So I know I’m not the only one out there with a lifelong aversion to exercise… right?
I’m often asked how I manage to stay healthy with all of the baking and cooking I do. To be honest, I haven’t managed very well at all. Like many, weight has always been a big source of insecurity for me, and coupled with the fact that I have never been able to find a way to exercise that I enjoyed, I’ve been feeling pretty down about my health. For years now.
Before I go on, to fully appreciate the rest of this post, you should know that I’m secretly a 7-year-old girl and love all things silly, whimsical, and childish. I mean, come on, my personal blog is called Playing House.
So when I heard recently that there are athletic events and running races at Disney World, I got really excited. Maybe I had finally found something that I was so excited about that it could actually get me up and moving?! I went to their website in search of a 5k race (3.1 miles, a seemingly manageable first race distance), and while I was poking around, came across this: the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. A half marathon? No way. But it’s the inaugural race on their brand new half marathon course, it’s at night, and the finish line is at the annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival. It’s not until October, so it’s just far enough away that maybe, just maybe, it could be possible.
Next thing I knew, my husband and I were training for a half marathon! A half marathon with Disney entertainment at every mile, and a festival celebrating my favorite things to look forward to at the end.
Because I’ve never been an athlete, I’m starting with really small baby steps. The Couch to 5k is an interval training program designed for people who have never run before to train for a 5k race, and I’m loving it so far. We have plans to run a 2 mile race in February, a 5k in May, and a 10k in July. I use the iPhone app by Felt Tip Inc., which lets you play your own music and tells you when to walk and when to run.
I can’t believe how much better and more empowered I feel, mentally and physically, in the short time since I started training. If you’d like to read more about my baby steps, I’m writing about my adventures at my new running blog, The Happiest Race on Earth.
What gets you motivated to exercise??
Twitter: @abcddesigns
This is awesome. I am so happy for you that you’ve taken the reigns!
Running is the hardest exercise on your body that you could choose to do (impact-wise) and it’s impressive that you’ve taken it on. Congratulations.
.-= ABC Dragoo’s most recent blog post: kitchen inspiration {great source: decor*pad} =-.
Twitter: @honeysucklelife
I’m in the same place mentally and physically. I started doing 30 day challenges, and my challenge in November was to work out every day for 30 days. It really worked. It jump started me into a healthier lifestyle. I’m eating better, and as I drop weight I’m motivated more. I don’t want to go back to the person I was. Go Ami Go!
.-= Rebekah’s most recent blog post: Pedaling =-.
I did Couch to 5k last fall and ran my first 5k in November. I really enjoyed that program. I haven’t been running as much this winter, but I ride a stationary bike inside now, because I’m training for a couple long bike rides in April and August.
Twitter: @Just1Week
I really liked the Couch to 5K workout. My friend who has run several (15+) marathons swears by the interval run/walk workouts. Even when she runs a marathon, she runs to the water station (usually 1 mile) and then walks through the water station (around 1 min.) and then repeats. I’m going to Boston to cheer her on at the Boston marathon this April! Best of luck with your training; that is wonderful that you and your husband can do it together.
.-= Erin’s most recent blog post: Kettlebells =-.
That sounds like a really fun half-marathon! I did the same thing as you last year: in January, signed up for a “Rock n Roll” half marathon in August, despite having little running experience. I have trouble motivating myself for exercise, and signing up for something challenging really helped. I used a training program customized from the Runner’s World website – it was pretty easy, just 3 days running per week, and worked really well for me. You are right, there is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment as you add more and more miles to your total distance! And the race itself was so much fun! The whole experience really surprised me. Best of luck on your own running endeavors!
.-= Eileen’s most recent blog post: building a professional winter wardrobe =-.
Twitter: @amy_i
Wow, thank you all so much for the support. I love hearing your stories!
.-= Amy I’s most recent blog post: Daring Bakers: Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars =-.
Congrats on embarking on this journey! 2 years ago I started running after getting out of shape (yet again)…. and I started at 1 mile with friends training for a half.. I thought I’d just get back into shape and keep up until ~4 miles.. well I met them every weekend and completed my first half Nov 2008… since then, I’ve done 2 more half marathons, 2 200-mile relay races with a team, and 1 full marathon… and guess what? It was the Disney.. which was amazing and magical (and a little painful). Disney races are a great experience. I have always been a yo-yo exerciser but I have been on track since July 2008 – what keeps me going is exercising with others and making it a social activity, keeping it routine, and REWARD youself… after those long run… you deserve some pancakes or a glass of wine :-)