Unfortunately I have not been as diligent in writing my blog as I have been with exercising! It’s purely because of a lack of time! Hopefully, I’ll keep up with this better in the future.

Luckily, I have been keeping an exercise diary, so I can reflect on all the things I’ve been doing lately!

I’ve missed Pilates the last three times, because of issues at work preventing me to get there on time! I’m sorry Melissa, I really miss the class and all the ladies, and I hope I’ll be back next week!

I have, however, made it to Yoga with Ashlee for three sessions! When I took my first class, I could not keep my balance for even one second in the poses! Now, I feel like my balance has improved tremendously (although I have a way to go) and I find myself constantly standing on one leg and changing to test my balance when I’m just standing. I caught myself doing this at the grocery store, trying to decide which yogurt to get, in Lorie’s office and at the post office.

I also can feel my muscles are stronger in the poses, because I no longer shake and I am not sore after class.

It is so peaceful. We did a meditation exercise one day where we thought about a question we had and thought about getting an answer. In three days, my question was answered. It really made me focus on what I was wondering about and the answer came to me.

I was very sad on Wednesday that I missed the class, but it was for a good reason. I got to see “The Vagina Monologues” in honor of V-Day at EKU!

I also tried triple-threat with Jana. This was a fun, fun class! It also kicked my butt. Seriously, I was so sore after that class for two days! Jana is like your friendly, neighborhood drill sergeant. She’s tough but encouraging, and I really enjoyed everything we did in the class! I tried to make it again on Wednesday, but it was canceled because of the snow. So, next week, I’ll be in for more!

I also tried Zumba. This is another class that was really fun and I’m looking forward to hitting again! For those of you who don’t know what Zumba is, it is an aerobic dance class with hip-hop and Latin moves. I saw a lot of Middle-Eastern dance in the moves as well. At first, I was a little self-conscious. I mean, usually I need a couple of beers before I feel comfortable to dance in front of people. I felt a little silly, but then after about 10-minutes, I started to get the hang of it, and I thought, “Everyone is doing this, what does it matter? Just have fun and forget about what you look like!” And it was fun! I can’t wait to make it again.

Lorie and I have also made it through week 7 in the C25K program. We’re doing 25-minute runs this week, and I’ve gotten down to nearly three miles in 25 minutes. Each time I lack only 100 to 200 meters from having three miles. Hopefully by our first race on March 6, I’ll be able to run 5K in 25 to 28 minutes. Then we’ll start training for the 10K in Berea in April! I can feel my endurance getting stronger with each run. I don’t get out of breath hardly at all when I’m pacing myself, and not sprinting. My muscles no longer ache. I feel really, really good.

We’ve kept up with the strength training as well. We’ve both noticed our muscles getting stronger, thanks to the exercises our trainer showed us!

This coming week I have a few goals: 1. Make it to Jana’s triple-threat 2. Make it to Pilates. 3. Attend yoga. 4. Take my 2-year-old Eden swimming. 5. Make it to Roman’s spinning class. 6. Run five days a week. 7. Make it to Zumba at least once.

I had an e-mail from a lady asking me how to fit in exercise with two kids. I have been meaning to write her back personally, but have been busy, so if I don’t get to her tomorrow, maybe she’ll read this! I’m so sorry I’ve not replied sooner!

My suggestion is to find a gym with babysitting. The YMCA has free-for-members baby-sitting two times during the day through the week and on Saturday mornings.

Now, if you’re worried about leaving your children in the care of others, as I was, since I’ve never put Eden Rose in any care other than family, rest easy. I was a little apprehensive about putting her in the sitting room, but it was definitely my problem, not hers. Eden went right in and played. When I went to get her a little more than an hour later, she didn’t want to go.

Now, if I mention the word “gym” in front of her and we don’t go right then, she’s crying, “I wanna go to gym! I want to see kids!”

The ladies working in there are so nice and so good with the children. I feel confident about leaving Eden there during my workouts.

Other gyms probably offer these services. You could call around to find out.

I also think the C25K workout is great for getting into shape. It’s only a 30- to 35-minute workout. If you don’t join a gym, spring is coming soon! I’ve got a great jogging stroller made by Jeep that Eden loves to go riding in. They make them for two, three and maybe even four kids. Maybe when the weather is nice, you can invest in one, and take your kids jogging on your journey to fitness. They’ll love being outside, watching the world whizz by in their stroller!

New strollers can be quite pricy, but I’ve seen them at several of used baby stores, so check around, or check Craig’s List before buying a new one.

Also, if you join a gym and you don’t have a buddy, attend the group classes. You’ll make friends who will encourage you to attend the next one.

And remember, most importantly, “NO MORE EXCUSES!”

Good luck and happy exercising!