Living an Active Lifestyle

I wouldn't say that my husband and I are inactive, but we certainly aren't an exceptionally active couple. We take the dogs for walks, or go for the occasional bike ride... We try to walk to Trader Joe's or up to the bar for dinner instead of driving while they weather is nice... But we certainly weren't the couple that would trade couch time for a long walk... just because.

Well, triathlon training has changed that.

First, I try and get up every morning now to workout. Even if it's just to take the dogs on a walk before work, I try and do something. And when you have four dogs, you need help. So, when it came down to it, John had to get up with me.

Second, I wanted a balance between my "normal life" and my tri training life. I loved that I was eating well and getting in shape. That didn't mean I was willing to sacrifice time with my favorite beers or not get that Friday night fish dry. So, it seemed like a simple solution to pick places we can walk to. Especially with the women's world cup games on tv, I wanted to get out and watch them with friends. Choosing the bar just about a mile away from the house was a smart choice that got me out and walking and still let me have a fish fry and a beer. Or two...

And, you know that whole getting up early to workout every morning thing? Well, that changed what my nights looks like too. Not only am I ready for bed earlier, but my semi-grown up brain now starts to yell at me the closer I get to 10pm. It reminds me that my alarm is going off quite soon and if I don't get a decent nights sleep, well, that 6 am run is going to SUCK.

The other tricky part is that when your alarm goes off early and you start your day with a good workout, well, I typically don't even make it to 10pm. Yesterday was a lovely Sunday morning. I slept in and was excited when I woke up to do a brick workout. John and I rode our bikes for just under an hour and then I went for a quick 15 minute run. I felt great after. (well not great, but I didn't want to die...) We even joined friends and family to watch Hurling at a local park. By the time I got home, however, I was wiped. I barely made it to 9pm before crawling into the bedroom.

All in all, what it comes down to, is that I automatically think of the healthier option first. I don't want to cook dinner? Ok, what can we walk to instead. All of our tv shows are done for the summer? Let's walk to Trader Joe's for some more avocados. I just really love that being active sits at the front of my brain now instead of buried somewhere in the back behind eating kale and the dentist. (Just kidding Dr. Graham, love you tons!)

I would love any tips that people have on great, local activities for couples to do together. If you have any that can include dogs, extra bonus!

(and just because I like adding pics to my blog, here's one of Anakin and Wash enjoying some outside time :) )