I wrote awhile ago that I have been taking things “good and slow” with regards to working out post-baby, but the pace has been slower than molasses around here. It’s been chelonian or worse. I was in a good groove for a few weeks, but then life happened — I toilet-trained mini, micro got sick with a horrible cold, and I was preoccupied with a trillion and ten things. I am giving myself grace through the remainder of this week, but micro turns three months on Saturday, and it.is.time. I lost a lot of the pregnancy weight through breast-feeding, but my body does not feel the same and there are a stubborn five extra pounds that will just not leave me alone. (Shoo, you!) I have worked hard not to agonize over this (and thank God for that caftan life), but I’m getting to a phase where I can no longer say: “Well, I just had a baby.” So, I am ordering some new workout clothes and committing to an outdoor run three days a week. I enjoy running, it’s beautiful outside these days, and — running is free and takes the least amount of time when it comes to exercise regimen (i.e., I don’t need to pack up and head to a studio — I just walk out the door and the session starts). I would also like to hire a personal trainer at some point this fall, but am waterlogged with the impending move and don’t have the will or energy to investigate anything new at this point, so I’ll stick to what I know.
To aid me in this pursuit, I’m sharing a couple of fitness finds I’m eyeing for myself:
STARS YOGA PANTS (SEEN ABOVE)
LOGO-FREE RUNNING CAP (I LIKE THE ARMY GREEN OR BLACK)
LOVE TANK (I LOVE THE LOOSE, AIRY FIT OF THIS STYLE PAIRED WITH SPANDEX)
TIE-DYE LEGGINGS (ON SALE)
NIKE FREE TR8S (I USUALLY GO WITH THEIR FREE RNS, WHICH ARE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT, BUT THESE ARE GETTING GOOD REVIEWS)
MY FAVORITE INEXPENSIVE SPORTS BRAS IN A FEW NEW COLORS
RIDICULOUSLY DISCOUNTED SWEATS (MINI CAN MATCH!)
P.E. NATION LEGGINGS AND THESE SIMILAR ONES FROM NIKE
DISCOUNTED CHAMPION HOODIE OR THIS ON-TREND TIE-DYE ONE
CRZ YOGA PANTS AND TANKS (<<SUCH A GOOD VALUE)
*These look a lot like Outdoor Voices and — well — I have a hot take on that brand. I know everyone loves them and I did, too, for awhile — I bought two pairs of their leggings last year and loved their aesthetic — but I don’t care for the fabric that they are made of. I don’t think they have enough stretch in them and I always felt relieved when it was time to take them off. I even sized up in one pair to see if they just ran small but then they had a weird loose and baggy fit and STILL felt like they didn’t have enough stretch? I much prefer Lululemon in general (their Align leggings are like butter), but want to try a few new brands this season. We/Me has some really great styles that look like OV.
**Space will not permit us such an indulgence, but I do wish I could own a running stroller these days. I would buy the BOB Blaze, which is a “fixed wheel” jogger, as I would not need it for anything BUT running since we have other everyday, full-feature strollers. (If you intend to use yours as both an everyday stroller and a jogger, look at the “swivel wheel” styles.) BOBs are the best of the best (so I am told / so research has informed me) for runners. I also kind of like that bumble bee yellow and black situation!
***My dad has used this running journal for decades. Maybe I’ll follow suit.
…And off we go!
P.S. Will also be making heavy use of some of the items in my roundup of products that help with a “hands-free” lifestyle.
P.P.S. A couple of great Amazon finds lately: this foldable straw visor (actually very chic), this leak-proof snack box for mini, and this marble run, which we gave to my nephew for his fourth birthday. Also, mini adores Toy Story and this set of Little People kept her very, very busy on a recent five hour car trip.
P.P.P.S. Such a fun sweater for fall.