Most of us have taken a break from exercise at some point in our life. And no matter the reason (injury, new job, laziness, having children or any other shift in priorities) there’s one thing that can be guaranteed – it’s REALLY difficult to get back into it.
So when that ‘break from exercise’ turns into decades and becomes a way of life, how do you find the motivation to turn things around? Well, today I’m talking to a very special lady who did just that. She also happens to be the world’s best mum, and she’s mine, so hands off.
My mum (or Bev, if you’d prefer to think of her that way) played a lot of sport while growing up. But like many people, her mid-20s brought other priorities and sport fell by the wayside. where (with the exception of some waterskiing and a little golf in her forties) it stayed for almost the next 20 years.
So, what changed? ‘Around 10 years ago I gave up smoking and needed something to replace it with, so I started doing weight training and some boxing with a personal trainer.’ She also joined a group of local women (led by her PT Dani), who all trained together a couple of mornings a week.
Suddenly, exercise started to seem less like a chore and more like a social occasion where everyone just happened to get really sweaty. But there was still one thing that she swore she’d never do, and that’s run. {Seriously, if I had $1 for every time my mother told me ‘Jess, I don’t run’ I’d have a tidy little nest egg right now.}
I can’t remember how or why, but after a couple of years we wore her down. ‘My first fun run was 5km in Woolgoolga with Jess (that’s me!) and Dani. I can’t remember when that was – maybe I chose to forget because it was so painful.’ It can’t have been that painful though, because the next race Bev entered was the City2Surf. Now, for the uninitiated, the City2 Surf is 14km of hilly hell that even the most seasoned runner looks upon with fear. ‘I remember my first City2Surf when Jess bravely offered to run it with me. I beat her that year – it was before individual timing and she started in my group with a 10-minute penalty. She was so encouraging, and when I’d say I needed to walk she’d suggest we just kept going to the next tree. I ignored her and walked anyway – it’s not easy telling your mother what to do…’
Was Bev put off running for life? Clearly not. ‘The second year I was so proud of myself because I ran all the way. And this Sunday will be my 7th City2Surf. It’s a bit special because both of my kids will be doing it this year.’ Who is her money on out of the Robinson children you ask? (or is that just my own curiosity?) ‘All I know is that out of the Robinson family my time will be the slowest – I’m not sure who will be the fastest but good luck to you both!’ Nice fence sitting, Bev.
The City2Surf isn’t Bev’s only race on the calendar either – she usually heads up to the Gold Coast for a 10km race in July, and this year she did a 14km race at Apollo Bay down in Victoria too. In fact, these days Bev is so committed to the cause that she converted the back of their garage into a pretty sweet home gym. She’s got some pretty impressive muscles (not to mention a mean right hook) and while she no longer does the group weights sessions, the women (all aged from their 30s to their 50s) still go running together and catch up for coffee pretty regularly.
So, what is Bev’s advice to anyone feeling nervous or anxious about starting an exercise program? “The best thing I did was to step outside my comfort zone with a group of women I didn’t really know, because it separates you from your normal family/work life and you may just end up with an extra group of great friends like I did! Plus, the commitment to others means you’re less like to try to use one of Jess’ 10 Favourite Exercise Excuses to weasel out of a session.’ Any other tips? ‘Don’t expect it to be easy – I find if I like an exercise too much I’m probably not putting enough effort into it.’
So there you have it. For anyone who has ever thought they weren’t fit enough, fast enough, young enough or strong enough to start exercising – now is the right time to start. Get up, find yourself a trainer or choose an LGF workout and give it a whirl – because Bev says so, and nobody argues with Bev.
megan @ maisonhandh.com says
This post makes me want to go for a run…
LazyGirlFitness says
Oh yay – I guess it is doing its job then!
Kathie K says
Great story Jess. Go Beverley!
LazyGirlFitness says
Thanks Kath! Hope you guys had a great time at the City2Surf x