New Year Resolutions and Exercise

I know, I know.  It’s almost February (already) and here I am belatedly banging on about the new year and resolutions.

But hold on.

I speak from the heart.

I don’t do new year resolutions because I think we could do without putting ourselves under unnecessary pressure at this time of year especially when our resolutions tend to be of the deprivation kind – you know dry January, no chocolate, diets and the like.

I think we need to be kind to ourselves so I made two promises (not resolutions) for 2016. The first one is hobby related and the second is to complete a 10k.

My hobby is tripping me up a little as I had a very exciting and extremely satisfying 6 or 7 months last year where I seemed to be on a roll. 

The joy!  I cannot tell you.

I know all about swings and roundabouts, ebbs and flows and it seems I am experiencing a definite ebb at the moment.  But I am all about looking on the bright side which brings me to my 10k plan.

Which is within reach and absolutely doable.

Over the last few years, once winter set in I had to stop running save for the weekends.  But I am the kind of person who, if I don’t do something consistently, I will talk myself out of doing it – laziness sets in – so I would only run every other weekend or whenever I felt like it.  Which like I said wasn’t that often.

Then Smallest Boy started Montessori last September and I made it my mission to get out and run four mornings a week, taking Friday off and if possible, run on Saturday.

And I did it.  With sheer pleasure and utter joy, I did it.   It was never a chore.  Wind, rain, sleet or cold I hit the road every morning with the dog and ran my circuit. 

It has been the best winter ever.  

Someone wise and with a doctorate reported last year that in order to keep the winter blues at bay, we should be striving for at least 15 minutes of natural daylight, preferably in the morning, during the winter months.

Another box ticked. 

My run comes before everything else; coffee mornings, getting the groceries, writing, housework (especially housework) and laundry.

Running became, was and still is, my top priority.

Now it is 2016 and I have a 10k in my sights.   Just for me.  I have already extended my runs as part of my training. 

It is the most enjoyable part of the day.

This is my one ask of you for 2016.  Take up some form of exercise.  You can walk, swim, cycle, just get out there for a half an hour every day and soak up the bleak winter weather.

I guarantee you will not regret it.  If you can sit around in front of Facebook for hours on end, equally the television or have your phone in your hand at all times, you can easily find the time to go for a walk.

Disclaimer:  I love Facebook.  I don’t watch television but I am in front of Facebook enough to make up for that so I am not preaching.   All I’m saying is, pretty soon, maybe not after a week, but definitely after a month you will be addicted. 

It is singularly the best thing you can do for yourself.  Take the time to fit some exercise into your day. 

I think everything else follows after that. You will naturally want to drink more (stick to water!) and your appetite will improve. For the better. 

On a subconscious level you will be loathe to ruin the efforts of exercise with junk food.  But don’t give that up either.  Everyone needs something bold at least once a day.  Keep your treat for your morning cuppa or for when the kids are in bed. 

Some days you might not even want it.  Don’t believe me?

Try it and see!

Twice!!

P.S.   Did you know you can train for and complete a 5k in 6 weeks?  Yes, you can.

Did you know it takes about 4 weeks for you to notice your body changing and 8 weeks for everyone else to.  Yes, it does. 

Did you know that walking has hit the headlines recently with the claim that it is the best form exercise?  Yes, it has. 

And finally, did you know you can do it?   Yes, you can!