As a momthlete (admit it, that’s genius! Also admit that I’m probably not the first, second or hundredth person to call myself that…), it can be hard to be a beacon of hope, inspiration and motivation. Anyone who’s had kids can back me up on the struggle it can sometimes be to get back into game shape after having kids. Even if you get the weight off, you can be left with a weakened core, saggy skin, stretch marks and various other markers of the incredible journey your body has been on. Add in there that most women don’t give birth and immediately go for a 6 mile run in their hospital gown.
As much as we may itch to get back to our regularly scheduled fitness program, the reality is that we don’t start back where we left off the day the magic stick registered a big ol’ plus-sign. For many of us, it means starting from scratch and that can be harder on us than childbirth.
In my own case, that meant barely being able to run for 1 minute when I had run a half marathon just before getting preggo with Baby O. Even after a few weeks back, I have yet to run more than 3 miles and the day I did, I nearly passed out by the end, I was so exhausted.
It makes you want to give up doesn’t it?
I want to say first and foremost never, ever, EVER give up. Secondly, I want to say that whether you’re coming back from pregnancy, injury, illness or a long vacation from your gym clothes, it is going to be h-a-r-d and you’re going to want to give up if for no other reason than frustration knowing that once upon a time, you used to be able to do this.
Never, ever, EVER give up!!
I know how hard it is. I’ve come back from two pregnancies, injury and prolonged illness that benched me for weeks, if not months. Each time is like the first time all over again (side note: the 12 year old boy trapped inside my brain is singing “Like a Virgin” right now…). I’ve had my moments where I struggle, feel sorry for myself and wonder if I’m ever going to get where I want to go. The fact is, if I don’t push myself forward, there’s a 100% chance that I won’t get there, ever.
Bottom Line is this: I’m not giving up on me so don’t you dare give up on you. Seriously…I’ll come kick your ass if you do.
LOVE THIS! Getting fit really does show me what I am made of DEEP DOWN. I need to bookmark this post and keep going. And thanks for sharing your struggles too. Sometimes I think that athletes are just better at being fit then me, as if it comes easier to them!
I’m not quitting! I don’t want you to kick my ass!
Great post! Well, I don’t struggle, I do gain weight and find it really hard to get back in routine. Once I do, I’m ready to give up, but I keep going, through the sweat, tears and pain! It is wonderful to remind everyone, to never give up. Just like our hopes and dreams, we never want to give up:)
great post! It is so tempting to give up after an injury or sickness and you think you will never get back to where you were. I am kind of going through that right now!
Keep up the great attitude! Love it!
What a great post! I am such an on again/off again exerciser. When I’m doing it I love it. When I get out of routine it’s so difficult to start back up. That’s where I’m at now. I was doing so well, took a vacation and just can’t get back into it – even though I want to.
Thanks for the extra motivation, vote of confidence, and kick in the pants – it was just what I needed this morning and makes me want to do some sit-ups right now!
What a great motivational post! It almost makes me want to exercise.
Half kidding. I really do want to exercise. My problem isn’t not being able to do it, even though I definitely struggle at first, my problem is time. But when I do find the time, I do push through that initial pain, because the end result is always worth it.
Nick and I were just talking about this last night. He asked me what I was going to do AFTER Mamavation. I told him, I’m not going to change anything. I’m still going to go to the gym everyday!!
just started working out this year (attempting to lose 100+ pounds) and honestly time is my biggest obstacle.
It’s very hard to find the time but it’s so worth it. Not just for physical health but for the mental break. I am a MUCH better person after a workout than when I miss one. Ask my hubby…and my kids…and my friends…
Love this motivational post!
I definitely don’t want my ass kicked… great post.
When my baby is a bit older, I’ll be available to fly around the world to deliver said ass kickings…just sayin’
This is just what I needed! I am currently working on trying to get 8 glasses of water in. After three pregnancies, I was on the wrong track until recently. I figure little steps will help me get there.
I feel so much better physically and mentally when I excercie. Thank you for posting this and for reminding me to keep going and do what feels natural and healthy for my body! I make sure my kids excercie every day, but I let myself off the hook! I’m motivated! Bookmarking this!
I have gotten out the door almost every day to do SOMETHING amidst career, divorce, child raising (sole) for over 40 years…so yeah, never give up! It’s worth it for body and soul.
Amen to all of that!
I love the bottom line! lol A great reminder to just keep going.