We did it! Yesterday Hailey and I ventured out for our first gym experience. Walking into the building a felt a few butterflies. Once I arrived in the child care wing, I felt instantly better. No other babies were there- score!
I explained to the lady in charge that it was my first time dropping her off, in hopes to explain some of my craziness. Example: I left her with a list of instructions. Hailey can stay in her car seat as long as she is happy. If she gets fussy, lay the (provided by me) blanket on the mat and lay her on her back to kick. If she gets fussy after that, a pacifier is in a plastic ziplock bag on the inside pocket of her diaper bag.
Even with my explanation that I was a first timer, I’m sure this lady thought I was a whack job.
She smiled and talked to Hailey (who was still in her car seat as instructed 
) while I forced myself out of the room and onto the indoor track, where I immediately hit GO on week 7 day 2 of my couch to 10k app.
I started getting into my wog and WOW, it felt great. Yesterday consisted of a 5 minute warm-up, running for 4 minutes, followed by walking for 2 minutes for a total of 9 times, then a 5 minute cool down. I was worried that it would be quite challenging for me because it had been 2 weeks since my last wog, but my body surprised me. I felt great!
Now the track is pretty small, and every time I rounded the corner by the gym opening, I’d convince myself I saw one of the staffers trying o get my attention, surely to tell me someone had dropped Hailey.
But no one ever came. The first 30 minutes flew by, then the mommy guilt set in. This is so selfish, I told myself. My baby is only little for so long and here I am leaving her so I can go play. But I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on running harder (…and weaving around the teenage couple that decided to walk hand in hand around the indoor track- really??)
Before I knew it, 62 minutes and 4.75 miles had passed and I was done. I basically skipped around the track for my cool down because I was so giddy and proud of myself for knocking out almost 5 miles.
I stretched (more quickly than I should, probably) and ran to the child care room. After giving the lady my password (I was still somewhat out of breath and sweating like crazy… further evidence to them that I’m a nut) I dashed to the baby room to see the sweetest thing ever. Hailey was in the lady’s arms being rocked and sung to in a rocking chair. No other babies in the room. Perfect. My little angel was happy as could be!
The nice lady (Sylvia) told me that Hailey had been content in her chair for a bit, but after a while wanted to be held. She had a dirty diaper, which she promptly changed, and now she may be getting a little sleepy. I felt so comfortable. After thanking her profusely, I walked out, beaming with pride. Why pride? Because I guess when you’re a mom, it’s the little things, like a successful trip to the gym that makes you feel like you can conquer the world.
Sylvia was right; Hailey was tired. She fell asleep on the way home and stayed asleep all the way through my shower.
All in all, a perfect first gym experience. I plan to continue trying to go in the off peak hours. Being able to fit in my workout felt awesome.
…well, until this morning- WOWza I can feel it in my legs. 
Now I just need to find a 10k to sign up for…
Any suggestions of races or where to look for one?
Kathy says
Way to go!!! I am proud of you! Glad your first experience was so good. That will certainly help you reach that comfort level of leaving little Hailey in someone elses care. Though I agree, know one gives better care than your own mamma. 🙂 Good for you! Have a great day stretching out those sore/awake muscles! 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I’m so happy you had a good first experience back at the gym both running-wise & baby-wise! 🙂
Lauren Wilson says
RaceFest 10K in Charlotte…is at Southpark!? I think my hubbs and I are going to do that one! 🙂
Brittany says
I like the sound of that! I’ll have to look it up to see when it is. Thanks!
Colleen C says
Way to go! Now that I am back at work part time (my little guy is 4.5 months) I really need to do the gym on my days off because I am sitting at a desk 3 days a week again! Good for you for writing out the instructions. The few times I have been before I was too timid to really tell them what to do – big mistake! She’s your baby – you get to tell them what to do.
Rock on with your 10K!
Kelly says
Great Job! Yes you are a mama, but you need to worry about your needs sometimes and Hailey was right with her, just a bit away, so glad it went great andyou can do it again 🙂 She is so cute in those photos!!
colby says
You are super woman! Congrats on that great run and on a successful gym trip with Hailey!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
NOT selfish. You need a life beyond your child. It will make you both better in the long run. Nice job mama!
Cindi says
Way to go! I’m so jealous your gym has an indoor track. I always have to hit the treadmill & it’s so boring! I’m so glad everything went well 🙂
Brittany says
You should come meet me at my gym! That’s convenient, right? 😉
Maria@healthydiaries says
Wow, that’s awesome! Looks like it was a perfect gym day, she even gave you time to shower! How perfect! I can only imagine how hard it would be to leave your child at a daycare for the first time. Cudos to you!!
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
Don’t you just love when they sleep long enough for you to shower? It’s always the cherry on top of my workout. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky this morning.
Anyway, congrats on your first gym outing and a great workout!
Caitlin @ Chasing A Mile says
Congrats, that is awesome!! Is there a website for the Couch to 10k program? I can’t seem to find anything good. Also, there is a huge 10K in Charleston (Cooper River Bridge Run http://bridgerun.com) in March if you are interested in traveling.
Brittany says
Oh, I’d love to do the Cooper River Bridge Run! I don’t know how well I will travel this year, but I will definitely keep it in mind for next year.
I use this app: http://www.felttip.com/run10k/
but I’ll bet if you google it, you can find written out instructions. Let me know!
Suzanne says
Girl, you look AMAZING! When I bend over to stretch like that, I look pregnant again. I’ve really kicked my working out into gear this week and man does it feel good.
Proud of you for letting Hailey be with someone else. It’s so hard, but it’s good to know that the kiddos are adaptable. Have a great day 🙂
Jamie @ Food in Real Life says
What a great experience! So happy it worked out well from start to finish! Sounds like your gym has a really nice facility. I don’t have anything like that available near me so home workouts will have to be my thing for a while…
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
yay!!! so glad it went well for you!
Christina says
You look great! What app are you using? I am looking in the app store and there are several versions.
Brittany says
I’m using http://www.felttip.com/run10k/ which I like! But I haven’t checked out the others, so maybe some are better?
Stefanie Setlock says
A healthy mom makes for a healthy child so don’t ‘ever feel guilty about working out! And go ROCKSTAR for doing nearly 5 miles!
Lee says
If you ever want to do a race in Georgia, http://www.rungeorgia.com is a good resource.
R @ Learning As I Chop says
That’s awesome! I don’t think you’re nuts – most moms would leave instructions. Also, I LOVE her little outfit
Martha Jane says
First – You’re amazing. After working and working out and eating healthy for a week – I’m exhausted. I can’t imagine adding a baby to the mix!
Second – It’s not selfish of you AT ALL to workout! think of all the time you are adding to your LIFE (time that you can spend with Hailey, and her babies, and her babies babies :-)) by spending that 60 minutes (and 5 miles – WAHOO) on your health!
My hats off to you!
Tara says
Good for you! That post oddly brought tears to my eyes. My son is 9 weeks (getting his shots today…so scared!) and that sounds so great to be able to leave the baby with someone so sweet and get in a good workout. I’m sure it was difficult but it went so well! Congrats on your mileage!
Brittany says
Aw, shots SUCK, but I hope he took them like a champ and that he is giving you a lot of cuddle time this afternoon 🙂
Jen @ Living a Brighter Life says
That’s awesome! Whenever I have kiddos I don’t even know that our gym accepts babies that young! I’m so happy you had such a great experience!
Lauren B says
Aw, yay! What a big step! I know how important having time for yourself and for fitness can be, and so I am so happy for you that it went so well.
And when I first saw the picture of the indoor track, I thought it was the Ramsey Center at UGA at first! Looks just like it- brings me right back to trying to run off all of those sorority house meals! 🙂
Have a great day~
Brittany says
oh, the Ramsey center! I didn’t know what I had until it was gone. That place rocked!
Danielle @ Long May You Run says
Great job kickin’ out those miles!!!
It’s not a 10k, but there is an 8k in Salisbury on Feb. 4. It’s pretty cheap AND you get a long sleeve tech tee! If you end up doing it, we should meet up afterwords!!
Brittany says
oh wow, that sounds neat!! I wonder if I could run an 8k in a month… hmmm… I’m going to think on that because it sounds pretty sweet. Thanks for the info. And yes, let’s meet up afterwards if it works out!!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
So glad it was a good trip to the gym! H is such a good girl!
marci says
Congrats on your double successful trip to the gym!
Maria says
Sounds like a great experience! It’ll probably get even easier each time you go!
Congrats on your run, too! I wish my gym had an indoor track. Running the Couch programs on a treadmill is kind of a pain 🙂
Michelle @ Lifewithacrazypup says
I’m so happy for you! I’m sure it was such a relief!
Roz says
Yippee. Glad you are back in the workout groove, and know Hailey is a-ok while you do that.
John J. Stathas says
Great article, Brittany, AND congrats on the huge run!!
Lindsay @ Schnoodle Soup says
She is too dang cute. I can hardly stand it! Good for you getting your wog on! Never feel guilty – you time makes you a better mom!
Kayla says
Wow Congrats! What a great step. You have such a sweet little baby on your hands, you have to share sometimes 🙂
Heather says
you sound so happy! way to go! I am so glad you decided to go and take hailey. You NEED that time so you CAN be a better mother! congrats on working so hard!
kristin point says
So happy it went well for you and hailey! 🙂 I hope I’m as brave as you/have as good a daycare at my gym when I have my baby girl this spring!
Katie @ Legally Fit says
Great job on the mileage! I’m so glad that it went well at the gym- I would be anxious too!
I second the bridge run 10k in Charleston- I’m training for that race right now 🙂
Karlee @olivewineandfood says
yay, glad everything went smoothly! success : )
Toni says
You are so funny! I felt the same way with Kori at the gym for the first time, but you will get used to it. Working out is definitely not selfish bc it helps u to be a better mom! Plus, u dont want Hailey to have separation anxiety later bc she was attached to your hip every second. My parents started watching Kori a couple of times a week & I left her with the gym & church nurseries pretty early on, & we’ve never had to deal w Kori having separation anxiety. She would always run off to play & I would be like, “Well, I’ll miss u too!..” (eye roll)
http://Www.active.com is a great resource telling u about all the races in/near your area. I may do the Color Run & the Warrior Dash this year, but I used to do some of the 5k’s for different charity races & they were always fun. I would also suggest finding a buddy to do these with you bc it really motivates you & is just more fun. xxo
Sarah says
yay! congrats on your first gym adventure!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Awesome! Hailey is an angel! She’s too cute! I’m glad your first experience back at the gym was a good one. 🙂