Insert picture of me running like a graceful gazelle here…

 

I decided that I needed to come up with some sort of a new fitness plan.

Because “Make sure that I’m (more than 20 weeks) pregnant for my 10 year reunion so that no one notices that I have actually gotten chubbier- they just think it’s because of the baby” is the plan that I was going with so far.  And it is probably not the best.

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Thus, I began my new running routine.

And by running I mean jogging.

And by jogging I mean sometimes walking.

Basically, I am following these guidelines.

And- surprise!- it is actually going swimmingly! (joggingly? too much?)

I am about 5 weeks in and, despite all of my past exercise-criticism, I have to say that I – gasp!- kind of enjoy it!

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Let me explain.  My days, although deeply wonderful and fulfilling, are also exhausting and filled with bodily fluids.

My children cling to me like monkeys, and if I have to hear “watch a movie? watch a movie? watch a movie?” one more time, someone is getting it.

So, when evening rolls around a nice run (jog/walk) sounds like a mini vacation.

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My secret:

The first half of my run, I envision that I am actually running AWAY FROM MY FAMILY!  And I love it! 

I imagine those little anemone-arms clinging to my legs, the poop that I keep finding (yes, finding), and the spit-up that covers every surface.  

I picture the dishes and the laundry and those pesky showers that still won’t clean themselves and I

ESCAAAAAAPE!  through the neighborhood.

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Then, at a certain point in my workout (usually when I start to think “hmmm…I might pass out.  This sucks!’) I turn around.

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And then, I am running HOME TO MY FAMILY.

Back to my sweet babies who might be crying for me and needing me to hold them. (Joseph is known to ask if he can “Tell mommy ‘I love you?’”over and over when I’m not there for bedtime.)

Back to their sweet little smiles and their soft cheeks.

Back to my darling husband who is waiting to ask me “how did it go?” and then listen sympathetically as I flop on the ground panting and complain about my knees, shins, lungs, thighs, etc.

For some reason, I feel like I can’t get there fast enough.

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So, that is my secret to success (so far!) in this get-fit scheme.

And thank goodness!

Because heaven knows I am not giving up chocolate.