It's been so long since I've even thought of this blog. Time to reclaim what's mine!
I lost my husband to a sudden arrthymia in 2019. I lost his mother (my mother-in-law, a force of nature type of woman who had been like a second mother to me) in 2021. Had my first relationship after losing my beloved husband with a man who dumped me after two years of sneaky sex. The last few years I've been sadder than ever (that includes the period in my early life where I lost my mother). How to shake the sadness with exercise? Can that even be done?
Menopause hit hard with some weight gain (I never had boobs this large before). I've been reading that cardio can cause cortisol spikes (leading to more weight gain) and that it's now strength training that is absolutely necessary.
I don't really love strength training the way I love walking and running, but I want to do more of it. I get bored lifting weights and feel intimidated by the gym bro types (male and female) I see at the gym.
So I sneak in lifting in unusual ways--my trusty 20 pound dumbbells are by the television so I can always do some curls. lifts, and squats while I watch Food Network LOL.
Not gonna lie: when I get depressed over all I feel I've lost, I don't work out at all. I still walk a lot (because I do not drive). But I want to get back to feeling how I did when I ran more.
So I laced up today--got out for a 4 mile run/walk. The great thing about combining running and walking is that even if I've been lazy and not done anything, this method is kind to the body. I simply run for 30 seconds, walk for 30 seconds. Right now, it takes me a little under 55 minutes. Hoping that will improve as I get back in better shape.
I'm going to pick a race (a 5k) for fall and work toward finishing it well (gone are the days when 5Ks were 30 min races for me). I need something to look forward to. Just wish my beloved husband were still here to cheer me on and have a post-race meal with me!
