Go, me!

I worked out last Thursday and Friday mornings.  I had planned to go in at least once over the weekend, but it didn't happen. (We were too busy shopping for an ordering our new! red! leather! sofa!)  I got up early and went to the gym yesterday morning, and had planned to go again today, but our car was dead last night, so I couldn't drive in this morning, and I decided against walking there and back before work.  If the car's not going to be driveable by tomorrow morning, I'll go tonight. 

Some thoughts so far:

1) On the days that I've worked out, I've found myself looking forward to the next workout.  In fact, on Friday I thought about going back in the evening for a second workout (I didn't end up doing it on Friday, but on another day in the future, I might!). 

2) If I get up at 5:30, get dressed, and go straight to the gym, I only have about 40 minutes to spend at the gym.  It's enough time to do some cardio, and it's better than nothing, but already I'm thinking about getting up earlier.  The gym doesn't open until 5:30, but if I got up at 5:15 I think I could be there right when it opens.  It shocks me a little that I am already thinking about getting up even earlier. 

3) I did not anticipate this (although in retrospect, I probably should have), but getting up early to work out gives me something that I have had in VERY short supply lately - alone time.  I used to wake up knowing that Katie might already be awake and yelling for me/us, in which case I'd rush through my shower.  If I made it through my brief shower, I'd sometimes go to check my email, and usually before I could actually get the computer on, I'd hear her, so I'd rush through that, too.  Now, I take a leisurely shower and enjoy my fancy bath products that I've bought but almost never use (I shave my legs with special soap from Lush, even).  I feel like I'm taking better care of my whole body, inside and out.  Plus, by the time I get out of the shower, Katie is usually still sleeping.  Instead of thinking, "Dammit, she's already awake!" when I hear her, I think something more like, "Oh, good, she's awake!" 

4) Today, the day that I have not worked out, I am noticeably tireder than I was yesterday.

5) I'm usually groggy for awhile after I've first gotten up, so on a typical non-workout day, I somewhat lethargically make my way through showering and getting dressed.  On days that I've worked out, though, I groggily dress myself and make my way to the gym, where I get a huge burst of energy while I'm working out.  By the time I get home and see Geoff and Katie, I'm actually happy and engaged.  Not only that, but I'm happier and more energetic ALL DAMN DAY. 

6) My skin seems clearer and pinker.  Can this be right?  Am I imagining it?  Could there be a noticeable difference already?

7) I am not going to bed any  earlier.  I thought that I might have to, and I was willing to, but so far I still have as much or more energy at night as I did when I wasn't exercising at all.  (I know that this may change when I am exercising harder or for longer, but this is how it is for now.)

8)  My prime motivation in deciding to work out was to lose weight, and so far (as far as I know) I haven't lost a pound, but already I'm wanting to continue exercising for its own sake.  I really didn't think that would happen, at least not so quickly.

I feel kind of silly waxing eloquent on my new "routine," because - hello! I've worked out an entire three times!  I must be breaking records!  Go, me!  But until last week, I haven't really worked out three times in the last YEAR. 

So hello! I've exercised three times in five days!  Go,  me!

Comments

[april]

wooohooo!!! good for you!!

[Dana]

Go Jessamyn! Go! :) Three times in five days ROCKS!!

[sarah]

you've inspired me to start using my galter center membership again! my OB-GYN told me i probably won't be able to lose too much weight while i'm still breastfeeding because my weight history has been so much influenced by hormones, but maybe i can prove her wrong...i'm envious of the energy you've gotten from working out, cuz lord knows i needs me some of that!

[jules]

Never feel silly giving yourself props for making it to the gym - sometimes I think if you brag on yourself a little, it motivates you to return!

Good for you! That is definitely an accomplishment!

[casey]

Awesome, Jessamyn!!

[stefania]

Well done!!!!
Getting started is a great motivator! I found it's true for everything (if I feel like slacking at work I start writing down what I get done rather than what I have to do - and it kicks me into action!)

I lost ten pounds just before Christmas and I had a similar problem fitting the gym into my day, if I hit home after work i knew I wasn't going to leave again, so I just headed there after work.

Yes your skin is bound to already feel pinker and suppler, because you increase your heart rate overall during the day, so more blood is flowing.

I am onto my next goal now - dragging the husband there, and it is working!

Keep it up, you're doing great!!!