The Lycra-Clad Mum

You know those times in life when something just clicks? Where you have a moment of pure clarity and know that change is the only way forward? Well, I had one of those moments at the start of the week.

Having purchased a new ironing board cover and lovingly fitted it to my board, I suddenly realised that the arrival of this new cover was the actual highlight of my week. Sure, I’d needed a new one for a while and sure, this was going to vastly improve my ironing experience, but for this to be the highlight of my week was probably not a great sign; even for someone who loves ironing as much as I do.

What had my life become? I’d clearly hit crisis point.

And is it at all surprising? Like so many others during this time, I’ve lost my job and in its place have gained some very unwanted lock-down weight. Things haven’t really been going to plan!

You will know by now that I used to be pretty fit and that MS came along and did its best to destroy that. But, I don’t think I can even blame the MS – at least, not entirely. You see, having kids has probably had a greater effect on my fitness, especially when you factor in the increased wine consumption, which is unquestionably a direct result of being a parent.

This year has seen me try (and fail) to get on top of my fitness a couple of times. First, I re-joined the gym, but that was doomed because it pretty much coincided with the start of lock-down. Then, I picked up some weights at home, but with everyone still at home and a ‘Can’t be as*ed’ attitude that workout didn’t work out. This time, however, I really mean business.

I’m done with wistfully wishing I was one of those Lycra-clad mums. Sod it. If I want to be a Lycra-clad mum I will be a Lycra-clad mum! I swear half those mums only wear it for show anyway!

So, out came my trusty old, barely worn, gym gear, which I can still fit into because it’s Lycra and Lycra STRETCHES – so what if it cuts off my circulation?!

Dressed for action, I was struck by another realisation whilst bundling the kids out of the door for school. My kids don’t think of me as the super fit, super active person I have been for most of my life. They only know the super tired mum who likes to wear hoodies and pyjamas and is constantly telling them to be careful and watch out for the glass of wine! My daughter took one quizzical look at my get-up and said, “Mummy, why are you dressed like that?” My son took a little longer to notice, but when he did he asked, with utter incomprehension, “Why are you wearing that? You don’t usually wear that!”

Anyway, I completed my first workout yesterday straight after the school run and it felt great. After the initial shock to the system and obligatory flake out on the sofa, I had more energy than I’d had in months and I can’t wait to do it all over again and again and again …