Shocking!

I need to talk to you about a subject that's very hard for me. It's something I've struggled with for years but it's finally come to a breaking point.

I hope this won't affect the way you look at me. I always imagine you all have a certain image of me in your heads. I don't want to change that in any way.

But I can't keep this from you.

You deserve to know what I've been doing. This - this thing - could cause me great pain and ultimately disrupt my entire way of life.

So here it is: I've been exercising.

That's right. A four-mile walk yesterday, and another one today.

I know, I know.

You're completely shocked, right? Can't believe I'd do something remotely healthy and then actually admit it in public?

The thing is, something's got to change here. I smoke a little, I drink a lot and I eat Cheese Nips for breakfast.

Since I'm not willing to give up any of my bad habits, I figured I'd add a good one: Exercise.

And now here I sit, at 11:30 p.m. on a Sunday night, wondering how many Twizzlers and Tootsie Pops and Bud Lights I can consume without completely canceling out the calories I burned on my walk ...

Comments

[liberal army wife]

Uh huh. so are you joining us on SBuzz Fit Club? or shall we start one here? I can't do a lot of exercise, if I get over heated, or the blood pressure goes up... migraine hits. So I'm doing yoga, and walking a little bit more every day. NOT to raise a huge sweat, but to get rid of the aches, pains and general yuks, cause I'm OLD!

keep it up, and vary it. I have 3 different yoga DVDs, I take class twice a week, and vary my walks to enjoy the gardens at various homes on various routes.

LAW

[West Point GF]

Good for you!

I'm trying to exercise, too. But it makes me want to die because i HATE running.

Good luck!

<3 west point gf

[Kathryn]

We've been talking about starting an exercise regiment for months. My problem is by the end of the day I'm too exhausted to work out, and if I use a tread mill or an elyptical, which we have at the house, it antagonizes my asthma.
LAW- Someone else said yoga would be good for me. Maybe I'll give it a try.
Oh, and Jan- Good for you! Keep up the exercise, and don't worry about the beer and junk-food, but try to quit smoking. It'll come back to haunt you. I know 'cause it did me.

[Jan Wesner]

Well, I've only walked three times in the past week so far, but I do plan to keep it up.

But we'll see ... I'll keep you posted ...

[Bon]

This must be going around. When I moved and starting doing the husband commute I lost track of exercise. I'm picking it back up too. Walking an hour a day, going to the gym, and I have five days until I quit smoking. Heaven help me, I'm sure it's going to be ugly.

[Audrey]

Good for you! Plus, a nice walk with Mark after dinner is a fun, easy way to get exercise in and chat about things while the kiddies get to ride their bikes around (or whatever kids their age do... I'm kind of clueless!).

[Jan Wesner]

Bon - Hang in there and let us know how it goes!

Audrey - Well, I have to say that I am not doing it with Mark. He usually runs at work or in the mornings. I'm walking with girlfriends in my neighborhood, which makes it really fun. The bad thing is that our route passes by Chili's, Bennigan's, Outback Steakhouse and, God forbid, KRISPY KREME!

I used to walk sometimes with Jace on his bike and Rian in her stroller, but now he's too fast and she's too big for the stroller, but hasn't mastered the bike yet. Mark and I were just saying last night that we need to work on that with her so we can all bike together.

[TripleE]

Good for you!
I mainly exercise for the stress-relief.... and the gym daycare. I can let my mind wander when I'm on the eliptical or lifting weights... I only run if chased.
What's next , Jan?

[Carol]

Oh man, you just made me look like a total slacker! I have been so proud of myself because I started walking 3 or 4 times a week, but I'm only doing 2 miles! Guess I'm going to have to step it up a notch (or two)!

[Rebekah]

Jan - the great thing about exercise is that it cancels out the Twizzlers, Cheese Nips and beer, NOT the other way around! Just remember that. Focus on the positive.
I've always been of the "I'd rather work out than diet" mindset and I really don't mind exercising, but this pregnancy has definitely changed my habits. Let's just say my gym bag has a pretty thick coating of dust on it right now.
As for biking with the kids, I think those tandem bikes look really cool. It's a tandem you can buy that hooks on to most any bike to make it into a bicycle built for two. Maybe that would work for you all to ride with Rian? I had a pull-behind bike cart that I used with my son for a long time. He loved it. It is big enough to carry two kids at a time but I stopped using it for my one kid when his weight neared 50 lbs (he's a very big 3-yr old). So maybe Mark would be willing to pull Rian in one of those or, if her balance is good, on a tandem. Just a thought. If I lived close by I'd just give you my cart.

[Jan Wesner]

TripleE - What's next? Hmmm ... remains to be seen ... I'll probably stick with the walking three days a week for now, and see how that goes. And I'm still working on my secret project, which unfortunately does not involve physical activity!

Carol - Consider this a challenge!

Rebekah - Oh, yeah, everyone in Germany had those bike carts or tandem bikes. Jace was a maniac on his training wheels, and learned how to ride a two-wheeler at age 4, so it's hard for me to grasp that Rian isn't there yet!

[Jan Wesner]

LAW - I've heard a lot of good things about yoga but never tried it. Too slow for me, I think!

[Arlene]

I agree with the rest of the group, that it is us that owe you the Thanks (from Saturday's post).

Good for you on the exercising! I go in spurts where I'm really good for a while, then I let it go by the wayside for a couple of months. Right now, I'm on one of the waysides... I mostly use my weights at home for toning. Keep up the good work!

[triumpf]

I'm a cycle type of exercier too. I've just started back on the "on" cycle. I'm walking 5 miles at a time, and trying to do it 5 days a week. I do love yoga too. It's a much better work out than it seems to be. I do the "hot yoga" where the temp. is about 100 degrees, and you can't believe how it works. Good luck with your new commitment, Jan. (And I won't nag, but I'm hoping for a cigarette elimination for you as well. I buried two relatives too young in the past 8 months from them. One was my mother.)

[Jan Wesner]

Triumpf - I'm sorry for your losses. I will keep you posted ...

In general, I would say I used to exercise in spurts. At one point, like many of us, I was in really good shape doing aerobics, swimming, running and biking. Once, long ago, I even did a triathlon!

But as also happens to many of us, that all went by the wayside once I had kids. I still used to walk a lot. It was great when we lived in Korea and Germany where walking was actually an accepted mode of transportation.

I remember one day in Germany I was walking to the veterinarian's office with Jace beside me and Rian in the stroller. The cats were in their kennel on the top of the strollers, and we were trudging through foot-deep snow.

And I remember thinking, that if I saw someone like that in Tampa, I'd think "Oh, that poor lady and her kids must be homeless!!!"

[liberal army wife]

Yoga helps me with back pain, and the general stiffness from sitting at a desk, on the Metro etc. I can't do the HOT yoga - head explodes. but a good yoga class will definitely make those muscles sing!

LAW

[Gwyn]

I am proud of you, my husband bought me a used bike and I never use it.
I live near the Pinellas County Trail, what a great place to ride bikes.
I was thinking about walking around the Park near my house, but that is in the planning stage still.
I need to change my life style, and exercise. I used to drink alot of soda, and gave that up and lost alot of weight. I just need to exercise!!!

[Gwyn]

I almost forgot to tell you Jan, I did not go to the Airfest, did you?

[Heidi]

HA HA your too funny! Well I don't think any less of you just because your exercising! I've been trying to walk too, I can only make it 2 miles though so congrats to you for making it 4 miles! Keep up the good work!

[Jan Wesner]

LAW - I'd never heard of that hot yoga before, but let me tell you, in Florida, all you have to do is walk out the door to be in the heat!

Gwyn - The Pinellas Trail is awesome. I would love to live near it. But I probably wouldn't ever take advantage of it, either!

Heidi - Thanks!

[Jan Wesner]

Gwyn - And I forgot to answer ... No, we didn't go. We decided it wasn't worth it given that there were no Blue Angels or Thunderbirds, and only one aircraft that Mark had ever been on.

Last time we went there was much more.

[Missy]

Good for you. When Indiana weather permits, I walk or ride my bike several times a week. That's when I love my I-pod. Still addicted to the junk stuff - chips and salsa are my absolute downfall. There are some things in life we just can't give up. Do try and quit the smoking. (Please).

[Reasa]

I satrted back to excrising almost two months ago. I am going five days a week and love it. I am proud you are doing something. A little bit reduces your chance of any kind of diesease alot.

[Jan Wesner]

I figure no matter what it'll be a psychological boost if nothing else.

Of course, it remains to be seen how long I'll keep this up.

[Jason]

March 4th I started working out because I was getting too fat..lol..Working attached to a mall doesnt help, plus I love junk food and to snack at night... so I finally started to take advantage of the free membership to the gym we get at work. I hate to run, but figured thats where I needed to start. I used to weight lift a few years ago, but putting on muscle would add weight, so I decided I would lose the weight, then lift weights when I get down to my goal weight. I am 5'8, and weighed 200 when I started on March 4th. Today, I weight 181, with my goal of 170 in reach. I feel so much better about myself and I run 4 miles on the treadmill when before I didnt think I could do a mile. Good for you Jan, but the late night cravings are hard to fight off for me....

[Kathryn]

Don't you just hate it when men can lose 20+ lbs in short order? It takes women less to put it on and more to take it off. What a cruel joke!!!
But still...Congrats Jason! I'm just jealous, that's all!
Jan- it's best to lose some weight if you need to, before you quit smoking. That's how I ended up over weight. I put on 55lbs in 2 years, after the first time I quit. And took up smoking again to lose weight (I lost 34lbs), then was told I have a spot on one lung and asthma. Needless to say, I quit again and have put on 20 lbs. I will never smoke again, you can take that to the bank. Of course I'm quite a bit older than you so I have all kinds of aches and pains to contend with, as well. I think I'm going to seriously look into Yoga. From what I'm hearing here, it might be just what I need to get motivated.

[liberal army wife]

Kathryn - for those of us who aren't spring chickens, look for Peggy Cappy - Yoga for the Rest of us. she has an online presence. she does one for people with bad backs...

As for quitting smoking, I did that 25 years ago - lemon drops, very sour lemon drops. and the weight is better than the smoking..

LAW

[Al]

Best cut down on those Lil' Smokies. The nitrates in those things will kill ya!

[Jan Wesner]

Jason - Good for you!!! Yes, I have a problem with those late-night cravings, too. My solution is to not have the things I crave - specifically ice cream and cookies - in the house. I love to make a half-dozen of the Pillsbury pre-made cookies that you just break apart and break, and then eat them while I watch TV. Of course then I get thirsty ...

As for smoking ... I've cut way back. Most days, only two or three and every once in awhile none. But sometimes something just sets me off ... I am not in the same league as many of you, since I only started when Mark left. So I can't compare my situation to yours. But I can say it is definitely a habit, and a very bad one.

[Jason]

Thanks Jan and Kathryn. Dont be taking out out on the man here...lol..I didnt think I would drop the weight that quick....But glad I did : )

[Jan Wesner]

Jason - if we didn't blame men for all our problems, who would we blame!?!

[Cindy]

Way to go Jan!!! I am proud of you!! And I feel your pain!.. Hubby and I just began working with a personal trainer 3 weeks ago. He comes to our home 2 days a week and boy is he awesome!!! He works us hard, dont get me wrong, but he realizes our limitations at this point. I am looking forward to the day this stuff is a bit easier... but for now its kicking my butt!

Keep up the good work!!!

[Jan Wesner]

Cindy - wow - lucky that you can do that. Good for you! Keep us posted.

Oh, and of course the obvious question about the personal trainer: Is he hot?!?!

[Cindy]

LOL!!! Actually he is pretty hot but he sure does not act like it...

As a 42 year old who is in the worst shape i've ever been... I was a little worried about feeling self concious, but he puts me at ease and does not make me feel that way at all... if anything he has been very encouraging.

I figure if i dont do something now, i never will!!

We are lucky! Especially considering we are bartering services... wouldn't have been able to do it any other way...

He is going to be doing a Beach Boot Camp within the next month or so... i'll keep you posted!!

[Jan Wesner]

Sounds cool, Cindy!

I'm like you, a 40-year-old in the worst shape of my life. And the year that Mark was gone only reminded me that I'm not getting any younger ...