Hi friends! Golly jee gosh it’s been a crazy couple weeks. I’m sorry I don’t really say golly jee gosh, but for that second it felt right.
Anyway, life is pretty fantastic over on this little island. Are you starting to feel the “almost summer” excitement in the air? The weather was straight up gnarly for a week, then all of a sudden it turned incredible.
Remember a couple months ago when we talked about morning routines? This was right after I had finished the 12 week Sweat with Kayla program and was starting to feel a little “off” with my schedule.
Breakfast:
Raspberry, banana smoothie with spinach and vega protein topped with nuttzo and granola
Since then, I’ve taken a totally different approach to my fitness routine and it’s made a dramatic difference in my happiness and energy levels.
Instead of following a strict exercise routine, I’ve been running most mornings before work. However, rather than strap on a Garmin or track these runs, I’ve been just running to run. I have no idea how far it’s been, or how fast I’m going. All I know is that it usually takes me about 30 minutes.
When I run like this in the morning, I feel so refreshed and energized. It feels like my special little “me-time” where I listen to my favorite songs, get a view of the ocean and start my day uncluttered by notifications and emails and Instagram. Some days I cruise, others I have to stop and walk a couple times.
Lunch:
I’ve never genuinely looked forward to workouts like I do now. Sure, I’m probably not burning the most calories or getting that much stronger or faster but right now I couldn’t give a shit. It feels like exactly what I needed from a morning routine and what I need from running right now.
I know I’ll want to start training for something down the line but right now it’s been such a positive way to start my day compared to the dread I was feeling about doing a HIIT workout.
Dinner:
Tacos with cheese, gardein chix, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro
For me, this is further evidence that every season in life can require a different kind of routine, whether that’s in your exercise, diet, social life, relationships. It’s ok to change and need something different. You don’t have to be in the best shape of your life every second to enjoy fitness and exercise. It’s not all or nothing. Moving to move is glorious.
Dessert:
Deconstructed ice cream almond butter cookie sandwich
Everyone has different goals, but if you’re feeling uninspired by your workouts maybe just find something that genuinely feels fun. Maybe it’s enjoying a nice long walk every day instead of sweating your face off. Maybe you like the social aspect of fitness and working out alone is slowly killing you. Join a studio and meet some new sweaty friends.
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That’s so awesome Georgie!! Isn’t it amazing to do workouts that you ACTUALLY enjoy doing?! I’m in the same boat with you. I don’t track anything, I just be like a Nike swoosh and do it. 🙂
Your food looks amazing! Since getting back into running I’ve been trying to take it slow and not really time myself. I used to get so upset if I didn’t hit a good pace and it never made working out fun. Now I’m trying to run for health rather than a certain pace and it’s been so much less stressful. Maybe I won’t be as happy with my time at my next race, but at least I won’t be stressed every time I pick up my running sneakers.
“You don’t have to be in the best shape of your life every second to enjoy fitness and exercise.” <—- Could not agree more. As long as we are getting out there and moving, who cares if we are in tip top shape every single day of the year?! Trying to constantly be in the best shape is just plain exhausting, but taking periods to just move and be active is just what our bodies need a lot of the time.
You know you’re doing something right when you ENJOY exercise. To me, that is the most important part and what I tell people when they ask me about fitness. I feel like I go against the societal grain when I admit that I’m not exercising for aesthetic reasons or goals, like it seems so many people do (which isn’t inherently bad!).
The only way I enjoy running now is to let myself run without tracking mileage or pace because that stresses me out. That way I can stop when I feel like stopping and just focus on the view and not anything else, it’s so much better and freeing!
I think that exercise, like what we eat, has to above all else be something we enjoy and look forward to, and is sustainable in the long run for our lifestyles. It sounds like what you’re doing now is exactly that. Plus, running in Nantucket has got to be the most gorgeous thing!
Could not agree with you more! It’s so important to find a type of exercise you enjoy! Maybe it’s kickboxing, zumba, running or just walking with friends- all that matters is you’re doing something!
Could not agree with you more! It’s so important to find a type of exercise you enjoy! Maybe it’s kickboxing, zumba, running or just walking with friends- all that matters is you’re doing something!
I used to force myself to run, and now most days I actually choose yoga over running. I definitely am less likely to get injured when I don’t make myself do something I don’t want to. I rarely wear a watch and I run purely for enjoyment. It’s better that way 🙂
I love sometimes just running for ” a bit,” whatever that ends up being- no watch, no goal time. It’s so relaxing and enjoyable! And Georgie, what cookie is that with your lunch?! Looks SO good!
I agree, too! It took a couple years, but I finally realized that since I no longer play competitive sports, I don’t have to work out like I still am (duh). It’s helped me be more consistent – I’m more likely to go for an easy run instead of skipping a workout altogether because I don’t feel like a track workout that day.
My favorite form of exercise is hiking or playing soccer in the local adult rec league. Probably because these don’t feel like “exercise”. Since I have graduated college, I have fell in love with group fitness classes. I miss companionship and these classes help to add an extra dose in my life. On the other hand, my husband detests group fitness because it stresses him out. I firmly believe that you should do you.
love this! exercising in a way that feels good and makes you happy is always the most important <3
Can I just give you all of the praise hands emojis right now? I couldn’t agree with you more and am in a very similar space with exercise. After years of doing tons of running, HIIT and weightlifting I am just…over it. The mind/body exercise and flexibility (that I desperately need) from yoga and barre have been my jam lately. Maybe my arms aren’t as toned as they were a year ago but who gives a fuhhhh. Movement should be fun and enjoyable!
This all is so true and I believe finding something you enjoy doing is so important! I used to view exercise as something I “made” myself do and it sucked all the fun out of it. That’s awesome that you’re enjoying running in the mornings! If only I could get myself to wake up earlier:) haha.
Totally agree. I used to love running so much until something shifted and then I got more into the strength and HIIT training. I always listen to my body and what makes it feel energized in terms of exercise and work on being open minded to change!
Great message today. I need to take note. I’m a little “off” these days and thinking it’s just burn out. Considering backing off and shaking things up a bit.
I love that you mentioned seasonality in your routines! I’m totally the same way. Right now I’m a lot busier than usual and am not working out as much as I normally would or want to. But, I’ve come to terms with this and realize that I truly love having a social life and it’s OK if I miss a workout or two to do something else. It’s taken me a while to get there but that’s alight 🙂
I go through bouts of exercise that I genuinely enjoy planing out, but those bursts are short-lived. I’m much more about going out for a run and seeing where it takes me. Usually I end up around the 25 minute mark, and I feel completely refreshed! Love that you’re listening to yourself in all aspects of your health!
Can I just like jump through the computer screen and give you a ginormous hug for this one? 🙂 I really appreciate this Georgie, because for so long I tied myself to the numbers. And somedays I scroll through Instagram and think, ‘Well, my workout was not nearly as intense as that person’s’ so I can’t eat as much. Crazy, right? It becomes this whole crazy, merit based system that’s so miserable. But when I get out there and just move without time restraint, just move to move, WOW that is so freeing!
So much truth to this! I go through phases with working out because every so often I just need a change to a new routine that feels “right” at the time. I’ve actually been doing some run/walks in the mornings before work lately too and I love starting my day that way!
Rargh all that food looks perfect! I’m somewhere between intuitive and routine with fitness – I love to track everything I do but I’m relaxed about it – I’ve not really run at all this year but done lots of walking, yoga and strength training. (I do want to get back in to running though) As long as I’m regularly active, I feel good. I just like to track so I know what I’ve ben up to 🙂
“Moving to move is glorious.” Loved this post. You’re so right. It’s so easy to get caught up in building muscle and getting toned that we forget that sometimes we just need to move our bodies because it FEELS GOOD!
Loooove this. As someone who has run at the division 1 level, I’m having such a hard time with allowing myself to exercise intuitively. I’m trying to train my mind to let running/exercising just come to me rather than forcing it, but years of being in an intense competitive environment has done a LOT of damage. The idea of running just to run (WITHOUT a garmin) sounds so incredibly freeing! I’m definitely going to do that soon! <3
so glad you’re happy with your morning routine <3 i go through phases of workouts. i think getting up and unning first thing is great. you don't have to do weights/a workout/HIIT. if you like running, it keeps you on track, go for it 🙂
Love this insight, Georgie. I’ve been trying to listen to my intuition in all areas of my life – my food choices, exercise, and just day-to-day decisions. The food has been hard for me. I know how I LOVE to move my body (yoga and group classes are my jam) and I want to do those more.