![Gluten Free School Lunches [Part 2]](http://pathwaystolife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/photo-14-200x120.jpg "Gluten Free School Lunches [Part 2]")
![Gluten Free School Lunches [Part 1]](http://pathwaystolife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/photo-8-200x120.jpg "Gluten Free School Lunches [Part 1]")
Some days I feel like I’ve been exercising forever but in actuality it’s only been six months. Six months of five nights a week either on the treadmill or elliptical for an hour. I’ve tried some yoga and weight lifting here and there but I can tolerate cardio easier so that’s what I stick to. I think that had I known what I know now I would have started exercising fifteen years ago. Here’s what I know, I hated gym in high school, I’ll just say it’s all for the usual reasons (creepy gym teacher, old decrepit change rooms, dodgeball again) but that’s where it started. I equated hating gym to hating all forms of exercise because that’s just how it worked for me.
If I could go back and inform my 15 year old self a few things I’d start by showing her what a sports bra was. How a good, no, a great sports bra will/has change(d) my life. I never knew there was a difference, heck when I was fifteen I never knew such things even existed! And, this despite being in an all girls gym class I was never informed! How tragic! For the first time in my life, I went to a shop and was fitted for a sports bra a few months ago and let me tell you there is a difference and the hefty price tag is worth every penny if you’re serious about working out. My favourite is called the Shock Absorber; it has adjustable shoulder heights, two back enclosures, breathable fabric and it really does live up to it’s name. I bought two of them and think that this has been the best investment I’ve made including the new runners I bought a few months back. I also like that this particular sports bra comes in actual bra sizes, not just S, M, L, XL so the fit is more customized. To anyone who is at all unhappy with their current sports bra I strongly suggest you go and get a fitting, you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve also struggled to find what I love about exercising. At first all I wanted was to, you know, not bounce so much when I walked but now the reasons are a little more respectable, at least to me. I like how at the end of my sixty minutes, I feel like I could go further or faster. I like how sculptured my legs and derriere look when I’m wearing my favourite gladiator sandals; wait…that last one should say love. I like how exercising five nights a week that as a busy mom, I get one whole hour when I don’t feel guilty about doing something for myself; at the end of it though it’s not just for me. I’m decreasing my risks of heart problems, diabetes and the list goes on, this is good news for all of my family and friends because, well I assume they want me to hang out for at least a little while.
What are your reasons for liking loving exercise? Is there anything you wish you knew that would have gotten you started, or is there something holding you back?
Hugs,
Jenn
Image courtesy sxc.hu
![Gluten Free School Lunches [Part 2]](http://pathwaystolife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/photo-14-146x100.jpg "Gluten Free School Lunches [Part 2]")
I wish I’d known how much I would love the camaraderie of running with a team. For a few years before I had my kids I decided to run with the cross-country team at the high school where I taught. I loved it. It was one of the hardest things I’d ever done, and I never set any land speed records. That didn’t matter to me. I loved every challenging minute of it. Since I had my kids, I gave up teaching to stay at home. The one thing I miss about my job more than anything is running with the team. And I haven’t found a way to replace the experience. So I just haven’t worked out consistently. I am ready to get back out there, though. And I know, for me, I need people to run with. I guess, I like my running like I like my drinking. Social.
Amazing entry Jenn! I myself love working out … from as simple as taking my dog for a walk, or beating myself up at bootcamp. I just recently discovered my love of treadmill & running and hoping to compete in a 5K marathon someday … looking forward to your next entry
@Deborah have you a Running Room group near where you live? I see their groups all the time and they seem to have a diverse group each time I ‘run’ into one? I myself prefer the solitary experience, turn on some tunes and just go for an hour. I don’t even let my husband hang out with me while I exercise.
@ChaCha I actually really like running too unfortunately i’ve developed pfs (a wearing down of the cartilage under the knee cap) in my left knee. I’m enjoying the elliptical but I think come Christmas/New Years when exercise equipment goes on sale I’ll invest in a rowing machine or maybe a cross country ski machine. I actually have cross country skis already but, you know, it’s like cold and stuff in the winter.
Great Article Jenn! Where did you get your shock absorber?
@Kelly at The Bay here in Ottawa.