Seriously...
I will begin posting more once February is over. Our library system is migrating to a new ILS (for the non-librarians, this is our computer system). It's a changeover from a DOS format to a Windows format and the training is a bit challenging to say the least. I have no time and tons of stress.
Also, I am in real need of a new exercise program and am desperate to try running. For you runners out there (such as Frances) is it hard to get into a running routine? Especially when you are a couch potato who almost never leaves the computer desk either at work or at home?
I actually think my biggest fitness challenge is working full time while still being a Mom to two kids under the age of six. I am always always tired, so exercising is not appealing to me, even though I know I will feel better after I start.
*sigh* Thoughts?
posted by LilyMab @ 1:13 p.m.
7 comments
7 Comments:
Hey Ash;
Have you ever tried Curves? I was seriously skeptical, but it's the best place to go if you don't have a lot of time and don't want to think about it. I had never been able to stick with anything before.
If you go with running, proceed with caution. It's a high impact exercise and can really screw up your body. My sister ran for a year, had to quit and is still doing physiotherapy to straighten out her knee and hip. It doesn't help that a lot of athletic shoe companies don't make shoes for women's bodies. Because we have hips, we run differently than guys. So get a proper shoe. Personally, I would never, ever run, and I would rather do a low-impact workout like walking, swimming, or as I said before, Curves works well for me too. But, I know running has worked well for Frances... so that's my advice. Good luck!
And what ILS did you decide to go with? We're still stuck on the ancient version of Dynix.
I had motivation behind my running, which is part of the reason I think I found it easy to begin (there's a lot of emotions to pound out when your ex is a douche... hee hee!) So my overwhelming urge to run (and I do mean urge--I remember waking up and thinking, "I just want to run") contributed to my quick start.
But once I did begin, there was no stopping me. It started with once around the track after doing weights. And I remember being pleased with myself, and then thinking, "Wow. 2 more laps and I'll have run more than a km!") Then I remember moving to the treadmill, and running for 8 minutes consecutively, and being over the moon. And then 8 songs consecutively. And then 20 minutes. And then 30 minutes. And now, well... Now I don't feel complete until run at the end of the day.
But to go back to what Violette is saying--listen to your body. If you feel like you can do more, do it. If you feel like you need to only run for x minutes, do it. It's healthy to take breaks (as in, "I don't feel like running this week at all.") It's healthy to vary in the amount of exercise you do, and it's natural.
If I could honestly recommend ANYTHING, it would be the Running Room. They were so welcoming, and so encouraging. And having a standing appointment to meet people who are depending on you is motivation. The learn to run classes are fantastic, and everyone I've met has been great. Very enthusiastic, but very realistic, too. No one pushed me to buy anything, and my group members were lots of fun. It was $65 well spent.
Most importantly, you don't need anything to run. Shoes, yes. But no monthly membership, no fancy clothes, no equipment. Just you.
p.s. And this is the last I'll say on it. They do make good shoes. But you have to pay for them. And I would recommend a store that fits you. This could be the running room, or another running store. Like I said, you pay more, but the benefits far out weigh the costs. You want your salesperson to see how you walk, where you put the pressure on your feet, whether your ankles bend in or out, what you plan on doing in them. Some will even let you take them for a "test drive" around the block. If they don't do these things, go elsewhere. Because a crappy shoe can ruin the experience.
But to me, $150-$200 spent once a year, vs. $60-90 a month for a gym membership is still a deal.
We are also on the ancient version of DYNIX. However, in two weeks, we will be on Unicorn just like U of A.
See, I love being outside and I get the urge to just run every so often. The trouble right now, for me, is I literally can't find time to do it. As soon as I get off work, I have to pick up the kids and by the time they are in bed and Jake is home it's 9pm and time to start thinking about bed. So far, our mornings are too rushed for me to find time for it. Two kids - sitters, school. Unless I can find a way to get my butt out of bed at 5:45am...hmmmm....that could be difficult...
I really enjoyed curves the first time i joined...lol. The first time I did it by myself, lost a ton of inches and I didn't go as much as they suggested. The 2nd time i joined I went with a friend and it sucked because we ended up chatting the entire time, so I didn't need to pay $45/month to chat with someone. You can go in a have them show you and try it our for a week for free (i think) before you commit. The only down side with a place like Curves is that they have crappy hours for people like us who's husbands aren't home when we get home. I've been seriously considering getting a treadmill for that fact, that way I can do it whenever, without going outside.
The treadmill may be a workable option...if not, I may give in and consider curves. As it is, at least the weather is cooperating. It's going to be summer soon and then I can run outside at 9pm and it will still be light outside and not quite so creepy in our neighbourhood. I think when I am in Calgary next, I will pop into the running room to buy some new runners. I haven't had new runners since Grade 10 which is longer ago than I care to remember.
Thanks, everyone, for the help!
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