I've been looking for some motivation for several months now to get back in shape. Before I got pregnant with Luke I was working out 5 days a week doing cardio and some weight training. He is coming up on his second birthday, and I haven't been able to get back in the routine. I've been hanging on to the last few pounds of pregnancy weight and gained a few more between my trip to Argentina (totally worth it!) and the Christmas holidays. Now that the boys' play and the holidays are over, and my 40th birthday is this year, I am finally ready. Even though our schedule is still busy, we have a little more free time while we wait for soccer season to start again in March. When am I able to fit in time for a workout? I know the answer, but I just don't want to face it - wake up early and get on the treadmill before school!
I hate waking up early. It's one of the things I like best about homeschooling. I don't know how I would manage if I had to get all of the kids up, dressed, and out of the house early in the morning 5 days a week. But my need to get back in shape has won out, and I am on my fourth week of dragging myself out of bed to get on the treadmill.
My program includes getting in shape spiritually too. While I am walking the first mile I say the rosary. I got the Rosary Army rosary podcast on my ipod. It is the scriptural rosary, so in addition to meditating on the mysteries of the gospels, there is a scripture verse before each Hail Mary. This helps me to focus a little better. A friend shared another good web site for praying the rosary that I have been using - http://www.comepraytherosary.org/ . I also bought a prayer journal. I'm hoping it will help me focus on all the things I need to pray for and help me add more prayer throughout the day.
So here is the plan. I get up early before school (Mon-Fri) and get on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes of cardio. My goal is 45 minutes to 1 hour of cardio a day, so if I can get it all in early then I'm done. If not I finish up later in the afternoon. I'm also doing weight training Mon-Wed-Fri. I use a combination of hand weights, my new kettle bell (a new treat to keep me motivated), and the Wii Fit. As far as eating I'm watching portion size, cutting out junk food, and adding in more fruits and vegetables. I've gotten some great deals on Lean Cuisine and Smart Ones frozen meals lately with sales and coupons, so the freezer is stocked. They are great for a quick lunch. I'm also juicing (carrot-apple juice) every morning and drinking lots of water.
So far it is going well. I have even lost a few pounds. I will probably never enjoy waking up early, but I have to admit it is the key right now, and I'm always happy when it is over.
