Tip of the Week: It's Okay To Begin...Again
This past weekend, Andrew and I raced the Kiawah Island Half Marathon. This race meant a lot to me, as it was the first race I have completed since my daughters were born… and my oldest is 7. The truth is, it’s not the first time I have tried. When Mary was around 18 months old, we signed up for a 5K. We borrowed a friend’s double jogging stroller so we could bring Emma and Mary with us. I was probably on my 5th or 6th attempt at restarting running and trying to find an exercise routine within the craziness of toddler life. Then, we got to the race, and it started to rain– freezing, icing, January- Georgia rain. And we realized that bringing our babies through the freezing rain was likely not the best parenting move. So, Andrew ran the race, and I stayed with the girls, cheering him on at the covered finish line.
Making Plans that Stick
I’ve had other attempts at exercise– I got a running coach, various pieces of exercise equipment, subscriptions–but ultimately, they all didn’t work out. For various reasons…but still…they didn’t. Until, this year. This year, as we got ready to start the girls in school, we again discussed our priorities and exercise. We again, built a new plan for fitness and strategized how this would work into our lives. But, this time, it stuck. We finally found a time to exercise that worked for us. We’ve been consistent now for 6 months, and I don’t see it ending anytime soon. And, I was able to return to the movements I love– particularly, running! So, last Saturday, I ran my 4th Half Marathon… with just an 8 year gap between the 3rd and the 4th! :)
What in the world does this have to do with pelvic health?
Finding the right plan & partner for the journey
Well, my friend… sometimes we make a plan and it sticks immediately! You may have decided you were ready to start exercising again after having babies! That you were over having pain with sex. Or perhaps you were ready to stop having your life revolve around your bladder & bowels…or your pelvic pain. But then…maybe it didn’t go the way you wanted. Perhaps you tried to be consistent with your exercises or home program, but life got in the way. And that is ok!!
As we round the corner toward 2024, I would love to encourage you that it is absolutely ok to begin…again…and again, and again and again. There is strength in overcoming an obstacle. And sometimes, it takes time to find the plan that sticks! So, if this sounds like you, you aren’t alone. Give us a call if you’re ready to try again, and we’re ready to be your partner in that journey. And if you’re already on that journey— you got this!!
Weekly Tips Pelvic Health Tips By Dr. Jessica Reale PT, DPT, WCS