Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: FREE! You can write about any running related topic. This week’s I’m going to be talking about maintaining workouts during hard times. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
Also, I want to apologize for missing some Tuesday Topics posts this month and would like to give a huge THANK YOU to my co-host Zenaida for hosting this link-up solo for the past few weeks. My dad had complications from brain surgery and had been in the ICU for almost 3 weeks. Luckily he was moved out of the ICU this past weekend and is hopefully on the long road to recovery. I now feel like I’m in the proper headspace to start blogging again.
Usually I struggle when we have a “free” topic for this link-up but this subject came to me quickly just based on the past few weeks. When you’re going through hard times, either personally or professionally, it can be easy to stop exercising because you’re so focused on the current issues in your life. Obviously there is nothing wrong with this approach, but for me it didn’t work. The one day a few weeks ago that I didn’t get in any type of exercise was a super crappy day for me due to my anxiety. That’s when I knew that exercising during hard times works for me due to a few different reasons.
My Happy Place
For most people their happy place might be a sporting event, party or a favorite restaurant, but my happy place is anywhere I can get in a workout. It’s the one time of the day where I can shut out the rest of the world and focus on the task at hand. Sometimes that’s really necessary, especially when you’re trying to juggle lots of different things.
Mental Health
I think that most people probably feel this way but the past year really took a toll on my mental health for tons of reasons. The one constant that remained throughout all the craziness were my workouts. I am a firm believer in the power of endorphins. I know that when I’m stressed a good workout will help with my mental clarity and anxiety.
Physical Health
I could care less about fitting into certain clothes, I work out to feel strong. I also wanted to do everything in my power to keep myself healthy so that I could help out my family as much as possible. I knew that I would be no good to them if I didn’t continue to take care of myself.
Tell me: Do you workout during hard times in your life?
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Topic for next week – What are some of your favorite running outfits or costumes? Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Wendy says
I always say that running is my therapy. Running has gotten me through some really tough times over the years! Glad that your workouts helped you as well.
kookyrunner says
Definitely! I love that exercise helps to calm me down and center me in the midst of craziness.
Shathiso says
No need to apologise for your absence – I’m just so happy to hear your dad is on the road to recovery. What a terrible and scary time. Running has taken me through the hardest times – and I can honestly say, I would not have coped without it for all the reasons you listed. It gave me time out to regroup and refocus, it made me feel stronger mentally and physically, and gave me the courage to continue.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Shathiso! We’re also so glad that he continues to improve every day.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Activity is an ingrained habit for me.
Sometimes, though, when I went through everything with my father at the end of 2019, it was really challenging to get that workout in. There were days of just sitting in the hospital — and I thank God that that was an option then — and driving for hours.
At the very least I’d take a break and walk around outside the hospital/rehab. When I stayed with my mom, I didn’t have access to weights, and some days the weather was crappy. I’d pace around the inside of their building, going up & down stairs (hello, other Kim!) — it’s quite large so I could actually work up a lot of miles there.
I am glad that you found your me time in exercise, Kim. Such big hugs, you’re still all on a hard road.
kookyrunner says
“Activity is an ingrained habit for me” – LOVE THIS! I think this sums up exactly how I feel about exercise. It’s just a part of my DNA at this point.
With everything going on, if I don’t workout in the morning it just doesn’t get done so I can relate to what you said about it being challenging.
Kimberly Hatting says
Working out has SO many benefits, emotional feel-good vibes being one of the biggies. I’m so glad you were able to power through these past several weeks, and come out feeling stronger. A lot of people could have taken a different route, succumbing to all the stress. My body just feels better when it’s in motion, which is why I seldom take complete rest days. If I’m just siting around, I don’t feel “rested” LOL Hugs to all your family <3
kookyrunner says
Yes! There are so many positives to exercise. I know that it can seem like a chore to some people but I love it! I agree with you that my body feels a lot better when I get in a good sweat.
Darlene S Cardillo says
Running is my therapy. I’ve added hiking and walking.
I feel stressed and sad if I don’t do any of the above.
Glad to hear that your Dad is improving and you have been able to do your workouts.
Hugs.
Maybe a real one at a fall race.
kookyrunner says
I think I’ll probably do my first in-person race next year which will be the Love Run Philly 1/2 marathon. We actually haven’t had any live races in my city or surrounding cities in over a year.
Darlene S Cardillo says
that’s in March, right? It’s a nice race.
I was hoping that you would do ZOOMA Cape Cod.
Catrina says
It’s so nice to have you back, Kim.
I don’t know how much money I saved on psychotherapy sessions due to my running, haha!
I also think it’s good to have family and friends around you that understand your need for exercise. Yes, it takes time but it keeps you sane and strong – which in turn helps you to support your family better.
All the best to your dad!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Catrina! I’m glad to be back and interacting with everyone again 🙂
That’s a great point about having family and friends that understand the importance of exercise. Not once did anyone make me feel bad about working out because they understood where I was coming from.
Denise @runheartfit says
I agree that exercise is the best therapy. I’m glad your dad is doing better. Sending healing thoughts your way.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Denise <3
Jessie says
I’m sorry to hear that your dad was in the ICU for 3 weeks. That is so scary and stressful. I’m glad things have turned around. No need to explain a blogging absence! You got to take care of yourself first and foremost.
Exercise/running is my happy place for SURE.
Great post! Agree with all the reasons 🙂
kookyrunner says
It’s been a very mentally exhausting time so I’m so thankful for fitness to get my through the past few weeks.
Liz Dexter says
Getting outside to walk or run has helped me through physical and mental hard times. When I had an operation a few years ago I made it my mission to walk every day – to a cafe to meet with friends and chat and then to each park. During lockdown I have run more frequently but less far each time and have really benefitted from being in the local parks and going along the canals and greenways.
kookyrunner says
Yes! Being outdoors can make such a difference. I’m looking forward to getting out for more lunchtime walks once the weather here stabilizes a little bit. One day it’s 30 degrees and the next day it’s 60 degrees, lol.
Liz Dexter says
Oh that’s tricky!
Marcia says
I’m glad you were able to lean into your running and fitness activities when things got stressful. Endorphins really are so helpful in keeping a clear head space.
Coco says
I am with you 100% on this one, although it can be hard to carve out that time when you are caring for someone else. I’m so glad your father is doing well and that you were able to take care of yourself during thee stressful times.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Coco 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
I am so glad to read that your dad is doing so much better! It is so stressful when our loved ones are ill. We are so used to our parents taking care of us! It is great that exercise and running can be a huge help as a stress reliever. hugs to all of you
kookyrunner says
It’s been very hard to watch my dad struggle but I keep in mind that this will be a long process and that he will hopefully continue to get better every day 🙂
Jenny says
Yes, it can be tempting to stop working out when things get stressful, but you’ll feel so much better if you stick with it. I remember a day, several years ago when I was dealing with a huge issue, where I took the kids to school and then came home and got back into bed- ha ha, bad idea. Going for a run would have been much more beneficial. I learned that lesson!
Sending best wishes for your dad’s continuing recovery.
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Jenny. He continues to get a little bit better every day so we’re so thankful for that.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I am so glad you were able to continue to carve out time for yourself. I feel the same way about running and working out – they serve as a great stress reliever and coping mechanism. Can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself, right?
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts!
kookyrunner says
Exactly! Such a great stress reliever and always much needed.
Zenaida Arroyo says
Family is 100% a priority. As you know running has also helped me get through some tough times. Hugs to you and your family!!
kookyrunner says
Yes, I remember that you also used exercise to get through tough times – it really it so helpful!
Cari says
Running and reading are my escapes. Other kinds of workouts aren’t there yet, mainly because for strength I still need the “talking head” of Peloton whereas otherwise I can disconnect
So glad your dad is on the mend and you’re back. xx
kookyrunner says
I want to get more into reading this year. I used to do it a lot as a kid and then I stopped as I got older 🙁