Since my race on December 12th, I have taken a running hiatus. I had actually planned to take the rest of winter off, but it seems my mind and body just can’t do it.  I need a way to let off steam, de-stress.  When I smoked, I would light up a cigarrette. Well, we don’t do that anymore, so apparently we scream.

My kids are probably officially convinced I’m a raging lunatic.  I really did my best to keep that side of me away from the kiddos…but alas, the winter blahs have gotten to me.  Everything annoys me!  “Don’t do that, stop touching that, stop whining. AHHHHHH”  Even my on again off again (well, only off once…but anyway) boyfriend notices a difference.

It’s really not brain science that working out is good for you.  Just like it’s quite obvious smoking is NOT good for you.  Taking care of ourselves as single mothers is very important.  So, how am I going to workout if I can’t run outside?

A gym membership or private trainer are both a luxury and out of the question.  I suppose running on the DREADmill is a possibility.  I don’t own one myself, but my kids most awesome-est (hope you read this cause you are) Godmother has one and it is always available for me to use.  Alright, so how can us single mothers make ourselves a priority?  What are some ways we can sneak in a workout?

• Treadmill: Iif you don’t have one, find someone that has a treadmill and ask if you could use it.  (Note to self, stop calling it the DREADmill or u will never get on it!) and if you have small children perhaps you could bring them along and turn on the TV and see if your friend could watch over them while you get a quick run in, or really whatever you have to do to make yourself a priority.
• Workout videos at your library.  Basically I have NO coordination, and really have a hard time finding something that I can actually do.  Try some different ones out, pop them in and give em a whirl.  Thank goodness for early bedtimes…the TV doesnt have to be loud to do this either..pop in some tunes on your mp3 and get going.
• Play outside, especially with snow.  I’ve taken my kids sledding 3 times since the snow began.  It is really a workout because I have to carry Aidan up the hill with the snowsled.  So this has actually been a really fun workout for me AND the kids.
• Accumulate some workout equipment.  I have 5lb weights and rubber band thingies.  These give me some resistance and I don’t have to dedicate a whole lot of time for them.  I keep them out where I can see them and sometimes I’ll grab them and do some curls for 10 minutes…always better than nothing!
• Park far away.  If I don’t have my kids with me, I park as far away as possible.  The cold air usually does me some good and puts a little pep in my step. I walk a little faster to the entrance…perhaps gettin my heart rate  up there.
• Workout books.  Go to the library and you will be surprised on how many books are out there.  Out of the thousands of books, one will surely fit your life style.  Yoga and stretching is just a sample of the many topics you can look up.

I hope everyone finds a way to be a healthier mom in 2010!  There is something out there for everyone of you.  One last note, My family and I were dining at our local Olive Garden last week and someone paid for our meal.  It was very sweet and kind…and our server was happy too because he got a marvelous tip.   Kindness is all around.

Ok, I’m going to give some of my ideas a try this week.  I did just buy 6 boxes of girl scout cookies. I should start running those off now.  Oh, and Happy 31st birthday January 12 to my best friend of a million years, Monica Bankus!!!