very little weight back after I lost several pounds from throwing up multiple times daily. So, while most people say they are working on getting off their baby weight, I am working on getting fit for my baby.
I run with Kris. She sits happily in a jogging stroller while I huff and puff behind her. She giggles harder the faster I go, and begins to get cranky when I've been walking too long. She is my motivation in many ways. Not only do those sweet giggles make me want to run, but I also don't want her to be like me. I don't want her to know me as I was before I had her. I don't want her to struggle with her weight, I want her to enjoy healthy eating and fitness. So, to teach her healthy habits, I want to lead by example.
While pregnant I really focused on healthy eating. Being pregnant really made me want to only give my growing fetus the healthiest foods. I had a complicated pregnancy and didn't exercise as much as I would have liked. After having Kris, my healthy eating has continued for similar reasons, I am breastfeeding, so giving Kris the best nutritionally is a priority. I played around a bit with exercise the first few months after she was born, but in late January I really got serious about my activity level. I began with workout videos about 3 times a week, and now I'm running.
My goal is to run 3 times a week. I can usually do more, but 3 is the minimum that I will let myself run. I try not to run every day because I know that is hard on beginners' muscles. I am starting out small-twice a week I do short runs, 1 mile of running/walking, and 1 mile of walking. Once a week I do a long run, 3 miles of running/walking. I start out running for as long as I can. When I can push no longer I walk keeping a pace at no less than 4.0 mph. When i have caught my breath, I run again.
This training is going so well for me. I feel really strong and I am getting better every time I run. As it gets warmer, I have no expectations for stellar, record breaking runs, but I will continue running.
Experienced runners, what is the best way to get fit fast? I used to be able to run marathons and now I can't even run a mile!?!?! How do I get there?
