lessinayear

Last night my boyfriend and I had our gym date. Right after work we headed to the gym and did 35 minutes each on the elliptical, plus some stretching and a couple of cool down laps on the track. It was great — and I was really pleased: Despite like a week and a half with no cardio, I was still able to do an 11-minute mile without feeling overtaxed. (Yes, I realize that’s not super-fast, but for me, it’s a big improvement over what I used to be able to do, and I’m recommitting myself to celebrating the victories!) So anyway, I did just over 3 miles, burned about 450 calories (per the machine reading) and felt really great afterward.

My boyfriend did too, and on the way home, he told me he really wanted to start going to the gym more, but that he was going to need me to be the “instigator” of that — that he realized he didn’t have the motivation in himself, but if I’d suggest it and help him get into the habit, that would really make him happy.

THAT is exactly the motivation I need. It’s just my personality — I do my best when I’m doing something for someone else. I’m really “other-motivated.” So it can feel selfish if I go to the gym by myself and make that “me time” (even though I need “me time” and am trying to be better about giving myself some; it’s just hard for me), but if we go to the gym together and I know that he’s depending on me to lead in that endeavor… That will really help keep me on track.

So yay! I’m happy he’s willing to go with me, because it’s more fun to have someone there, even though we both have our iPods on and ignore each other for like 45 minutes or an hour. It’s just good to have the moral support! And I’m glad he’s willing to start taking better care of himself. We’re about to celebrate his 30th birthday… By the time we get married and have kids, we’ll both be in our mid-30s, and I want us to be as healthy and hearty as possible!

All of that is to say yesterday was good, and I think will start a trend for us. I’ll keep y’all posted!