How Long Does it Take to Feel Good?

A return to being fit

I haven’t always been fit. In fact, I’d say about half my life thus far has been evenly split between ‘likes barbells but obviously likes tacos’ and ‘just obviously likes tacos’. 🌮

I was a soft teenager, very un-sporty. Couldn’t run for a minute without keeling over. I was a fit 20-something, even going as far as a fitness show. I ran, I lifted. And then my 30’s have been a combination of reclaiming strength post-baby and complaining about my lack of strength post-baby.

All that said, I have a *shockingly* very firm opinion that being fit and strong feels better. It looks better. And I’m better as a human when I can confidently one-arm the laundry hamper up the stairs.

I had just done a full year of committed Crossfit when the shutdown happened. I tried really hard to continue working out at home, but (also shocker) the combination of impending doom in business and life plus isolation in a tiny house with 4 kids + husband did not equal fitness success.

I did what I could, as did most people: I walked, I ran, I stayed as active as possible in between breaking up kid fights and making 346 snacks a day.

In August, I decided I wanted to feel good again. I care less these days about the aesthetics of being fit (although I still definitely care), but I mostly like the feeling of my brain humming along after a sweaty gym workout. I love how it feels to get hungry post-lift, and how I almost always crave healthier, fuel-foods when I’m into a good workout routine. And I love the way I move when my core is turned on; it’s less penguin and more cheetah. I’ll let you picture that for a second 😆

So, ok. I want to be fit again.

Right away, the mind drama begins. Here are a few select thoughts that immediately jumped into my mind:

That’ll be too hard

Why do it when we’ll just shut down again?

You’ll never get back to the way you were

That’s just stupid. You don’t have energy for that.

You have other priorities, and not enough time.

Well, thanks for that, brain, but I’m certain I would prefer the discomfort of becoming fitter, than the discomfort of staying blobby and scatterbrained.

My main question this time (because I’ve failed so often before) is: What will be different this time? What will I do that’s different to ensure my success?

The answer is in next week’s blog: The Plan

Follow along as I discover how long it takes to feel good again.