My daughter turned four weeks old and I decided that it was time to get back into the workout routine. As anyone with two kids at home knows, this requires a bit of organization. I had to hire a babysitter. I strapped on not one, not two but THREE bras. When I arrived at the gym I discovered my membership had never been taken off of the medical hold I put on it during the last months of my pregnancy. So, it was nearly an hour before I could even get to working out.
Full disclosure here – I used to be a runner. I have run two marathons and three triathlons. And I got decent times. But those were all pre-baby. So, I hopped on the treadmill and started with a walk, then a jog. By the time I got to a ten minute mile I realized I just couldn’t do it. So, my first mile back at it averaged 15 minutes. Yikes! I tried the stairmaster. Same problem. I couldn’t make it above a 5. And 15 minutes nearly killed me. Lastly, I hit the weights. I assumed this would be easy as I have been carrying both my new baby and my 30-pound two-year-old around. Not true. From just a few simple exercises I was in terrible pain the next day.
I know I have to get back into shape and I certainly plan to go back and keep trying. But with the Kim Kardashians and Kate Middletons of the world losing all their baby weight in only a few weeks I feel an unrealistic push to start now and push myself. Sadly, without a personal trainer and a chef I think these expectations are just impossible to attain. I have to give myself a bit of a break. This time is really for recovery and bonding with my kids. Not for trying to look like a celebrity.