My husband and I are musicians. And we’re parents. Our “backstage” experiences with our son (our little frog) deeply affect us and our music. Recent insights:
I can’t wait for my run tomorrow! (Really.)
Now that it’s Spring, I’m doing more running outside–with friends, in the woods. It’s such a nice connection with people and with the season change.
After my accidental five mile solo trail run a few days ago (I got lost in the woods..), I realized that my motivation for exercising is evolving. What began as a concerted effort to schedule running and yoga each week in order to keep perspective and good humor has turned into a genuine enjoyment of sport!
I didn’t always make time for exercise. Things would get in the way. But I found that building regular exercise times into my weekly schedule and then being public about my plans (telling friends, posting my schedule on our family whiteboard in the middle of the house) solidified the habit. I committed to a weekly yoga class–if I don’t plan to attend, I have to send regrets. It’s usually “easier” to just go.
As my fitness level rose, which was already a good feeling, I also found ways to make exercise more fun. Through the winter snow and ice, I hit the gym treadmill. And with a Netflix app and a couple of cliffhanger shows, it turned out this was a totally fine way to get in some entertainment, escapism and sweat.
My attitude about running in the cold shifted a bit, too. When the roads were clear but the temperatures were challenging, social running allowed me the feeling of banding together against the cold. We faced the discomfort together, which was supportive and powerful mental exercise.
Now that it’s getting warmer and it is easier to schedule running meet-ups, getting exercise is a side benefit to what has become a truly uplifting habit. It’s a reward to take time and just be in my body and in the world. It’s a nice solo break. And it’s fun and even easier with with friends. Who knew I was finding a fun pastime?!
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