I can relate to this all too well. After hiding my scale bc it never is healthy to use it (for me), I make sure to focus on health and strength and longevity when I work out. I run and lift for my mental health first, and bonus physical benefits that will keep me able to care for my kids for as long as possible. As a single mom with little additional support, this is crucial.
This is great. I know that feeling really well: I need to get outside and walk around! I can't go for a good walk indoors, although I've improvised at a big hotel I was stuck at while it was raining outside (I can kind of get lost in an audiobook during times like these).
Sounds like you and your bike have become very good friends! Did you see biking taking on such an important role?
Well, my sister took me out for my first ride and told me I was gonna love it, so I had a pretty good idea. She was visiting from North Carolina, and we actually went out to the park I wrote about in this post, and I remember being on this one trail surrounded by green and whizzing past trees and thinking it was like being on vacation somewhere, not in the middle of my city.
Thanks for the mention Kristi! I run to alleviate anxiety and clear the mental webs; physical benefits are a side benefit. I agree, getting outside is so much better.
My fitness is motivated by my desire for health and to age well. I guess I am fortunate in this regard because I can do it as a 'normie'. My addiction was wine, not dieting, so I do know what it feels like not to be a 'normie'.
My exercise hang up is different - I live in a mountain town (where it sounds like you would fit in perfectly Kristi!) and my family and friends are constantly hanging off of some mountain. They are on their skis, bikes, ropes or boots...you name it. I am not like that. I would rather read and write. I have spent the last 27 years thinking I'm not good enough because I'm not outside doing all the things like everyone around me. It's only recently (I'm 57) that I am becoming more ok with my own style of exercising and being outside.
Sorry, I know this is off topic but you asked about exercise and also I love the pic of you in Moab! And it made me think "oh my new friend is just like my other friends and family!!" but I mean that in the best possible way.
Also, I know there is a shadow part of me that wants to BE that outdoor fitness amazing uber person, I greatly admire it.
Haha. This made my day to be counted as a new friend! And it sounds like your mountain town would be right up my alley.
I love reading and writing too, but the need to exercise impacted even that. There just isn’t enough time in the day for all of the hobbies and interests!
I can relate to this all too well. After hiding my scale bc it never is healthy to use it (for me), I make sure to focus on health and strength and longevity when I work out. I run and lift for my mental health first, and bonus physical benefits that will keep me able to care for my kids for as long as possible. As a single mom with little additional support, this is crucial.
I love this. When I was a runner, I felt the same way. The mental benefits were great. I just got hurt too much running.
Oh I know that day may come for me, so I run slowly and in smallish increments. But I also love rock climbing, which I think maybe you do also?
same with the mental health running ;)
My motivation is two-fold: I want to age well, which means being the best I can be given my circumstances, and not be a burden to my children.
I feel this so much as well. I really do believe an active life is the key to longevity and aging well.
This is great. I know that feeling really well: I need to get outside and walk around! I can't go for a good walk indoors, although I've improvised at a big hotel I was stuck at while it was raining outside (I can kind of get lost in an audiobook during times like these).
Sounds like you and your bike have become very good friends! Did you see biking taking on such an important role?
Well, my sister took me out for my first ride and told me I was gonna love it, so I had a pretty good idea. She was visiting from North Carolina, and we actually went out to the park I wrote about in this post, and I remember being on this one trail surrounded by green and whizzing past trees and thinking it was like being on vacation somewhere, not in the middle of my city.
Isn't that incredible? Like, you can still be in Austin, but you're seeing the green blue yonder everywhere you look. Richmond is a lot like that.
It's magical when it's green, but it's been brown and dusty all summer. Lunar conditions right now.
way less magic. Still, more than my living room most days!
Thanks for the mention Kristi! I run to alleviate anxiety and clear the mental webs; physical benefits are a side benefit. I agree, getting outside is so much better.
I like that phrase... mental webs. I've got some of those, too. Lol.
My fitness is motivated by my desire for health and to age well. I guess I am fortunate in this regard because I can do it as a 'normie'. My addiction was wine, not dieting, so I do know what it feels like not to be a 'normie'.
My exercise hang up is different - I live in a mountain town (where it sounds like you would fit in perfectly Kristi!) and my family and friends are constantly hanging off of some mountain. They are on their skis, bikes, ropes or boots...you name it. I am not like that. I would rather read and write. I have spent the last 27 years thinking I'm not good enough because I'm not outside doing all the things like everyone around me. It's only recently (I'm 57) that I am becoming more ok with my own style of exercising and being outside.
Sorry, I know this is off topic but you asked about exercise and also I love the pic of you in Moab! And it made me think "oh my new friend is just like my other friends and family!!" but I mean that in the best possible way.
Also, I know there is a shadow part of me that wants to BE that outdoor fitness amazing uber person, I greatly admire it.
Haha. This made my day to be counted as a new friend! And it sounds like your mountain town would be right up my alley.
I love reading and writing too, but the need to exercise impacted even that. There just isn’t enough time in the day for all of the hobbies and interests!
I hear you about the time crunch:)