The Girl In The “Old” Running Shoes
Created on 17 September 2012
2 Comments
The following article is the first in a series of blogs. A client will be taking us through her personal health and fitness journey, with updates after each class, for the next 6-Week Training Session. To protect her anonymity, we'll call her "Kirsten Wolf".
I always see the beginning of September as a time of intensity. Summer "break" comes to a sudden end, and life switches into high gear. Raising three boys (yes, I said three boys!), working part-time is more than a full time job. With the busyness of coordinating soccer practice, play dates, swimming lessons, school lunches, returning emails to teachers or parents, soothing tears, helping with homework, grocery shopping and potty training (to name just a few), it's hard not to lose myself in the process. I always try to squeeze a few extra minutes into my morning to slap on some mascara and pin up my hair. I've mastered the art of tweezing with an apple clenched between my teeth and a boy clinging to my leg (Not an easy task!). I may never pee in private again, but I refuse to lose all my dignity!
Anyways the craziness of parenthood had left me feeling drained and lacking in energy. With two boys in school, and a nursing infant not quite sleeping through the night, I was understandably tired. I had such a strong desire to get back to my old self again. I had once been a competitive highland dancer, who enjoyed cycling and swimming. After three pregnancies, even fairly laid back activities like planting a small veggie garden, going for a walk, or even just meeting with a friend for coffee seemed arduous. I was just so exhausted! I needed to find something to revitalize myself.
I had heard about Loreli, and Alter Ego Fitness Experience, through a good friend during my last pregnancy and thought that "maybe someday when things weren't so crazy", I could possibly do something like that. I would tell myself, "once I have a little more energy, then I'll go!" Because, of course, I reasoned that one needs energy to exercise. Months continued to pass by.
Finally I realized that nothing was going to change unless I did. So, last spring I decided to send an email to Loreli. No harm in that, right? I could even do it from the couch! Not knowing what to expect, I went to the first session. A bunch of women in a room filling out forms and talking about our diet. I felt a little out of my element, but I was immediately taken by Loreli's enthusiasm. Her knowledge and focus on diet made me rethink how that could affect my ability to have more energy. Knowing very little about me, she focused on building a relationship and gave me all the help and information I needed to put into practice my own desire to work hard and get fit. When I hesitated, and took my time in responding, Loreli checked in on me to see how I was doing. She provided that needed gentle nudge to take the next step. I dug my old runners out of the closet, kissed the boys goodbye and went for it. I haven't looked back since! I did, however, take Loreli's advice (after she took one look at my "old runners") and purchased some proper footwear.
It's hard to begin to describe the changes I've gone through since my first night of Alter Ego Fitness's Boot Camp. It has been such a rewarding journey. I never imagined how committing to take care of myself a little better (whether I felt like it that day or not!) would trickle down and affect every aspect of my life. I couldn't believe the amount of energy I now had. I planted a garden this summer and sometimes after class I would come home and the boys and I would pull weeds for an hour (just for fun!) I don't need to nap every afternoon because I am sleeping better at night. I am now eating clean and enjoy experimenting with recipes again.
Everyday activities, that had become so grueling because I was overtired or had a headache, aren't a daily problem anymore. I am stronger (and slimmer!) and feel better then I ever have before. It's awesome! Anyways, I have to get out the door. Boot camp starts in about 10 minutes!
Oh, and I am now "the girl in the NEW running shoes" . . . Kirsten Wolf
Opinion Pieces
I love this! Your life may be as busy as a 3-ringed-circus, but how important is it to take time to take care of yourself too! I’m certainly inspired… and looking further into the program! Proud of you ‘Kirsten’. 😉
At Alter Ego Fitness Experience we strive to help anyone and everyone find what works for them, in their busy lifestyles, to get in their exercise and nutrition! Looking forward to giving you some more information on our program. We list all the days and evenings but we’re very flexible and you have the opportunity to jump from class to class to make sure you don’t miss out!