Today was my first day all alone with Brooke. I was kind of nervous about this because my MIL did everything for me (from cooking to putting my socks on) while she was here and I didn’t think I could do it all without her but I did!
During her nap #1we went to the apartment gym for a walk and I read an old Running Times while staring at the beautiful pool.
All that pool staring made me want to eat lunch at the pool during nap #2.
Brooke loved every second of her outside nap in the shade with fresh air. I am in fact a mind reader. Her cheeks have actually turned into my favorite things in the whole wide world.
Last Tuesday my MIL and I were on our treadmills next to each other chatting away while she ran and I walked. We started talking about consistency when it comes to exercise and how to get to the point that it just becomes part of your day. It feels like it is a million times easier to just stay in shape and create an exercise habit than constantly taking breaks from working out and trying to get back in shape. That was definitely one of my reasons for continuing exercise throughout my pregnancy even when the last thing I wanted to do was strap on my belly bra and hit the roads. I knew that if I stayed consistent with getting my blood pumping and keeping some muscle that it would be so much easier to bounce back after having Brooke.
I started thinking about when, why and where I learned exercise consistency from. .
My cutest sister is 7 years older than me and I worshipped (still do) the ground she walked on. I wanted to be just like her and copied everything that she did. When she was 16 she started to workout everyday with one rest day a week. She would do the FIRM videos (please tell me you remember those), run, rollerblade, and do some form of physical activity every day. It just seemed normal from what I saw her do to stay consistent with my workout routines.
(She is going to love that I posted this picture of us after our Halloween 1/2 Marathon in our sweet homemade piñata costumes. In case you are wondering, running with piñata hats on is actually very easy and fun).
From the time I really remember I grew up seeing her working out everyday. I grew up thinking that is just what you do. You wake up, brush your teeth, eat a piece of toast and get in your workout before you go to school or work. I started doing this too when I was about 16 (my friends and I used to go to a step class before school at the rec center) and hopefully I will stay consistent for the rest of my life (although I am REALLY enjoying this break and my mornings with Brooke). Obviously if you want to get faster, go farther and feel fitter than you have to practice consistency but I was wondering….
What makes you continue to be consistent with your workouts right now? Training for a race, it is ingrained in your brain that working out is something you do, you know your day will be so much better if you get a workout in, you care a lot about your health, vanity? What makes you stay consistent?
Who in your life has been an example for you to workout? Who first planted the seed in your head to run or exercise?
Where did you eat lunch today? Home, work, school, somewhere else?
97 comments
Deirdre @ Oh Well Whatever
Great post and so true. I am not consistent and I wish I could get to that state. I seem to be in the never-ending “starting again” phase and it sucks. Not sure when I will be at a point in my life where it can be an easy daily routine but hopefully I will get there.
I admire you!
I had lunch at my desk working – every day ; (
Kristie
Same with me. I am consistent for a couple weeks, then drop it for a month, then consistent for a month or two, then not for a couple weeks and each time I start back up it SUCKS. I too am hoping to make it a part of my daily routine instead of a “requirement”.
Robyn
Im training for my first half marathon so that has been keeping me running :)
Kathee
When my kids were little, going out for a brisk walk every morning (This was before I started running) before my husband went to work was very necessary for me to face my day, small children and being a stay at home mom. Hardest job ever. Now I know it is important to keep my sanity! I didn’t eat lunch, I had brunch and ate some dark chocolate covered acai berries for a snack. They are super addictive!
My examples are my parents! They are 78 and 80. My dad walks 2 miles 3 times a week at the mall (teehee) and my mom has always swam in her swim spa. She can hardly walk from a childhood vs tree injury, but still manages to exercise. My dad is the same weight he was in high school. They are awesome!
emma
Hey Janae! Brooke is just the cutest thing ever! As you know, I’m still growing my little man but only 7 weeks to go….!!! Like you, I’ve been exercising throughout my pregnancy, although this last week I’ve noticed that running is giving me major discomfort and I’ve had to make the most of the stair climber and elliptical. Since I was 6 years old, I’ve been active most days. Starting with dance, I trained most days a week and added running in when I went to high school. Nowadays, I feel all wrong if I’m not active! I’ve dropped my workouts down to 4 a week to see me through the last weeks of pregnancy but I hope to return to my 5-6 per week once I’ve had our baby and get into some form of routine.
My exercise idol, I guess, is the former prima ballerina of the Royal Ballet. I watched a TV programme about her when I was younger and remember thinking that I wanted to dance like her and must therefore train most days. When I got into running, the same discipline was applied and as a result, I’ve definitely become accustomed to the regular dose of endorphins that exercise provides…..maybe that’s why pregnancy has been a struggle for me some days….
Anyway sweetie, it’s great to see you doing so well. You look amazing and your daughter is beautiful. Let me know your new address and I’ll send you some more Percy Pigs from the UK. I’m in the same place on twitter :-)
Big hugs! X X X
Emily
Great post! I find that if I don’t have that consistency, I fall off the bandwagon and it is twice as hard to get back on. Right now, I am at the in- between because of my asthma… I just can’t get back to feeling 100% for some reason (allergies, crazy weather), but I know that if I stick with it, my lungs will feel 19,000 times better.
I had lunch at work, a croissant ham and turkey sandwich and some Doritos.. of course. :)
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling
I got into exercise (consistently) a little over two years ago, the summer before my senior year of high school. I followed a plan I found in Seventeen Magazine, and stuck with it for the six-weeks. After that I added exercise into my daily routine and from there I guess the rest is history ;) Working out has just become part of my day and when I don’t do it, I feel like I’m missing something. Of course there are days when I don’t feel like exercising, but after I get the workout done, I feel 10xs better.
mountain girl heidi
I can be consistent with running, because all I have to do is get dressed and step out my front door. I am not at all consistent with my gym workouts like weight lifting and cross-training. That requires more time, driving, and planning. While training for marathon #2 and 50k #1, I try to get to the gym once a week to lift, but the last few weeks it hasn’t happened. I hope to get back with consistency once my races are done and I can refocus my exercise goals.
My mom first planted the seeds of running when I was a freshman in high school in a new town and state. I joined cross-country and ran all four years. However, these days my dad is the one I “talk running” with in my family. He is an avid runner as well.
Lauren
So great that you’re walking with Brooke there. I think healthy habits totally rub off. My mother has walked or done strength training every morning that I can remember and I grew up always walking. I had some weight issues but still walked or ran daily. When I was pregnant I had trouble running but walked my booty off 7 miles a day (although that was more for my huge doggies.) Being active is just what I do now; it’s how my family is now that we have a young son. We bike together, hike together, and mainly stay active together. Its good for body, mind and soul.
Nikki
Let me know when that little peanut is ready for the jogging stroller and I will come join you ladies for a run! I live fairly close to you and have a flexible schedule so keep me in mind when you are ready to hit the roads again :-)
Kelly Sites
I’ve been working out since I was about 10 years old- in one way or another ( played softball and played basketball at age 10) and I saw my parents being very active- we always took bike rides together etc. Then when I was a teen I was still involved in softball and sports, cheerleading, and activity. I started working out to Jane Fonda videos (smile) and loved how it made me feel. I’m now 46 years old and still am very consistent with working out 5-6 days a week. I still play softball on a competitive team, run, and do weights. I love the energy I feel, I love how it makes me look, and I DON’T LOVE how I feel when I don’t work out…so that is what keeps me going. I think developing the habits early on- having good role models (like your sister, and my parents) were what got me going.
Renee
I’m not as consistent as I ought be now…since I’m out of running until after baby. But races definitely motivate me to stay consistent and starting again sucks. So I’d rather not do that. My dad used to run every day over his lunch hour and seeing that definitely has been an example for me.
I ate my pb&j in front of the computer today.
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
I agree that consistency is key. I pop out of bed when my alarm goes off and try not to give myself too much time to think about whether or not I want to go on a run because the more I think about it, the better staying in bed sounds. It’s just easier to just do it and not think about it. That, and training for a marathon is what’s keeping me going.
And I totally remember those Firm videos…I had some sort of a cardio dance workout one that I used to do all the time in high school. I loved it.
Sandy
Brooke is just the cutest thing! Sorry your MIL had to leave since she was spoiling everyone so much! I am so in love with those pinata costumes! I swear I am so going to copy that costume this year!!
If I have a race on the schedule that keeps me motivated and committed so I try to keep something on the schedule at all times! I never saw anyone in my family exercise to be honest which is probably why I want to!
Erin Wawok
I needed to read this post today! I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently because I am SO inconsistent. Currently, I’m pushing my heaviest weight (which is really way too heavy. It’s disgusting to think about.) and cannot get it through my head to exercise consistently. I just always forget to factor it in until the last minute, and then I really have no time. My parents were NOT consistent exercisers when I was growing up, so I didn’t know how important it was (I’m not even sure I do now!) and can’t get it ingrained in my head to just do it even when I don’t want to. And the sad thing- I had a revelation yesterday that the only part of my physical makeup I don’t like is my weight (I like my eyes, my stature, my boobs, my feet, etc). Unlike other body insecurities, I can actually do something about mine and I just DON’T most of the time… Sigh, I’m frustrated in case you can’t tell. But hey, knowing these things is the first step to making a change. I have not given up trying, and I never will. I just hope one day I can look at this time of my life and say that I’ve made progress. Between you and SkinnyRunner, I have awesome examples to look up to and mimic. I obviously have no excuses ;)
Rebecca
I train for races to stay consistent. We used to call my grandma “marathon woman” because she was always running and exercising. That had a huge impact on me.
For lunch I had a veggie pattie in some chia pita bread and some grapes. Followed by two bowls of cereal!
Chels R.
I think my mom was the one that ingrained it in my head to workout from a young age. I was fairly active when I was young and took lots of dance classes, then as a teen I was involved in track and field (even though I was NOT very good!) What made me consistent with fitness is losing my college weight (mostly from diet, not so much exercise) then keeping the weight off by running and going to the gym. It really does become a part of your lifestyle…like breathing, it’s just something you do…for your mood, for your body, for your health. I love that it’s something that I do for me and it’s something that I set aside to do to take care of myself so that I can be there for others.
I love the pinata costumes!
HilJo
I want to be consistent so bad, but right now I have to teach myself to take complete rest from all activity. The Dr thinks I have a femoral neck stress fracture, so I will have to build a new habit once I am clear to go again…which will be just in time for winter when I need the force of habit to get me out the door!! haha…oh boy.
Janae
I am truly so sorry about your stress fracture. I completely understand how tough that is and I am always here to vent to!
HilJo
Thanks a million! I havent been a reader for too long, but I have read lots of your stress fracture/dealing with injury posts, and they have been super helpful to keep me positive and know that, regardless of how it seems right now, I WILL recover and can come back strong from an injury. So thank you already :) I guess this is a good example of different seasons in life…sigh. (I hope it is not a very long season lol)
wendy
When you get older (I’m 51) it’s WAY easier to stay in shape than to get back in shape. I’ve seen too many people stop exercising and have physical health go down hill fast. A few years ago I didn’t run much during the winter (we live up north), and in the spring it was really hard to get my mileage back up (whereas a few weeks after having my kids I could peel off several miles right away) even though I’m a middle school band director, so I get a lot of exercise in my job. It’s not the same as training. I’ve never taken a winter off since. If you just keep running, your physical fitness and mental well-being stay in tact. Keep it up for sure! You will appreciate how much more physical and mental energy you have to make it through the day with kids!!
Robin
Wendy- I live in the mountains of Colorado at about 10,000 feet with very snowy winters. I always take winters off from running outside, but I’m really hoping to run outside this winter, for the sake of consistency. With that goal in mind, I’m looking to stock up with winter-friendly running gear. Do you have any recommendations on gear?
wendy
Hi Robin,
I guess September got away from me :o). In the winter I make sure everything near my body is wick so that I don’t freeze when I sweat. I always wear a hat (you can buy them so your ponytail sticks out at running stores), spandex and sometimes gortex over the spandex on my legs. I wear about 3 layers on top, and if it’s horrible, a Land’s End squall jacket over that. I wear a ski gaiter on my neck that I can pull up over my face if need be, and sunglasses. Usually just my nose pokes out. So, I borrow a lot from the ski closet. Hope that helps.
Wendy
Sara @ Running in Pink
I could love and agree with this post more – if you make working out a part of your routine it just happens. There can’t be any “well not today” if it’s just another part of your day.
I’m not sure where I learned this from, maybe it just sort of happened, but I’m happy it did.
IDK My BFF Jes
I love the post topic! I’m always telling the girls at work that if they canturn it into a habbit then it’ll get better!
I guess I’m motivated by vanity, healthy, and races. Yeah, I want to look good duh! Working out keeps me healthy – added bonus! And I like the personal challenge that a race holds.
I don’t really have an example of of someone who consistently works out. But I hope to be that example for those around me. In high school we worked out in cheerleading either by dancing, stunting, or hitting the track & weight room. Then in college I knew that I didn’t want to gain the freshman 15 (which I probably wouldn’t have since I didn’t drink and living off campus improved my food quality)…but anyway. Now I just feel weird if I don’t. It keeps me calm and relaxed. And sometimes it’s even fun! I love going to the gym and seeing familiar faces. And you know what? Sorry I’m not sorry that I’d rather go to the gym for my Saturday morning pump & jam so I don’t want to go out drinking Friday night.
I ate at work: tuna packet, wheat thins, and strawberries.
Running Girl
I still use my Firm video (okay, DVD) – it’s Power Yoga, & I love it! :-)
I played sports in school. My dad was a high school football coach, & we were “required” to play one sport per season, minus summer. Being fit & active was just part of our lives. I struggled to get into a routine once I started working after college, & again after having kids. Signing up for my first ever 5K last winter did the trick & I’m back & feeling like an athlete again. My dad continues to be a superstar mountain biker with his brother (just like you & your adorable sister!) & my mom is fit as well. It’s a great source of inspiration.
Cory Reese
Two things help me be consistent:
1) Having a training plan to keep me on track
2) Cinnamon rolls from Maverik Gas Station are AMAZING. My running helps justify consuming large quantities of sugar and frosting.
Your pinata costumes are so awesome!
Sarah
This is a great topic! I also believe in the importance of maintaing consistency. I run 4 miles every morning and save my long runs for the weekend. Its just a part of my day. Like brushing my teeth. I do it to clear my mind. It helps me prep for the day and gives me SO much more energy than coffee ever could. I look at it like this: To run 4 miles every morning is anywhere between 31 and 34 minutes for me. That is such an easy amount of time to squeeze in activity before work. I feel a thousand times more refreshed throughout the day if I take that 30 or so minutes to clear my mind, truly wake up, and take in the world :D I just love how at peace I feel those early morning runs while the world is still so quiet. While training, I add in speed work and longer runs on the weekends. This really works for me and helps me maintain balance. I have to say though…. Runners are of a different breed. People that don’t run look at running 2, 4, 8, 10 miles as a terrible, painful chore. But when you’ve been running long enough, it’s a PART of you. It’s a joy and teaches you mental discipline . I LOVED that article you posted from Running Times written by that high school runner, ‘Why I Run’. It really resonated with me too! It’s just a different mind set I suppose. And I feel like Blessed that I have two legs that I can use that allow me to experience so much joy in running :)
Kari @ Running Ricig
My family has always been pretty active. A lot of our vacations involved lots of biking, hiking, and walking. My mom has always been really fit, going to the gym and walking all the time. Now she bikes next to me while I do my long runs on Saturdays (and then she goes for a real ride afterwards). She’s definitely my example. I bet you’ll be a great one for Brooke!
Heather @ Run Eat Play
My step grandma asked me to do the Muddy Buddy with her about 4 years ago and I have been exercising every day since!
Erin
Good question!! It made me think about a lot of different areas of motivation… I think my primary reason is wanting to stay healthy because my mom died young from being unhealthy. But, after a long road to recovery after a femoral stress fracture (it was a really bad one and I barely moved for eight months) I think I was craving working out just on a physical and emotional level like nobody’s business. These days, my husband and I motivate each other so we can remain healthy together!! PS: love all the pictures and updates of adorable Brooke!!!
Brandi
I think it’s so great that you maintained your running while you were pregnant! Love the Firm!! :)
Amanda N
I think you really hit the nail on the head. Consistency is a big deal when it comes to your health and fitness, and that goes for healthy eating not just working out and exercising. I think a lot of people are in a vicious cycle of diet/exercise to lose weight/get fit because they don’t make it a part of their everyday life, but just when they need to get the “job done” if you will.
My parents are not active but were always healthy eaters and are fairly healthy because of that. Even though they weren’t the greatest examples they started my sister and I in dance at the age of 3 and we both continued it through college, so we led active lives. After college I didn’t really exercise even though my fiancé/husband was a very active runner. Running was not my thing even though I tried to make it my thing in college and failed.
After 2 years of not really exercising, and taking zumba on and off I decided to join a running group and started reading more healthy living blogs than just recipe blogs. Best idea ever. I am proud to now call myself a runner and love signing up for races and seeing what my body is capable of. I’m working on getting strength training in there too. I’ve made exercising a habit and I’m sticking to it!
Amanda N
Sorry for the super abnormally long comment! haha
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale
Amazing post!! I truly believe that our parents/family form the foundations of our health perceptions from a very young age. I know that when I was younger, we always did some kind of activity after dinner during the summer, and during the winter, we were signed up for swimming lessons and did lots of playing outdoors. This has completely founded in me the FUN that exercise can be.
Nowadays, I am training for a half-marathon, so that keeps me consistent, but training is also my stress relief. I find that when I don’t get my workout in (other than on my planned rest day), I am a MAJORLY crabby bear. I love treating my body well mentally and physically, and getting my workout in does exactly that. :)
Stephanie
What a great topic! I realized this past year if I don’t work out, I don’t get my endorphins for the day and I am grouchy. If I work out in the morning, I am in the most wonderful mood all day but I can’t always get up early enough in the morning. I also go to kickboxing after work which makes me have something to look forward to at the end of the day. I have been the most consistent with exercise this past year. My boyfriend is the best example because he fits in a workout every day after work for strength training. (And I am getting him into running once a week too! ;) ) I also try to workout every day to be a good example for my parents and sister, to encourage them to practice consistent exercise!! :)
Naomi M
Its probably a combination of everything you said that keeps me consistent in working out everyday. My parents always had us signed up for some sort of physical activity since we were little that we would continue all growing up. They also exercised everyday and our family activities would consistent of hikes, mountain biking, biking, walks, etc. When I don’t get some sort of activity in, even if its just a walk, I go crazy and am not pleasant to be around. Plus, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t burn the calories to eat extra ;)
Breanna
My consistency comes from a lot of different places. I love racing, so I am training currently but I think a lot of it comes from pure enjoyment as well. Nothing makes me happier than putting on a cute workout outfit and getting out there for a run. I think of every step as a blessing and I truly just have fun!! (: Being in good shape is a nice side effect though (;
My example for exercise has always been my parents. My parents were very into health and fitness as I was growing up. Though they are not runners, they inspired me to find some physical activity that I love and stick with it. We still go to the gym together all the time.
I had lunch at home today and I had an “Italian Chopped Salad” from Trader Joe’s! It was delicious! My first time trying it and I would definitely buy it again.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
I ate lunch mid-shopping trip outside a building in the loop in Chicago – they had trees and benches! And I never really “worked out” consistently until junior year of college and that was vanity purposes. When I was younger I always just had a sport to play and that’s how I got in my exercise!
Siobhan @ SiobhanMcCarthy.ca
What keeps me consistent is having a goal. Once I have a goal I find that I am motivated to go out for runs, keep up with strength training, and stretch so I don’t tense up. Right now my goal is to run my first marathon. I’m not going to lie, I loved the break I had this summer. I took runs lightly and didn’t push myself very hard. I ran when I wanted and however far I wanted.
My dad was the one who got me to love working out. He’s a soccer player so I grew up watching his games. When I started running it took me 2 years to convince him to run a race and he came in 3rd in his age category in his first race ever. He’s a rockstar and I still look up to him.
Todau I ate lunch at work. It was delicious spaghetti leftovers from The Old Spaghetti Factory.
shelly
Question… When do you start wearing your belly band, I am in my first trimester and want to make sure I have my band when I need it! Trying to stay consistent :)
Janae
Hey!!! Congrats on the pregnancy! I started wearing mine at about 28 weeks:) keep me updated on how you are doing!
Caitlin
With getting engaged I knew I wanted to be in tip-top shape on my wedding day. I began working out 6 days/week and had to settle small calendar goals to keep myself going. I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I’ve set a goal, it’s just become part of my day. Some days it is the LAST thing I want to do (like yesterday where I didn’t do a single thing until 5 PM when I finally unrolled my yoga mat), but I’m so SO happy when I start sweating and complete each work out. Similarly, my older sister is an inspiration to stay fit. She juggles a newborn and two little ones, a full time job, and working out daily and I figure if she can do it, then so can I!
Lunch was at home today- another enormous salad the size of my head.
Danica @ It's Progression
Not to be too weepy/dramatic, but my younger sister was a huge inspiration for me to start on my “healthy living journey.” …She battled anorexia when we was 13-14, and as her older sister (18-19 at the time) I felt so responsible. I felt like I wasn’t a good enough example for her, and that was a huge push for me to start taking better care of myself. She won that battle and is one of the healthiest people I know now. When we’re together we LOVE working out and cooking together–we both wish we lived close to each other!
roserunner
I also had a “consistency role model” — my mom and dad both exercised every morning, and my mom was a fitness instructor who taught aerobics most days of the week. However, I kinda think 16 years old is the time to be playing sports at school or running around town with friends or dancing in your bedroom with a mirror, not taking a step class! I don’t think I belonged to a gym until I was 18.
So with that, I ask, did you play any high school sports?
Janae
HEY YOU!!! I seriously can’t wait to meet you! I played tennis and did cheerleading. hahaha yep I did the dancing in front of the mirror thing. We went to a step class at the rec center in our community that I had gone to for years!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
Consistency is DEFINITELY the key! While my workouts look a little different right now, I know that getting in some sort of physical activity is such an important part of life!
Lindsay
Great post and cuuuuute baby! :) I feel like I have gotten to the point where not exercising is the norm. I started around age 16 too, when I really started to see my efforts in my workouts pay off in the sports I played. I had a great coach who was criticized for pushing us too hard, but our team ended up undefeated that year, it was then I started to make the connection between what you put in and what you get out. Variety really keeps me going these days, adjusting to having a baby girl, who is now 16 months (it truly does fly by so soak it all in!!) If I am not training for a race I am focusing on lifting or yoga.
Ate lunch during a nap, catching up on blogs!
Kara
Janae this post really hit home with me. Now that I am running again, I find being consistent running most days/ wk (5-6) and I always find that I have more energy and patience (with my hubby hahaha) on the days I go for a run. I also think exercise is just something we all need to do to keep our bodies and minds fit for the long haul.
Question???? I am super nervous to do a race because I do most my runs on the tredmill where water is readily available, but more so that I will go out to fast instead of doing the pace I feel comfortable…. how do you pace yourself in a race without a watch???
Btw I loved your blog before Brooke was born, but now I looooooooove your blog!!
Janae
Hey Kara! Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! Yay for running again and you are doing awesome!! Yay for treadmill running:) Do you have a stop watch you could use and then you can pace yourself according to your mile times when you reach the different mile markers. Usually 1/2 marathons and marathons have pace groups too. You could find the one that is best for you and stick close with them (they are usually carrying little signs:) Hope this helps!
Anne
I may not always WANT to wake up at 5:30am and run every day but I absolutely love it and crave it regarldess.
I grew up dancing most days of the week and my mom ran every single morning before the rest of us woke up.
In college when I finally quite dance, running filled the void. Fitness is like eating well, if you can stick it out through the first few months (yes it does take that long), it becomes natural which, is a wonderful, wonderful thing!
Andrea
I started working out 5 to 6 days per week after the birth of our second baby, about 10 years ago. It has definitely become a part of who I am. I barely even think about it. I have a large variety of things I choose from, but it is not an option to NOT do it (unless I’ve just had a baby and have to rest for 6 weeks. Or maybe pneumonia. ;) ) I was just thinking about that the other day – my kids have all grown up with me taking my fitness as a normal part of my every day. I didn’t grow up being active, it’s just who I’ve become. I love that I can be an example for them!
Melissa @ runscootsrun.blogspot.com
I’ve been active since I was in single digits…it’s just who I am. None of my family works out…it’s just something I always gravitated to and had fun with. I get bored way too easily if I am not active, lol. Glad your first home alone time went well! That gym looks nice!
Jessica @ Busy Living Healthy
I’m running my second half marathon in November and I really love having a schedule to follow when I’m going to school, so I don’t even have to think of what I have to do since it’s already planned out. :) I really feel like I will stay consistent after this because I cut back running a lot this summer, and it wasn’t fun trying to get back into running shape.
Susan Howdy
I love those sunglasses!! I am so jealous and they look awesome on you! I have never been consistent with my work outs. Until I recently started running nothing had lasted longer than a month or two for me. I think I never worked out because I was always super skinny growing up so I thought what’s the point (I was still active just didn’t have a routine and didn’t realize how much I actually did). Towards the end of college I started to gain a few pounds weight and realize that I needed to get fit not just skinny and I tried a few things until I found my love, running! I only get bad about running when I have period cramps :/
Laura @Running Maryland
I wish I was consistent. About 2 yrs ago I would run everyday. I looked forward to it. Part of it was the fact that I ran with a friend, part of it was that I loved getting better every week. But now Im not. I just feel defeated. I know going 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 miles is an accomplishment but it is so hard not to look at it from the “I used to be able to do it this fast and it felt easy”
Katie
Very interesting question! If I’m being honest, right now working out has helped me cope with the anxiety that would be worse if I didn’t work out while I wait another week to find out if my dad’s cancer is back. I know if it is, we’ll take the next steps to make him well again and will stay strong as a family, but it still worries me and causes great anxiety. I also workout for mental clarity and for health. It’s interesting, when I was younger (and even 3 years ago), I used to workout to stay thin and in shape. Now, at almost 30, I workout to stay healthy. :)
Angie @ Pint of Goals
I agree completely about being consistent, and now that I have been working out regularly for the last 13 years (not including the five to six ballet classes I took a week before I was 16), I cannot imagine my life without being active. Although I train for races now, the feeling I have after sweating keeps me coming back to it.
luv what you do
I turned leftovers into the most amazing looking salad. You’d be proud!
I think I started exercising regularly around my senior year of college. Since then, it has been a bit on and off, but every since I graduated grad school, I have exercised 4-5 days per week. I do a mix of everything, including yoga and have added in more weight training as I’ve gotten older. I only hope that I can continue to stay consistant with it when I am preggers in the not so near future!
Christine
No fair!!!!!! You and your sister are so pretty!
Colleen
Great post! I preach exercise constistency to my clients everyday. Exercise absolutely has to be a part of your daily life—like eating, brushing your teeth, etc. I have been exercising daily since I was 15. My parents are ridicuously fit and they made exercise a family affair. I’ve always been a freak and love exercising for 1/2 of my day! I guess it’s easy for me to keep it a part of my daily life since I personal train and teach aerobics for a full time job!
Oh, no lunch today. :o( Back-to-back clients and classes.
Heather
I can’t believe there are people besides my sister and I that did the FIRM videos! My sister still does the ones from the 90s!! I have since upgraded to the more current versions and integrated much more running, bodyrocking into my routine. Love it :)
Missy
I have become more and more consistent with my workouts, I definitely notice that I feel sluggish and tired when I don’t work out. I was never a gym person, I took dance 5 nights a week so that was my exercise but after high school I didn’t exercise at all and became a smoker. So it’s super important to me now that I haven’t been a smoker for almost 4 years to keep my exercise up. I want to be healthy and live as long as I can. Not to mention I like the feeling after a workout, endorphins!
Maria
I am still trying to build up the consistency part of exercise and you are so right. It’s very hard. :(
I loved the FIRM videos. In fact I still do them. *looks around and whistles* ;)
Alex @ Healthy Life Happy Wife
My dad was always my workout inspiration! He is still the most consistent gym goer that I know!!
Linda B
For me running started later in life, I was in Martial Arts thru my early 20’s and 30’s
until I twisted my knee bad and could not compete for at least a year. In-between that
time are started teaching cardio kickboxing and getting on the treadmill and running
to strengthen my knee. Now I love running sooooo much I find it hard to take a day
off which I know is beneficial to us runners.
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run
Working out is just what I do now. If I do it, I feel normal. If I don’t, then something feels off. It’s so true (like you said) that it’s easier to keep a habit going than it is to try to pick it up again and again.
I started working out consistently after high school. I started with the Kathy Ireland workout video (remember that one?) and then worked my way up to Kathy Smith step videos, and then finally running. :-)
Corrie Anne
My parents were definitely my example! They both workout every day!! I’m trying to trick my little sister into working out just like yours did to you!!! I like to be consistent with exercise because going back after more than a few days off SUCKS!
Grecia
My dad has been running since he was 16 and has never stopped doing it. As a teenager I was overweight and he would encourage me and push me to run with him. Once the pounds started coming off (and with a ton of encouragement from him) I stayed consistent. I wish I could say that I fell in love with running on the spot, but the truth is I learned to love it over time. Now I can’t go a week without getting in a few runs because I enjoy it, not because I have to. I still run with my dad and it has brought us so close, we have a great relationship, in part because of all the awesome runs we’ve had (and many more to come!) together.
Amy G
I have never been someone who LOVES working out – I would much rather curl up with a good book. However, I swam in high school and really liked feeling strong. After getting sick and gaining back the weight I had lost, it took me some time to get back into remembering why I liked it. My mom was diagnosed with diabetes and that’s when I knew I needed to make changes in my own life. My parents used to say I was their inspiration :) Plus, I’ve realized stopping and starting is too hard – I’ve done it a couple times now and I’m DONE with it!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
I just started doing pilates again regularly, and I love it. It’s really great for destressing and taking time each day just for yourself.
Chelsea @ GlitterAndSweat
I stay consistant because when I injured myself and couldn’t run for 2 years, it was so hard trying to get back in shape. It hurt every single day, I actually at one point hated running and never wanted to do it again, boy am I glad I didn’t give up! But because of the struggle I had, I never want to go back. Never want that pain again. Plus it is so much easier to stay in shape than to get back in shape haha
When I was little I would ride my bike with my dad when he ran, then as I got older I would run with him every now and again. I did that until I joined the crosscountry team.
I ate at school, on my 20 min break, 20 minutes is never enough time to eat lol
Angela
Hi Janae!!! I was soooo excited today because I received my first issue of Women’s Running in the mail!!! I flipped one of the pages, and there you were!!! You’re blog is definitely a wonderful source of motivation!!! :-)
Jill
I started running and crosstraining (weights and yoga) after I had my son two yrs ago. At first it was to shed the baby weight but now it’s about being healthy for my kid and setting a good example for him (and the next one that’s on the way :) ) I want him to grow up thinking exercise is a daily activity. It makes me so proud when he says “goin for a run mama?” can’t wait until he can join me!
Yo Momma Runs
Home lunch! Leftovers, yay for being so easy.
I can’t remember ever really not exercising. My mom had these Joyce Vedral workout videos that we would do in the living room during high school.
Khushboo
I couldn’t agree more! Even though I love to exercise, one of the reasons I continue to stay active even on holiday is because it’s hard to pick up after a break (most of the time at least)! And like you, my sister has always been my biggest source of inspiration- I’ll never forget the first time I went to the gym with her!!
Cait the Arty Runnerchick
my mom was to me wat ur sister was to u in setting the fitness is totally norm idea! it wasn’t until i was old enough to go to slumber parties that i learned not every mom woke up and went for a run first thing in the morning! :P
mary @ minutespermile
i’m 6 weeks away from my marathon! inconsistency is not an option!
molly @ heart, sole & cereal
training for races is what keeps me the most consistent. i am still pretty good about working out even if i’m not training for a race, but i will let myself skip more workouts than i should when i am not training actively for something. that’s why i always try to keep at least a few big races on the calendar (or i’m hoping to) so that i have something to push me.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
I think I mostly just workout because I know that it will help me stay healthy, long-term. And of course, training for a race always helps stay consistent, too!
Keri @ Blue-Eyed Runner
Brooke could actually be the cutest baby I have ever seen…
Becky
You said a few great things in this post. It’s all about the lifestyle. I’m 15 weeks pregnant and I agree with what you said, the last thing I want to do is go for a run, but it’s all about keeping habits for later when it’s easier (or not, with a baby).
What belly band did you use? I know I’ll need one eventually and don’t really know which ones are good.
Nicole
Hubby and I are thinking that before I get too old (ack!) that we are going to have a baby, and I have to say – I hope mine is as cute as yours! You are totally making me want to pull the trigger ASAP!! I am so excited just reading about Brooke. Motherhood suits you, Janae!
I’ve been a consistent runner for 16 years, and before that I was a consistent gym rat. I took a lot of dance classes as a kid (until I was 18), and in addition, we were always doing something – horseback, skating, hiking…..
My dad was a track star in HS and college, and he also wanted to play professional basketball except he was WAY too small (so we had a lot of physical activity happening!).
For me, consistency is just ingrained now – whether it’s a race schedule or a maintenance schedule. I take one day off a week and don’t work out at all! But I do commute to work on foot, and I don’t have a car, so I manage to get in a lot of walking, too, which I love!
I usually eat lunch at my desk and then go and take about an hour walk. I love that break, esp when it’s nice out.
Laurin
I am trying to be more consistent with my workouts after baby #2. Finding a routine that works for me is difficult but I am DETERMINED!
Not only do I remember the FIRM videos, I still do them! The only FIRM gym is located in my town in SC. Love the girls there!
jessica
Hi Janae! I read your blog daily, but am a creep about it and do not post. Lol. I work at a homeless shelter for pregnant and parenting young moms, and we follow every possible public health guideline, as we have to having all of those babies that are our responsibility. I know you probably do not plan to, but it is not good to have your baby sleep in their car seat or any other apparatus for an extended period of time. It is not healthy for spine or hip development. I don’t have time to find any links but Im sure if you looked you could find some and if not I will get a Public Health Nurse to send me some information!
Missy
Love this post! Consistency with my work outs has been weighing on my mind for some time now. Now that school is back in session I was up at it early this morning and plan on keeping it that way for the long term. :)
Blaire @ Just Been Running
I played sports my entire life but when I went to college I got lazy. It was really hard for me because I have always been physically fit until then. Once I got out of college I got more into a routine and then finally about 1 year ago, I said enough was enough and I made work outs a part of my daily routine no matter what. After about 6 months of working out consistently, I decided to sign up for my first 5K. Since then I’ve become addicted to running and I actually consider myself a runner now!
There are many days where I don’t want to go to the gym or for a run, but I always tell myself to do it and I never regret it afterwards. It really is just a part of my day now and I can’t even imagine going back to it not being that way. Keep up the good work, you look absolutely fantastic!
cassi
I totally still do the FIRM workouts HOLLA!
Kerry
I would say the biggest thing that keeps me working out is the fear of losing my running fitness and having to start over. That fear is HUGE for me. I’ve only been a consistent runner now for 1.5 years. After running my first 5k I slacked during my “training” for the next and I struggled. I learned that lesson early and at least for now it keeps me pretty motivated.
Holly
LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture of you & your MIL with Brooke. GORGEOUS ladies!!
I 100% agree about exercise..and my reason too for staying active during pregnancy. It has always been a part of my life, so in my mind there was no reason to stop during pregnancy. I almost feel like my body would of reacted negatively if I just stopped exercising through pregnancy rather than continuing..since it is so used to it.
Meredith
I’m a teacher (wahoo teachers!) and was told recently during some professional development that, “Consistency is like pregnancy. You either are or you aren’t.” (That comes straight from Lee Canter’s behavior mgmt system if you’re wondering, teacher folk). So I thought you’d appreciate that quote for obvious reasons but also because it answers the question. You either are, or you aren’t. I am readjusting to the 5am wake up call to leave for work at 6:45am and the first week it was rough. But this morning I just found myself getting up, putting on clothes, and getting to the gym like an old habit.
Kattrina
I am not consistent at all! I have started and stopped running for over ten years. Usually I would run in the spring/summer/fall and then take the winter off. I took two full years off when I did Peace Corps and now I haven’t run since I had my miscarriage the day after Marine Corps Marathon (end of Oct.). While in Peace Corps and during my current pregnancy I am doing a lot of walking though and that really helps to jump-start the running. I am not too worried though, it is always fairly easy to get back into running shape. Before training for MCM, I hadn’t run for a year and a half and I quickly got back into it. And after Peace Corps it was the same thing. Usually the first week or so is pretty hard and then it’s fairly easy to get going and up my miles. I am a little worried about after-pregnancy running though, since I have some extra pounds on me. We’ll see how it goes.
I don’t really have any role models – I am the only person who exercises in my family. I started running one summer when I lived with my Aunt and Uncle – my uncle ran a mile every morning so I started joining him (that was 20 years ago!). He still runs a mile every morning – he has never done more or less – so I guess that’s a form of consistency.
Kay
So true! I’m hitting a bit of a roadblock with consistent workouts but trying to get back in there!
Tameika
Working out has become a part of my routine. I’m not always sure what I’ll do from week to week or even day to day, but I know I’ll do some form of exercise 6 days a week, sometimes two-a-days. I’m not training for anything specific, but I was overweight my entire life and finally got things on track 2 years ago. I don’t want to go back to that life or have the health issues (mainly acid reflux, chronic fatigue, and a mild depression) that I had. It’s become a part of who I am – sometimes fanatically even. But I do it. And I enjoy it – even love it!
Brooke
I read somewhere that when you have learnt the skill of something about become in the automonmous stage of that skill, (automatic) it is hard to explain to others how you do that skill. It’s just something that has been a part if my life for so long. When I was 14 I had a treadmill in my room & ran 3k a day, then my friend at school told me she ran 5k at our local gym. I wanted to run 5k too and the kms just kept going up and up. I used to love dropping in sweat even at the age of 14! Dad is classic Australian & always wanted red meat & white bread for dinner . I was reading an article about Jessica alba one day , and she said that when she was 14 she started to cook for herself. She didn’t want to eat like her family. So I read lots of health magazines & healthy recipe books . After practicing that everything fell
Into place. I hate it when my coach tell me to rest now, because I don’t know what to do!! There is a gap in my morning & a gap between work & dinner where I am twiddling my thumbs. Exercise makes me hungry so I enjoy my meals more . Consistency has also taught me other sports such as swimming, hiking, yoga, Pilates, deep water running , boxing and weight lifting from
Times I couldn’t run.
BeautyAgainstTheBeast
I remember how far I’ve come. I know that if I stay consistent I will never go back to being overweight and unhappy. I also stay consistent by registering.for races. I hate wasting money, so I regiater in advance and have to stay in shape to run it well.
I eating lunch in Jackson, Ms today. I had to evacuate from Hurricane Isaac. PrayingI’ll be able to go home (New Orleans) tomorrow.
jocelyn
Hey Janae,
First…I LOVE the Brooke pictures! She’s soooo adorable…like ridiculously adorable!
I totally agree with the consistency of exercise. I can tell you that I know FOR A FACT it helps people bounce back. I haven’t had a baby…yet…but I did have surgery for endometriosis…twice. The first time, I was running daily, increasing my times and endurance and literally ran the day before the surgery. The second time, I was going through a bit of a rough patch in life and I had pretty much stopped exercising completely. Needless to say, I bounced back from the first surgery ridiculously fast (like barely two weeks and I was completely back to my old self). The second surgery…took MONTHS for me to feel like myself.
So that’s my two cents.
When can you start running again? And as someone who would love to run through my own (future) pregnancies…I would love to hear what reaction you received when people saw you running with a baby belly.
Okay..sorry for the super long question/comment.
xo
jocelyn