Haven’t you heard? It’s the holiday season! I’m sure this is news to you despite the fact that malls have been decorated with wreaths since Halloween and every other blog out there is a Christmas gift guide. 😉 I’m not complaining, though. I love Christmas time! And there are few things I like more about Christmas than my view this morning:
Forgive the quality- it was taken with my iPhone.
Yes, we finally got the tree up! But this post isn’t about the tree. It’s about my challenge to navigate this wonderful time of year with a 2.5 month old and still staying on track health-wise.
I’d been doing great on my Couch to 10K program. It feels invigorating and challenging to get out there and WOG with a goal in mind. I’m now on week six which calls for 3 minutes of jogging followed by 2 minutes of walking and repeating it 13 times. The beginning wog of each week is the longest, so I’ve been putting it off until Hubbs is home and I can wog without the stroller.
…only Hubbs has been pretty busy and that chance hasn’t come up. Plus, I’ve been running around trying to organize and decorate the house, planning for upcoming events and, oh you know, being the sole source of food, comfort and entertainment for Hailey 🙂
The last time I wogged was Saturday, so it had almost been a full week with nothing. Somehow I convinced myself that if I couldn’t do my C210K then it wasn’t worth it to do anything.
How silly.
I decided I needed some motivation, so since I had some money to Dick’s, I decided I’d finally get myself a quality sports bra. After trying out several options I found one that fit the bill.
It’s made by Under Armour, is full coverage and is designed for high impact exercise. It’s sturdy material and cross-design, thick straps made the girls feel super secure. It cost $44 and is totally worth it.
It was exactly what I needed to give myself a little push into getting out of the house. So I grabbed our awesome stroller and the leash and we all set out on what I intended to be a short walk, just to get the blood flowing.
We started walking in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh, cool air. My heart started pumping. This felt good, darn it! And before I knew it, I’d covered 5 miles.
FIVE miles! Did I feel like a failure because it wasn’t part of my C210K plan? Absolutely not. I felt reenergized and thrilled that I had gotten out and done something. And I wasn’t the only one who appreciated the exercise.
Who doesn’t love a happy, wagging tongue?
Instead of wearing me out, I found I had a lot more energy the rest of the day. So much so that after Hailey went down at 8:15, I was able to stay up with Hubbs for another 2 hours eating tomato soup and cheese toast, watching The Sing Off Christmas Special and decorating our big, beautiful tree!
It was a great reminder to myself that even though things are busy, doing something is certainly better than doing nothing and that it’s important for my health and my sanity to find time to get out and MOVE… even if it isn’t part of my ‘plan’.
Do you forgo workouts if you can’t get in what you planned?
Or do you try and squeeze a little something in?
blackhuff says
You are doing so great with your exercise and finding time to do with with a little baby. Well done.
Love that photo of you and your dog.
I do not forego my exercise at all – I always do a bit less if I am limited in time but will always do something.
Love the decorated tree.
The Linz (Beyond Destination 26.2) says
Glad you had a great 5 mile run!! I’m just happy with myself if I did something fitness related, even if it wasn’t the exact workout I had in mind. My outlook is doing something is better than doing nothing! And five miles is rocking!! Way to go. 🙂
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
It’s totally key to remember something is better than nothing! My son didn’t sleep well last night so I snuggled with him in bed this morning instead of working out, but I’m gonna try to do something on my lunch break instead. Great job mommy!
Jamie @ FoodinRealLife says
Great job! Sometimes I think it is good to just plan to do “something” instead of sticking to a concrete plan. It allows for lots of flexibility. Good for you for getting out there, I’m sure the cool air was nice and refreshing. Your tree is huge and beautiful, I can’t wait to have a real one again (this year it’s just not happening!)
Jen says
Great job, Brittany! I am SO impressed by how much exercise you’re getting. I fear I’ll never find time to run again.
Brittany says
You will, I promise! It just takes more creative planning… and a quality stroller. Can’t wait to see ya next week!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I know your post isn’t about your tree but it is really pretty and big!!! I love it.
Yelena (One Healthy Apple) says
Good for you! My theory is something is always better than nothing. I learned this in my first tri exhaustion and now that I’m feeling great, I still just make sure to move to keep myself and those around me sane 🙂
Lee says
Great job on the 5 miles!
Samantha @ Health, Happiness and Skinny Jeans says
I need to ge that bra!!
Sometimes I reschedule the whole workout and other times I squueze something in. It all depends on the day.
Awesome job on those 5 miles 🙂
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
5 miles, eh? Way to go! Good job sticking with the workouts and such. 🙂 I have 5 miles on the schedule for tomorrow too, so hopefully it goes well.
Sarah says
I feel so inspired! My fitness goal for today is to get in some yoga. Now I want to go for a walk, too! I don’t know if that’s going to happen today, but tomorrow, on my off-yoga day? You better believe I’ll be getting out there with my stroller and my little boy:-).
Brittany says
Oh I miss yoga… now you’ve inspired me to figure out a way to add it back into my life.
Roz says
OMG…that picture of Koda’s tongue is HILARIOUS!!! Glad you got out and about Brittany! Have a great weekend.
Sarah says
“All-or-nothing” is my worst enemy when it comes to workout plans. I 100% understand where you’re coming from. I’ve learned to plan on taking longer to get through those plans than they suggest. I work through each workout as I am able, not worrying if I only get 2 workouts in this week instead of the 3 prescribed. You’ll still get to that 10k!
Jill @ Just Focus Well says
Keep up the good workouts! That picture of your dog is awesome. Such a massive tongue!
Lauren says
I’ve definitely fallen victim to that all or nothing mentality. Something is always better than nothing – this applies to a lot more than diet and exercise! I think I’m finally over the, well I had 3 cookies, what’s a few more, problem. I think it’s harder with exercise, but definitely possible. I think it helps to plan to be flexible in advance.
Elizabeth @TheBareMidriff says
Awesome! I’ve used the term “wogging” for a long time now, but I didn’t know if anyone else would know what it meant – now I’ll proudly post about my wogging knowing that at least YOU will know what I mean! Where can I find out more about Couch to 10K?
Brittany says
YES! I love that you say wogging, too. I use it so much I forget it’s not a ‘real’ word and love when people give those “Whhaaaat did you just say’ looks 🙂
I use the Couch to 10k app on my iphone. It tells me when to walk and jog so I don’t have to watch the clock. However, I think if you google it, you can find the plan written down.
Simply Life says
I love your christmas tree!
kristin says
random question haha I was wondering what kind of breast pump you have? I’m 6 months pregnant and researching Ameda vs Medela and I’m so torn btwn the two! Medela has great reviews but the condensation/mold issue is skeeving me out, the Ameda has a closed system but I heard its loud and breaks more often…decisions decisions. I know you mentioned you pump sometimes so I was wondering what you reccomend?
Brittany says
I emailed ya!
MegSmith @ Cooking.In.College says
Good for you! Weird for my first comment on your blog to be about your bra but I LOVE it! I am obsessed with finding the perfect sports bra. I am sick of doubling up bras…
P.S. I am thoroughly impressed with your Couch to 10k plan during the holidays. You can do it…one day a week is better than nothing!
Jen says
tomato soup and cheese toast sounds ammmmazzzing. i am so impressed by your post-baby workout schedule. you are killing it!