Running and exercise.

Why do I run?  I run to stay in shape and save money.  Just over a year ago I started getting back in shape. I was pregnant (again) and did not want to feel like a beached whale at the end of my pregnancy.

We joined a gym and regularly went.  We had a cool start package that got me 3 meetings with a personal trainer.  Those meetings told me 

1. How I was still not eating as healthy as I should although I'd already been moving the right direction

2. How to exercise safely while pregnant 

3. What my target post pregnancy weight should be according to my muscle weight.  

I did not start running during pregnancy, just doing muscle and aerobic exercising.  

I am happy to report that although the beach whale motivation is gone I now have better motives: Being healthy.  I've always wanted to be healthy, but not always known how.  For me the key is exercise (and eating right, but the exercise is way more important for me). 

Benefits in exercise for me:

1. I can eat more yummy food and not gain weight

2. My stronger muscles make me crave healthy food. (Eating a slice of pizza sounds disgusting after exercising and candy makes me gag)

3. It makes everyday task seem easier

4. I have less physical aches (except on the occasion when I overdo it, but that pain feels rewarding)

5. More energy and liveliness during the day/less sleepy.

6. It makes me have more self confidence/lack of self-consciousness.  

7. I fit into clothes I wore in high school and college!

I have always been in shape when I've been in some sort of sport.  So picking up a active hobby is just what I needed.  Running is best for me now because it is the most flexible mode of exercise... plus I love getting out of the house.

That said I want to clarify a little more.  Running has not been an easy choice all the time.  At first I got shin splints, a common beginner runner problem.  I eased up on my running (but still ran) and they went away.  Some days or weeks I just want to stay at home and be lazy.  Thankfully Ben has helped me through some of those days by being motivated himself to go.  Sometimes the only reason I run is to get out of the house and away from the kids for a half hour.  It clears my head and helps me regain control of my thoughts just by removing me from the situation so I can evaluate it.  

Overall I have improved my running, but not quickly and not a lot aside from the initial jump.  I can now run 3 miles if I am setting the pace and not looking at a clock.  I love going on running dates with Ben!  We run together and get to talk for an hour or more with no interruptions.  However for the most part my runs are solo.  Ben might go once a week on Saturday if the weather is nice and the house is clean.