How do I fit exercise into my day?

muscles...this is all I've got

A friend asked me the other day how I worked exercise into my day. Like me she has a couple of young children but for her a regular exercise routine was just not happening. I can't say I have it all figured out but I am proud of how I have been able to regain some of my former fitness levels and routines.

(Disclaimer : I am [clearly] NOT an expert on exercise. I have no qualifications whatsoever in this field!)

So what do I do?

At the moment I run 5 days a week, go to the gym 1 day a week (weights) and try to do weights type workout at home/work 2 days a week.

How do I fit it in?

I make it a priority! It is both that simple and that complex!
For me, a regular exercise routine relies on two things - mindset and practicalities.

 Mindset has nothing to do with willpower. I have no more willpower than the next person.  What I do have is the right mindset. I have given myself permission to make my exercise a priority. Does it supersede all other family demands? Nooooo. Does it become the lowest priority demand? No, it does not. And that's what I mean by mindset. I allow myself to put a value on my exercise. Many women (Mums) don't. So they don't exercise.

The practicalities are also complex. The things that I do:

• I have a running pram.
• I have a supportive, runner husband.
• My gym has childcare.
• I am realistic and crafty about when I can squeeze exercise in.
• I work 3 days a week, and whilst I have zero flexibility in hours I do finish early enough to run before daycare pickup ( though I usually prefer not to but it is a backup).
• I have a GPS watch. It keeps me honest. A phone app would do the same job.

The running pram is just about the best money I have ever spent. We have a Bob Ironman Dualie and it is awesome. I cannot recommend it enough.

I run both days of the weekend with my husband, kids loaded in the running pram. Saturday we do parkrun, possibly the most awesome development in running ever! They are everywhere, runners and walkers welcome. (Check out parkrun.com.au)

Mondays, due to timing, I can squeeze in a hills session and basic weights at work before I pick up the kids. Hills are awesome. They take maybe 15 minutes and I am absolutely spent at the end of it. The weights I do are really basic. Full body, using dumbells and bars, sets of push ups. I usually allow about 15 - 20 minutes. It's rushed but that is the time frame I have to work in. I save time by doing abs later at home. (When I remember).

Tuesdays and Wednesdays I run with the kids. My oldest will still go in the running pram. For now. We have a little deal going. We run, then go to the park or playground and do whatever errands we have for the day. We are also lucky enough to run amongst great beauty.

At the moment the kids aren't doing any classes. They go to daycare 3 days a week and I think that is enough stimulation ( although swimming classes will probably be starting up in the New Year). Wednesday I also try to do weights at home - pushups, lunges, squats, simple handweight exercises.

Saturday afternoon I go to the gym while Mr MRWS stays home with the kids during naptime.
Because Mr MRWS also runs I am somewhat locked out of morning runs but my job gives me wiggle room in the afternoons so sometimes that is when it happens.

I run because it's just what  I do. I do have the advantage that I have been running for about 15 years so was in the groove before having kids. That has made it easier to slot back into running. I also know how good being fit and healthy feels and did not care for the alternative. I like being in shape!

Some will say that it is shallow/vain to worry about your exercise routine. But having a baby can do a number on your body. Not being a fan does not make you shallow or vain or a bad mother. Non mothers are allowed to care about their body image so why not mothers? It can make such a difference to your mental well being and equilibrium. Well, it does to mine anyway. When I get my runs in I feel so much better, physically and mentally.

The takeaway is that you need to find what works for you. Don't like running? Then don't do it! Find what you do like/love/enjoy. Realistically look at when you can fit it in. 20 minutes is plenty of time to get the heart pumping. Get your other half on board, there are plenty of benefits for him of a fit and healthy sweetie! Give yourself permission to prioritise your needs. As Nike would say "Just do it"!

Lily

What I wore to work - patterned silk and pants

Sometimes it pays to be cautious. I have had this top for some time. It originally had a long, empire waist tie that tied in the back. After I had the kids I pulled it back on. And then took it off. After 3 years of pregnancy/post partum/pregnancy the last thing I wanted was to look 4 months pregnant. So I put it back in the wardrobe. Some time later I pulled it back out and thought about wearing it without the tie. Much better! It now looked like a loose, breezy top, not a maternity one. So I cut the tie off and kept on wearing it.

It's old Country Road. Their current similar version is here.
Pants are also Country Road - their stock standard work pants. They always have them or something similar, colours vary. Current version here.

The sleeves on the blouse are a nice flutter sleeve. I think they are quite flattering.

The necklace is a lovely one from Tiffany several years ago, but is no longer available.  It has Diana, the Greek Goddess on one side and "courage" on the other. It's a talisman of sorts for me. Whenever I put it on I think  "Be brave today Lily. You are courageous". And then I usually start singing "I am woman, hear me roar", much to the kid's and husband's displeasure.  And I have a good old chuckle at their expense. Deal with it people! It's a nice start to the day!


Lily

This week in running - Run Newcastle race report

Mileage last week: 35km + hills

Last week I did the Run Newcastle event. It offers a 6km walk, 6km run and 12 km run. I did the 12 km run. It was also my bright idea that I would push the kids rather than Mr MRWS pushing.  Which would be fine if there wasn't a massive hill in the first few kilometres of the race!

The Race outfit. Changed shoes at last minute.

I had a goal in mind before the race that I wanted to break 65 mins. With the climb and the pram I wasn't sure what my pace would be like. The climb was not horribly steep but was reasonably long so I had decided beforehand that I would walk where necessary.( Ok, more like I had told myself that I was going to have to walk and that it was ok, there was no shame in walking. ). I ended up walking 4 times, once fro each section of the hill. Talk about happy to reach the top!


The course was such that you ran up to the top of a hill and then came straight back down to sea level, via a big park by the ocean. Coming back down the hill I was flying and managed to overtake a lot of the people who went past me going up the hill. Once back down at the beach the course wound it's way around the harbour and back to the start/finish area. I was happy with how I ran as I managed to maintain a steady pace once I was up that hill!

This view was my reward after the hill!

 The day was hot so I was glad for the water and sports drink I had with me.  I didn't quite think the sports drink through. Trying to drink out of a full, normal bottle  while running and pushing a pram is generally not a good idea. I think that more drink went on the pram and on me than actually in me!


I enjoyed the race but Mr MRWS was not a fan. There were only 2 drink stations (water only) fro the 12 km course. As I said it was a hot day. You know there aren't enough drink stations when people are queuing at bubblers along the course! The course was also problematic for the second half - on and off footpath, through busy restaurant areas. It was a bit of a nightmare with the pram, actually.


I finished in a tick under 62 minutes. I was very happy with that! It's hard to really push hard when racing with the pram over any distance.  You can't risk completely blowing up and having to sit  in the gutter and wait for your other half to come and retrieve you and your offspring from aforementioned spot in the gutter 5 km from the finish. Or something like that.


When I finished Mr MRWS was waiting with a big, sweaty hug. He wasn't thrilled with his race but I think he ran really well. I'm keen to RunNewcastle next year, I will need to talk Mr MRWS into it.

My leg muscles were sore for the next few day but not crazy sore and I was able to run easily the following Tuesday. So I am back into it and trying to navigate running in the summer heat!


Lily.

What I wore to work - denim and sparkles

I am lucky that my workplace is relatively casual. I don't wear jeans but I am not expected to wear a suit. Neat, tidy, professional looking.  Not terribly exciting. I've mentioned before that I am struggling with trousers at the moment. They don't seem to fit right. Two pregnancies in a short amount of time will do that. So I feel schlumpy and dumpy all day. Hence the reason I wear dresses. A lot.


So today it's another dress. A Denim Shirtdress. Comfortable. Love it. Of course I have to add a little something-something to it. Today it was a sparkle necklace and patterned shoes. Which probably should not be worn in the same outfit but that is how I roll.

(Please excuse the creases, a morning moving computer hardware around will do that to a girl!)

Dress: Target USA, similar here
Necklace: Target Aus, similar here
Shoes: Diana Ferrari, similar here.

I find the process of blogging an interesting one, for a number of different reasons. Being a proud tech head I love the actual IT process involved. The hardware, the software, coding, love it all. I find the taking of photos also quite fascinating. I am frequently (daily) surprised to see how outfits look in a photo, as opposed to how they look in my head. Sometimes it is a nice surprise, sometimes (all too often) it is quite confronting. Is that how that outfit actually looks?? Why didn't anyone tell me??

Overall though, it is a positive experience and one that has me thinking. And isn't that what it is all about?

Lily

What I wore to work - grey pants and jewels

I've mostly been wearing dresses for work lately. Part of the reason is that I don't think my current work pants are very flattering. I'm blaming (pregnancy, postpartum, weaning) x 2 for that! I think I need to bite the bullet and get some more basics that actually fit.


Today's outfit is grey pants and shirt by Country Road, red shoes and a multicolour stone long necklace. I tend to wear a basic outfit and then add (hopefully) a bit of spark with accessories and shoes. I love my colour and I love patterns and detail so I try to wear some (all) of each, each day. I think I nailed the boring basics today. Spark and interest? Not so much.

Pants :Similar,  Country Road Double Cloth Pant $129

Shirt:Similar Country Road Scoop Neck TShirt $39.95

Shoes : Cotton On

Necklace: Absolutely no idea, it's old, old, old.

I need to do workwear better. I can't seem to carry it off without looking schlumpy. Exhibit A, above. My workplace doesn't require dressy ( clearly, lol) so I have a fair amount of leeway. I think I need to Pinterest and shop. That will be a hardship! Any suggestions?

Lily.

This goes with that...At Sussan

Now that I have kids it is very rare that I have a nice leisurely stroll through the shops. Most of my shopping is a snatch and grab affair. The main goal is to be out of the shop before the offspring cause too much damage or offence. A good returns policy is an absolute deal breaker. As a result I tend to go into the same shops as I don't have the time to investigate further afield. Or if I have the time, prolonged clothes shopping with a 1.5 year old and a 3.5 year old and I may lose the will to live.


Whilst I don't spend much actual time in clothes shops, I do seem to spend a lot of time in shopping centres. At the playground area. At those ride things (that I let the kids play on - I usually tell them that the ride is broken. Mum of the year?). I was hanging around one of those ride things the other day (Thomas and the troublesome trucks) when I noticed the shop window nearby for Sussan. I liked what I saw. We didn't actually venture inside ( a meltdown was on the cards) but I did do some investigating when I got home.  Thank heavens for the Internet!


First thing that caught my attention was some of their tops.

Circle cutwork top $89.95

Print Shirred shirt $34.98

Both of these tops would look great with jeans - either skinny or boyfriend- and sandals for springtime.  For a (slightly!) more dressy look a pair of straight/skinny ankle pants like the ones below would be fab.

Crop Sateen Pant $69.95

Summertime is shorts time in the MRWS household. Running shorts, short shorts, long shorts. Love them all. I especially like the print shorts around this year. The ones below fit the bill ( though the website pic is crud) - geometric print in navy. Be still my heart!

Print short $69.95

The one thing that Sussan has always done well is accessories. I love scarves and bags (and jewellery. And shoes. Hmmmm. So everything. I like everything.). If I am wearing a boring plain outfit I can throw on a scarf and it looks better and dressier. Or that's what I tell myself. I like these ones

Multi Tassle Scarf $39.95

Navy Polka Scarf $29.95

The necklace below would look fabulous with just about everything! I would start with a crisp white button down shirt. Then whatever floats my boat for the bottom half - skinny jeans, trouser jeans, the black sateen crop pants above. Actually I think  a full a-line, black, knee length skirt. With either sandals, ballet flats or serious shoes (heels, slinky ones). So basically I need this necklace. Plus, it's hexagons. As a Mathematician, gotta love that!

Hexagon statement necklace $39.95

To finish, this bag is yummy! I may have to risk going to the store - god help me - to check it out. Browns can be so tricky or maybe I am just picky particular. The long strap and the tassel are fun.

Avery Satchel Bag $59.95

These are some of the things that caught my fancy. Also at the moment Sussan has a deal - every $100 you spend you get a $25 gift card. Finishes at the end of the month. I might need to scoot on in.

 I would love suggestions for other stores. Let's face it, I can't be bothered trawling through in person with the two mini me in tow. Where else should I rediscover?

This week in Running - aches, pains and hot pink running shoes

Weekly Kms : 35 ish + Hills

This has not been a great week running wise. I have felt slow and sluggish.  My hip is sore, which is making my IT band sore. Blah. And my other knee was sore. Double blah. Two things I have pin pointed:

• I haven't changed shoes since before the Gold Coast. In July. Ummm. Stuff up on my part! No wonder I feel sore, I may as well be running in a pair of Volleys!
• I have been trying a Tabata weight workout a few times a week. It's not for me. I think the likelihood of injury is enormous. Even with good technique I am getting aches and pains of the precursor-to-injury variety. So I am going back to the usual 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps with heavier weight.

So I have a "vibrant" new pair of shoes to wear in. As soon as I put them on I thought "Well these are really cushiony". Umm , no, idiot your other shoes are completely stuffed because you forgot to change pairs and offer approximately zero cushioning and support. Derr. I am not fussed on the pink but I don't really care what my shoes look like.

I did the usual type runs this week. Long run was 15.4 km and it actually felt ok, though I was completely cactus afterwards! I have been fairly disappointed with my efforts at parkrun for a while now. I don't seem to have any spark. I don't know how much of that is because of the heat of Summer and how much is because I am running crap at the moment. It was my turn to push the kids this week and the last km was just dire.  Little old ladies with walking frames could have taken me.

Hopefully things start to look up soon. I am still enjoying my runs, just not going very fast!

Lily

A dress for the festive season

I like to wear a dress on Christmas Day. We usually walk that line between fancy and casual for Christmas. I would say Smart Casual but that doesn't really clarify things at all! It's a dress code I loathe because I never know what it means and whenever I go to something that is "smart casual" there is always such a range of dress. Which shouldn't really matter, I guess, but for some reason it does.

So Christmas Day. Not too casual. Not too fancy. It needs to be weather adaptable. Christmas Day can be bloody hot. But it might not be. And it needs to be a decent length. This is probably the trickiest one. So many dresses, I hold them up and they end mid thigh. I'm not 20 anymore. So even though I probably have the legs to carry them off, I don't want to spend the day worrying that I will flash my undies to my nearest and dearest.

Some of the options I have been weighing up...

Country Road Sketch Print Dress $179

I like the print on this one but the fit could either be very, very good or very, very bad ( and boxy)

Country Road Sarong Leaf print dress $129  

I love the cut and especially love the colour. I can't handle the white shoes though. Clearly I am unfashionable, but they are just the worst! I would pair it with something less Nana orthopedic shoe, either a flat sandal or chunky sandal with a heel.

Country Road Hibiscus Print Dress $79 (reduced)

This one I am quite intrigued by. I saw it in store the other week and it was more of a pale pink background and the print seemed less leaf like in person, compared to the website images. Or maybe I wasn't paying much attention and have got it all arse about. It happens.

Twist Maxi Dress - Watercolour Floral $59 (Target)

This is really pretty. I like pretty. I don't usually do blues in clothing (unless it's navy or a stripe) but I like this. Again I really dislike the shoes.  Black and mildly clunky. Not what I would put with a pretty dress.

Target  Tie front dress - Stripe $40

This one looks comfortable. That's important. Also, I love a stripe. I think I would have to see how this one looks on. Could go either way I fear.

Veronika Maine tropical garden scoop neck bell dress $249

This last one is right up my alley... except for the price and I think it might be a tad short. Plus it's hand wash and shouldn't go in the machine. Which means it either would never get worn because it was in the laundry waiting to be washed or I'd chance it and chuck it in the machine and it would then be so small that any movement - sudden or not - would result in an undies baring incident.



So far the target stripe dress and the country Road Hibiscus dress are my top options. I think I can safely add "must be a pattern" to my checklist as I have just realised that all my options feature a print. I also think that I need to hit the shops and try some dresses on. That will be fun with an almost 2 year old and a 3 year old in tow....

What do you wear for Christmas Day? I need ideas!

Lily

What I wore to play - denim and stripes.

When I am not at work I dress in a fairly casual manner.  When I am home with the kids I try to consciously make the effort to stay in the casual zone and not drift into slobby territory. Which is really tempting some days. Tracky daks on a cold day? Lovely! Comfy! Buuut not the best look, usually ( not talking fancy pants tracky daks [snort] here).

So my basic, everyday look tends to be fairly simple. This outfit is a good example. Stripes, denim, bit of colour. Done.

I like this top as it has a really flattering neckline. Not too low, not too high and a wide trim that seems to sit quite nicely. 

Jeans: American Eagle skinny jeans $51

Top: Dotti Everygirl Stripe Tee $19.95 or 2 for $30

Shoes: Toms $US48

How do you do casual without veering into messy? Throw me some ideas! Please!

Lily 

What I wore to work - Comfy black dress

That sounds so appealing, doesn't it?! Visions of long black sacks dancing in my head. Which is probably not to far off. The black dress in question is a comfortable black jersey, knee length dress.

As the post title suggests, the dress is super comfortable. It's jersey so it drapes and moves really well. The elbow length sleeves are good for most of the year, it's really only on hot days that I can't wear it. Best of all ? It was cheap, really cheap. I bought it at the supermarket while I was doing the groceries one day. Lol. That's my kind of shopping - cheap and at no effort to myself. I bought it last year so it is no longer available but here are some similar options.


I paired it with a long mixed pearl and crystal necklace. I have no idea where I got it. In fact I would have sworn black and blue that it wasn't mine if it hadn't been with my jewellery.

 

 

The shoes are Steve Madden . Zebra print, burgundy trim. Just the thing to set of a plain dress.

 

I love a bargain for work. How about you?