Guest Post by Renee who blogs at Mother’s Raising Boys.
It’s been 9 months since I had a baby and I still I have an extra 30 lbs of fat baggage attached to me. It’s challenging to make the time to exercise with a baby added to the mix with other children. Now that its finally spring, I feel a re-birth of an old me. I’ve awakened to the dreams and goals I had of being an incredibly fit and healthy mom.
I distinctly recall the moment that would inspire my goals. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning in 1993. I had just returned from the local farmer’s market with the most incredible bunch of gladiolas and fresh fruits and vegetables. I was single and young and about to conquer my first attempt at making homemade pasta sauce. I sat down for a moment to watch TV and saw an interview with a woman who had just won an Ironwoman competition. I have no idea who she was, but she was 41 or 44 years old and the mother of three. The details are fuzzy now, but the impact it had on me is still the same. I saw her as someone I knew I wanted to be someday.
At the time I didn’t know if I’d have children or even ever marry for that matter. Now, 4 boys later, and closer to 40 than 30, I’m on a mission to get myself into the most incredible shape of my life. I want to be an example to my boys, and frankly I want to be a hot mom. I’m certain I’ll never win an Ironwoman, but I know I will attempt one sooner than later.
Two years ago, I ran my first half marathon, it was a terrific experience and I came away with a renewed love for running. I’m signed up for my next one in about three weeks. While I’ve been preparing MUCH more than I did for the previous race, I’m starting to get a little worried. Let’s just say that my goal the first time was to simply finish. I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t do much in the way of preparation (I never ran more than 5 miles before attempting the race) so I can’t complain about how I did. My time was 2:23. That’s what happens when you do something on a whim.
This time is completely different. I’ve been running regularly and making it part of my life. I think I’m ready to really focus and try to shed this extra baby weight. I want to show my boys that women are strong both mentally and physically and that I can do anything I set my mind to. Also, that health and fitness is a priority and that we respect ourselves by taking care to do what we know is important to keep us healthy. With all the crazy messages in the media that bombard our sons, I think it’s up to us to show them reality.
YOU GO RENEE. Hope you kick serious booty in the race!
2 responses so far ↓
1 Tiffany // May 20, 2009 at 2:29 pm
That is my personal goal as well – finish the Ironman – not win just finish!
Tiffanys last blog post..Birthday Party, Moving, Biking and Fox Family
2 ttfn300 // May 22, 2009 at 12:39 am
awesome! good luck
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