Exercising as a Family
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I am participating in the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. I missed E, so today is E and F combined.
Back in college, I took the course to become a certified aerobics instructor. At that point, I taught three or more classes a week of step aerobics and kickboxing. Couple that with my pre-baby age, weight, and metabolism, and I was in fabulous shape.
After I had Miss Sassy Pants, I realized how important it was to be healthy before and during a pregnancy (I spent the better part of my pregnancy with her eating sub sandwiches and drinking rootbeer — daily). I swore that I would be a “marathon runner” before I had my next child.
During my pregnancy with the Animal, I was healthier, but I was in no way any kind of marathon runner. Then, with Flash, I was even more aware of how I was treating my body. I started the pregnancy overweight but probably gained the least and looked the best with him.
So, naturally, after having Flash, I was determined to get in to good shape. We aren’t done with babies yet, so I want to be sure that I’m in really good shape before we launch into our last pregnancy — especially considering I’ll be a full ten years older than I was when I had Miss Sassy Pants.
I started running with the Couch to 5k program a little before I had the Animal. My friends at work were running regularly, and I assumed it couldn’t be too hard. I had never been a runner before, but if others were doing it I could too!
It was hard. Really hard. I started just running up and down the (basically uninhabited) road behind my house hoping no one would see me.
Three years later, and I have a little more confidence. I’m out running the neighborhood and participating in 5ks.
My sister and I have a goal to run 14 5ks this year (using the #14in2014 goal), and suddenly Miss Sassy Pants wants to run the Fun Runs.
I’m pumped that I have somehow inspired at least two people in my family to go out and move! Because we do it as a family, we have more bonding time and experiences. We also at least know ONE friendly face at the starting line.
What do you do as a family to get moving?
We have to get Ms. Sassy Pants to talk to my daughter about the running. If she would even try with me I know I would never stop only to show her it can be done. I hope you will share more about how to get kids active and moving.
I keep just forcing her to go with me. Heehee. 🙂
Tonight she has promised to go with me on my run. I will keep it slow and hopefully she will go again next time. Will let you know.
Wondering if you’ve tried again?
I love me that Couch to 5K program. It is what I used to get myself into running. DD so far has no interest in running but she tries to do burpees or other inside exercises with me. Sometimes she will remind me it’s time to workout so I’m hoping that will stay with her as she grows up.
If it wasn’t for that C25k – where I felt that I was successful – I know I wouldn’t be running at all today. Burpees are fun to kids — what’s with that? 🙂
We go for walks on summer evenings. I wish we did more.
I love walks in the summer. I wish we did more as a whole family, too.
My son is still young, but he likes to be our stroller running buddy. It’s great to see him recognize exercise as a fun activity.
I love your 14 in 2014 goal! Great job. I hope to get in some more runs this year too.
You are doing such a great job with your distance! You should totally do some more races.
So awesome your daughter wants to run with you. I cannot wait to hear all the stories about all your races in 2014. You are inspiring me to continue
Thanks, Monica! Are you doing 14in2014 too?
Love that you are getting to run together, I love seeing families take part in races together – great job
Thanks, Sarah! I’m super pumped that she’s sticking with it!
A new gym recently opened in my area and I joined with my teenage daughter. It’s hard to bond with a hormonal teenager, so I’m thankful for our time at the gym. We laugh and challenge each other – and I love it!
I’m glad you all have found a way to bond — I can’t imagine what the teenage years will be like when we get there!