MOTIVATION – and hello old friends! 

Today I reunited with some old friends. It felt good. Why, hello there, old running trainers!

The buzz of finally putting on my running shoes after such a long time sent me sprinting out the door this morning. Woo! I’m off, watch me run like the wind! Morning, grocery store assistant! Morning, Mr.Butcher! Morning shop keeper!

Round the corner, past the church. Early morning weekend workers crossing the road, tired faces, clutching a strong coffee. Not me though! Fresh faced and feeling on top of the world! Thank goodness I’m running so fast, so nobody has time to notice the sleep in my eyes, the breast milk stain on my top, the too tight jogging bottoms and the too short vest that makes me show off a tiny weeny bit too much of a not so trim post natal stomach.

Wooosh! Up the hill, sprinting, round the corner! Ah, this is the life! I can take on anything.. I have taken the first step into getting fitter, back into shape and ready for my first ever marathon next spring! I am literally so pleased with myself, I completely forget that I have not run, or done any exercise for that matter, for a very, very long time. Time to slow down. Steady pace Camilla. No need to get too excited and put yourself off the whole idea before you’ve even got started.
It’s going well though, my mind is alive with creative thoughts, I’m so excited about all the projects I’m going to make a start on today.

Chest is starting to get a bit sore. Legs ache ever so slightly. This is good though, feeling your body working! I smile smugly to myself as I pull my phone out (yup, had to take phone with me, first time I’m leaving Baby S for 20 whole minutes!!). I can’t wait to check the time! Wonder how far I’ve run, how many minutes…

6 minutes.

Maybe I’ll walk a little. I mean, I have JUST had a baby. There’s no need to push myself today. I’ll just walk a little. It makes sense. I want this ”run” to last 20 mins, that’s the goal I set myself earlier this week when I started planning it. A bit of light jogging, a bit of power walking, a lot of breathing in fresh air and enjoying some alone time! Down by the river I pass some ladies power walking and gossiping. This makes me feel better. It’s OK to walk. Boats glide by with teams of rowers out practicing. Man, that looks like hard work.

Jogging again. Oh yeah! This is good! I’ll run to the bridge, then walk along the road, then run the last bit back up to the house. Wouldn’t want Hubby peeking out through the blinds to see me strolling the last bit now would I!

I suppress the urge to check the time on my phone again. My legs are getting tired, but it’s not far now. Come on Camilla, you can do it!! As I run past a shop window I catch a glimpse of myself. Oh!! Is that a bit of flesh around my middle section I can see?? Crikey, what AM I wearing? I can’t remember this top ever being a cropped top??! Well there’s a bit of motivation for ya.. Must run more so I can fit back into my training gear!

Back at the house now. Hurray, I can finally check my phone! I pull it out of my pocket as I knock on the door. Heavy breathing..woo.. Finley gives me a worried look as his Daddy opens the door for me. I only just manage to smile at him, and tell him ”Mamma ran SO fast!”, to stop him worrying. He probably can’t remember ever seeing his Mamma in this state – this ”I’ve just been for a work out” state.
Check the time.

21 mins!

Wooooohooo! Hurray, I did it! I want to do a celebration dance, but instead I collapse on the floor. Smiling. And…breathe!

I’m off! My marathon adventure has started! My get back into shape project has begun! I am so excited!

Now somebody please help me get these trainers off, and run me a hot bubbly bath (on a Sat morning? Why not?), I am k.n.a.c.k.e.r.e.d.

/Camilla ….. aka “Runs like the wind”