Dear friends,
It’s a monumental week for me. I don’t think this has EVER happened. I’ve been walking in the mornings. And this week, I did it EVERY DAY. I know, I know…walking isn’t something totally “wow”. But it is for me. See, I’m not one to get up and work out. Like, absolutely not my style. But I will say this – whenever I work out, I always enjoy it. It’s the step out the door that is difficult for me. The getting up early, the putting on a tank top, the lacing up my shoes. (Actually, I’ll say the tank top part isn’t that hard, because I never get to wear them and I quite like them. But that isn’t the point.) But the past 5 days, something has changed within me. Something is not the same. (Ten points for guessing that song.) No really, it has and it is(n’t). I’m really trying hard to get in shape the right way. Eating healthy, eating less, exercising, not as many sweets, you know. I wanted to lose the weight before my trip to Georgia, because I have to wear a bathing suit at least one entire day. I wasn’t about to show up at my favorite lake in the world looking all post-birth, even 8 months later…blegh. But, it seems as if my body is displaced and probably will be forever. So I’m embracing my shape, and trying to tone the size.
Anyway, anyway, anyway…the point is that I’ve gone walking every morning this week. FOUR MILES EVERY DAY. (Takes almost exactly an hour.) I am so proud of myself! This is huge! The first day I did it – a couple weeks ago – I got terrible, terrible shin splints. Can you say oooouuuut ooooof shaaaape? I had to rest for like a week! Okay, maybe not that long, but it was bad. Pathetic. Now I can go every day without shin splints! I’m a teensy bit sore, but it’s not a big deal at all.
So here’s how it goes down: I wake up. Usually around 6:30 or 7:00 when Henry gets up. Lately it’s been about 7:00. I get dressed for the walk, get Henry out of his crib, change the poopy diaper (This kid ALWAYS poops first thing in the morning – just like his dad. Oh, he’s going to hate me for that! Love you, babes!), change his wriggly body into new clothes, feed him, burp him, wipe up the spit-up that probably got on my arms and legs, pray with the Beebs, and then we’re off! Henry and me, against the black pavement. WE ALWAYS WIN. hee hee.
Every day I pass the same people. Twice. It’s a loop around the lake/river/body of water, and it crosses over two bridges. So I pass the same people twice, because we all go around the entire thing. The first time I walked the loop, I smiled at people as I went by. Then I realized how excruciatingly awkward that was, so now my rule is: always say “morning”. No matter if they’re making eye contact, wearing earbuds, whatever. I always do so it’s never a question. Seriously less awkward.
There are a few people I remember specifically: Gilligan and his pigeon-toed sidekick (really, the man walks around in short khaki shorts, a red shirt, and a white bucket hat), the tall skinny old man who is very serious but very friendly, the smiley other old man who adores Henry (and even says “good morning” to him! it’s cute), the girl who walks on the left side of the path (annoying), the depressed old man who never makes eye contact and who wears a funny visor, and the semi-depressed old lady who shakes her head and wears too short of shorts. I love these people. I hope they love me too.
Man, these endorphins are working wonders. I am so confident! I’ve lost a few pounds, and Kevin says he’s noticed! How awesome does that make me feel? Really awesome.
Well, three cheers for walking. (Three cheers for that brownie trifle I made for dessert tonight, too.) But really, three cheers for trying. Way to go, Rik, way to go. Am I seriously giving myself a pep talk?
See you on Monday morning, bright and early! Bring lots of water. It is HUMID out there!
Defying Gravity! :) Ten points please.