30 Minutes Extra Sleep!!!

I got to sleep 30 minutes longer this morning. Usually, I have to get up at 5:15 to get my morning walk in prior to having to get the kids ready for school. Yesterday, however, was the last day of school so I could sleep until 5:45 before I had to get up for my walk.


I could have slept later if I wanted to go on the treadmill. My husband leaves as 7:15 for work, and I really could have just stayed in bed and jumped on the treadmill whenever the mood struck to get out of bed.


But I really prefer to walk outside, so even though I could have slept later, I hauled myself out of bed at 5:45 to get on the road by 6 to fit in my walk.


At least 5 days a week (sometimes 6) I do a 3.5 to 4 mile walk. It takes me about an hour to walk 3.5 miles and an hour and ten minutes to walk 4 miles.


I like to do my walking first thing in the morning because I find that too often life gets in the way if I attempt to schedule it later in the day. I got into the morning exercise routine when I was in college and would go out running or biking. Of course, then I usually slept to 8 or 9 then got up, ran, and made a late class.


By the time I moved to New York and got a job, I found I was getting up at 6:30 or 7 to run prior to getting showered dressed and hauling my butt to work.


Now, I'm a suburban Mom who has to get the walk in prior to hubby leaving for work and having to get the kids ready for school, so I have to get up between 5:15 and 5:45 to do it.


But getting up early is worth it (besides, what do I have to do late at night these days except watch TV). Right now I'm actually really enjoying my walks because it is light enough in the morning so that I can walk outside, weather permitting. At the time I go I usually see deer, turkeys and other wildlife (not to mention a number of other brave souls like myself). When the rain comes, I move my walk inside to the treadmill.


Daily committment to some kind of exercise routine is important for weight loss. You really can not lose any significant amount of weight without it. I found what works for me. Try to find what works for you.