Nailed It

Posted on | August 27, 2012 | 18 Comments

I ran my second 5K this weekend. It was hard but I can see (and feel) how it is getting a tiiiiny bit easier each time. I’m not ready to jump to a 10K yet, I think another 5K is in order first. I like signing up for future 5Ks because it (kinda) ensures that I’ll keep running. Because let’s be honest, keeping up an exercise regimen can be super annoying and terrible. Sometimes I want to sit on the couch. Sometimes I want to sleep in. And sometimes (lots of times) I have a massive hangover. And the thing I’ve learned is, it’s okay to take a day off. I can allow myself that and I try not to obsess about it. But I always try to stop it at one because two can quickly become a habit for this lady. And the truth is, I never regret working up a sweat. In fact, I always feel better afterwards. Instead of dreading it and thinking of it as something that I hate, I try to think about working out as a gift to myself. Sounds lame and self-helpy but I do think it’s true.

I’m thinking of joining the public pool so I can start swimming laps. I’ve learned I need to mix it up and constantly be challenged or I get bored. And a bored Amy is never a good thing. What’s your exercise regimen? Do you need to mix it  up constantly? Or have you found a tried and true formula that works for you?

Comments

18 Responses to “Nailed It”

  1. Deanna (Silly Goose Farm)
    August 27th, 2012 @ 3:34 pm

    Looking great lady! You look like you’ve got some guns in that picture.

    I wish I made more time for exercise. I fell off the wagon and I’m trying to incorporate it back in (trying to drop 30ish pounds). Lately my routine is running after kids and pushing the double-stroller filled with about 60lbs of children up the massive hill at my house (about 2miles round trip) to get some produce I don’t grow in my garden from a neighboring farmer (I do it 3-4 times a week). Otherwise, I try to power walk or jog on the treadmill I have at home or do a Jillian Michaels workout DVD (which totally kicks my ass).

    Keep up the great work!

  2. Amy@OldSweetSong
    August 27th, 2012 @ 3:39 pm

    @Deanna – Sounds like you’ve got a pretty legit plan, lady? And the seriousness of the guns are misleading in this pic.

    Good luck with your weight loss. Keep it up!

  3. K
    August 27th, 2012 @ 3:50 pm

    Way to go! Running can be a pain in the ass (literally), but the more you commit to it, and the more you run consistently, it gets better and easier. 6 months ago, I struggled to do more than 2 or 3, but this morning I ran 9+ without a hitch. Keep it up, and keep your playlist fresh! Good tunes = good runs!

  4. Amy@OldSweetSong
    August 27th, 2012 @ 3:53 pm

    @K – Dude. You are so right about the playlist. I think it might be the single most important element. And nine miles sounds INSANE. I’m getting better, for sure. But I don’t know that I’ll ever be that serious. Good on you.

  5. Jen
    August 27th, 2012 @ 7:02 pm

    Congrats on the 5K!

    Stumbled on your blog last week and think you are hilarious – particularly some of the dating posts :)

    To help motivate myself for working out, I use RunKeeper and link that to EarndIt. You can earn points redeemable for giftcards at fitness-y based websites. But my latest love has been GymPact, which financially penalizes you if you skip a workout you committed to. You won’t make millions, but you might be able to buy yourself a Lululemon headband.

  6. Nicole
    August 27th, 2012 @ 7:31 pm

    Mixing it all up is a must for me! And it took way too many years to understand that.

    Currently in rotation: yoga, jogging, some weights and swimming in the pool with my family on weekends.

    I mix those up over the course every few weeks. Otherwise, I just get bored and stop everything.

  7. Amy@OldSweetSong
    August 27th, 2012 @ 8:01 pm

    @Nicole – Glad to know I’m not alone in this. I just started heading south on the West Side Highway instead of my usual north and it has been a very welcome change.

  8. Karen
    August 27th, 2012 @ 8:23 pm

    GUN SHOW.

  9. Amy@OldSweetSong
    August 27th, 2012 @ 8:27 pm

    @Karen – I like you, Karen Bernhardt. I like you quite a bit.

  10. Meg
    August 28th, 2012 @ 1:00 am

    I came across your blog a wee bit ago (and love it). Pool-time can=fun time. Long distance swimming has been the go-to de-stressor/cross trainer since high school, in my life. This site is k-nifty if you’re just starting out: http://www.active.com/swimming/Articles/Swimming-Workouts.htm
    Add to your game:fins, pull buoys, and hand paddles…neat gear, on the cheap + treading water in between= perfect workout!
    The jump for joy photo is classic (and far more graceful than my 5k finishes). Congrats, miss!!

  11. Amy@OldSweetSong
    August 28th, 2012 @ 1:08 am

    @Meg – Thank you! I will definitely check that site out. I’m getting all excited. Dork.

  12. Lesley Coleman
    August 28th, 2012 @ 4:11 am

    Man, you turned an awesome moment into an awesome photo. That’s the happiest piece of art I’ve seen. It should be on someone’s wall. If not your fridge. I love it!

  13. Amy@OldSweetSong
    August 28th, 2012 @ 11:53 am

    @Lesley Coleman – Well. I have an incredibly talented photographer to thank. She perfectly captured the moment.

  14. The Savory and The Beautiful
    August 28th, 2012 @ 4:46 pm

    I’m now trying to put something together that is soooo convenient that I don’t even have to try hard. I realize when i force myself to work out 5 times a week I only stick to it for 3 weeks or so and then i burn out. But i like your tip, only going with one day of rest in between. Oh and I used to run a few years back, and i started with 5k’s and worked my way up to a marathon. I saved all my bibs…lol. Keep running chica, you just inspired me to sign up for a race.

  15. Amy@OldSweetSong
    August 28th, 2012 @ 5:00 pm

    @The Savory and The Beautiful – Wow. Can’t believe you ran a marathon. Everyone keeps saying I’ll get there but I don’t see it happening. I’m not really into the whole 26 miles thing. Maaaaybe a 10K. We’ll see… Good luck with your race!

  16. Shoko
    August 30th, 2012 @ 1:20 pm

    Congrats, Amy! That’s amazing!

  17. Abbey
    September 6th, 2012 @ 7:49 pm

    seriously, you rock!!!!! You look so beautiful and pumped in that photo.

  18. Amy@OldSweetSong
    September 6th, 2012 @ 8:39 pm

    @Abbey – Thank you! It was a treat to see your lovely face and abode on Cup of Jo today. I’m very jealous of your beautiful space.

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