I used to hear this ALL the time. There are naysayers everywhere and honestly, I know a lot of them.
So this is the scene, before kids. I ran a lot. I worked out a lot. I was in very good shape. Bump into an old friend, coworker, or neighbor at the supermarket. We exchange pleasantries in aisle number 8 and give a short synopsis of what we are both up to. My life in 4 sentences usually included one training/running/racing tidbit.
Enter the catchphase.”That’s because you don’t have kids.” If I didn’t have kids, I could run all the time too. If I didn’t have kids, or work 10 hour days, or volunteer so much-I could too. There are a lot of reasons people can’t find the time to be active and sometimes it’s the honest truth. But a lot of times, it all comes down to what is important to you. There will always be things that compete for your attention and time, for the rest of your life. It’s up to you to choose how you spend it. And unfortunately, there will also always be people that will downplay your accomplishments to make themselves feel better. It’s up to you to prove them wrong.
2 kids later- I run more now than I did before kids. Of course, it’s at crazy hours of the morning/night or while pushing 65 lbs of kids in a double stroller, but I still make time for it. No, it’s not easy. Yes, I am tired. Absolutely, there are other things I have to do. But still, the effort comes forth because I want it to. I need it to. And so I do. It’s as easy as that!
Keep moving champions!
4 Comments
I totally understand where you are coming from on this. I have three kids who are all very active in sports, a wife who also works full time, and I put in 50+ hours a week but I also find time to do it because I want to. Late nights and early mornings are the norm for me as well as trying to sneak out to the YMCA at lunch time for a swim.
You keep on moving and we will gladly celebrate your accomplishments with you.
Exercise is important to how long you could be on this earth and be there for your children. Like you said, if it is a priority you will find a way. Although pushing 65 pounds of kids does sound exhausting! haha
So true…there will always be things that compete for our time and attention. I’m intentional about fitness and training, because I believe it makes me better for the everything else. Nice perspective, Kathy.
I totally agree! We are all given 24 hours in a day. I also run more now that I have kids. I never thought I could but I make it a priority to run. And I think it makes me a better Mom