Posted by “Daddy, you can eat the sweets because you’re the fattest” – The OddDaughter
Shit just got real.
Today I decided to go for a 5k run* for the first time since October. The previous few years I’ve been on again off again when it comes to running. Whenever I get close to a decent time I usually get injured.
The run today was showing to be very slow. I was putting a lot of effort in. Must be something wrong with my Apple Watch.
My running clothes were also a little on the tighter side. Damn washing machine must be targeting only my clothes and making them shrink again.
Ok, I’ll stop making excuses. It’s Mrs OddFather’s fault. She should have pushed me harder to get into shape.
Fine, fine, fine. It “may” have been the number of beers I drank, the chocolate boxes I went through, and the enlarged portion sizes over the last couple of months. Not the kebabs though… ahem.
In my defence I did try running when I was in Australia in November. What I didn’t anticipate was the severely hilly area we were staying at. I got to 3k and realised I was no longer running, but just walking fast. I also attempted a 5k in December, but it was the morning after I drank a bottle of wine to myself so I had to park at 3.5k.
Someone from work mentioned their recently acquired personal best for a 5k and I’ll admit – I’m jealous. So, the comeback story begins… again.
Just a shame I had to start from the bottom again. I was panting so much by the end, dogs as well as their owners just stepped aside and let me pass. Usually they stand in the middle of the path and I have to either yell “excuse me” or I have to go around them. I have to admit it wasn’t a good look.
BUT I ran* the full 5k – and that has to count for something, right? Truth said, I’ll be hitting the big 4-0 in a couple of years and I’m a little concerned how much energy I’ll have for the upcoming baby as they become more mobile. I put a lot of energy into being a dad for the OddDaughter – running around the house, pretending to be a horse (it’s as painful as it sounds), and picking her up, suplexing her onto a bed. I really hope I have the same level of energy for the new arrival too.
Thinking back to when the OddDaughter arrived I guess it’s important to be kind to myself when baby is here. Keeping exercises short and easy, rather than attempting to do a marathon during a time where sleep will be minimal.
For now though, it’s time to simply build the habit of running/exercising on a regular basis… which I’ll get onto just as soon as I finish the box of leftover Celebrations from Christmas!
*running is probably an over-exaggeration. Most likely it was more of a jog.
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