Thursday, April 2, 2009

When Things Don't Go As Planned

For the most part, I do an okay job when it comes to eating right and exercising these days. Could I do better? Sure. That's why I started this blog. But, overall, when things go as planned, I do okay. Unfortunately, with a teenager and a toddler plus work, things quite frequently don't go "as planned"...

My "Normal" Routine
I normally work out between 5 and 6 times per week at the gym and walk to the park with my toddler on most days (depending on to which park we go, a 30 - 75 minute walk). Twice a week I have a babysitter come in the afternoons while I work from home or attend meetings, so on those days, I don't always get to go outside with him. But, overall, I am pretty consistent (maybe a bit too "consistent" in the sense that I should mix up my workouts a bit more...).

Stomach Virus
I went on a great hike on Friday with hubby. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to work out since then until yesterday because of a terrible stomach virus that plagued our family. The toddler got a horrible diaper rash, vomited and had diarrhea, had teething pain, and was in pain and a bad mood pretty much day and night. Hubby also had horrible diarrhea. My stomach was upset, but, overall I appeared to be doing a lot better than everyone else. However, I was exhausted (partially because I truly had some physical symptoms but also because of spending most of the day holding the toddler, cleaning up leaking diapers and throw up, and constantly doing laundry.) There was just no way that I could make it to the gym...

Hello Gym & Feel-Good Hormones
I was still exhausted when I finally made it back to the gym yesterday. In fact, I almost didn't go. It was hard to push myself through a 30 minute cardio workout. It wasn't fun. I only made it through the workout because I promised myself to reward myself with some ab work and stretching after the cardio (I truly enjoy ab work and stretching). So overall, I spent about an hour at the gym while the toddler played in the playcare. He had a good time and was happy when I picked him up. I was exhausted when I picked him up (as I have been since Friday afternoon), but I also felt just a tiny bit more energized because of the workout. The "feel good hormones" got me hooked again... :) Let me never forget how good exercise makes me feel and to exercise/move at least a little bit each day!

Be well,
Andrea