I recently downloaded the TimeHop app to my phone. I’m sure you’ve seen someone using it by now. But it is a time capsule of sorts that syncs with your social media (FB, Twitter, Instagram) and gives you flashbacks of what was happening on that particular day in the years past every morning. I’ve been loving all the pictures of teeny tiny baby Emery, but also all the flashbacks of my pre-mom self when it was just the hubs & I. I’ve had a few hops that went back as far as 7 years! It’s been so fun to relive all those great memories.
8.27.13. The days E could fall asleep anywhere.
Looking at pictures of my past bring me back to the days where I feel like I had it more together. In some ways more than others, of course. But particularly in the fitness arena. Just a couple of years ago, I was as fit as I’ve ever been. I was diligent with morning workouts, Monon-ing with the Perfect Strangers for marathon training, PR-ing on the regular, and eating much, much healthier. Not to mention I was more of a healthy living blogger, which seems to have fallen by the wayside. Although Emery updates are MUCH more fun, right?! 
RNRChi 1/2 Marathon Expo, 8.2011.
Over the past 14 months, getting back into shape has been the ultimate roller coaster. After Emery came along, I had (& am still having) a hard time getting back to exercise. I was partly worried about overdoing it (although unlikely). But I truly just didn’t have the motivation I needed. I went out for the occasional run, but often cut it short it because it wasn’t as easy as it used to be. I can’t help but wonder if I had been more active during my pregnancy, if things would’ve been easier to get back to. I’m pretty sure they would’ve been. But hey,, vomiting and fatigue tend to be frowned upon in a gym-like setting, so pregnancy months 4-9 were a bust in 2013.
2012 Drumstick Dash with 6-ish week Baby E.
I’ve kept somewhat active in 2014, running 3 half marathons and a 10 miler. One might call that a successful year! I’ve somehow been able to eek out 13.1 miles a couple of times. But the in-between parts have been the struggle for me. I’ve been the Queen of Excuses lately. Let’s see,,, No time. Too tired. Nowhere to take the baby. Blah, blah, BLAH. Trouble with excuses is, once you start making them, it’s a thousand times easier to continue making them instead of changing something. For example, I literally didn’t run for 3.5 weeks after The Crim in August. 3 and a half freakin’ weeks. Really?! And the sad part is, I didn’t even have a good reason why! I just didn’t feel like it. Oh, there was this blood blister on my big toe that was bothering me. I guess I could use that. I sadly chose to ignore my fantastic training plan which is taped up in my closet. And now I just have this huge gap reminding me of my slacker behavior. My complacency with inadequacy is sad sometimes. And lately, more often than not.
So FINALLY I said, enough is enough, and a couple weeks ago got out for my first run after the baby went to bed. And wouldn’t you know it,, it felt amazing! Endorphins a-plenty thanks to the fall temps and incredible sunset.
My view from the cart path
Thankfully, that beautiful run has led me down a much better and healthier path. I’ve been getting out to run much more regularly and the excuses are (mostly) gone. I’m still not being strict with my half marathon training plan, but that’s because it’s unfortunately more ambitious than I am right now. I have the Freep Half in less than 2 weeks and the Monumental Half the first weekend in November. I know I’ve shot myself in the foot when it comes to a sub-2 hour finish (which Dad & I have been searching for FOREVER), but I can only look ahead from here. I once thought that putting a race on the schedule would give me the motivation I need, but that tactic seems to be losing its effectiveness these days.
Now, I know you’ve heard it all before, but I’ve decided it’s REALLY time to get serious (forget about all those other times). And I’ll tell you why it’s the real deal this time. The other day, Emery and I went out “gym shopping” for a facility that offers childcare. That way, he can play amongst the other kids while mama gets her sweat on. No excuses. I’ve also enlisted myself in a PiYo challenge, hosted by Callie of The Wannabe Athlete, which starts next Monday. I’ve heard awesome things about PiYo and I can’t wait to try it out myself. According to my coach, fitness + nutrition + support = success. Also, I think morning workouts need to be restarted too. My baby sleeps for 12+ hours a night. No more excuses. Oh,, and last weekend the hubs and I spent all day Saturday cleaning out the storage space in our basement which will now be turned into our exercise room! I’ve been Pinterest-ing like crazy and have some great ideas to make the space just the way we want! Seriously. No. More. Excuses.
Future Fitness Room!
Yesterday’s sweaty post-stroller run selfie with my sweetie.
My hopes are that one day soon, I will see one of those TimeHop pictures and think to myself, “Man, I look and feel SO much better now than I used to. Atta girl.” And as a wise little steam engine (that my baby loves so much) once said, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”
Question for you: How do you stay accountable for keeping active?? Any helpful hints for this struggling mama?