No More Excuses: November 25th Comes Early

November 25th!

Depending on which way I look at it, it’s extremely close or extremely far way.

I leave for Fiji in 32 days! Fiji is a dream location; blessed with 333 magnificent islands, some inhabited, most not, Fiji is a tropical paradise.  White sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees, pristine oceanfront, and a range of things to do and see that appeal to every  traveler… I can visualize it now. Why is time standing still?

The problem: I don’t want to visualize myself in a bikini in 32 days!

Where did the last 6 months go? I thought after I had Athena that I would be able to get back to running within 2 months. Between every-three-hours feedings, learning the ropes of being a new mom, and sleeping about 3-4 hours a night, if I was lucky, 6 months went by in a blink. It was only in the last few weeks that I started to feel like a woman, a human being, a wife, a sister, or a daughter again; until then, I was a mother. Athena required 24 hours a day of my time and simple tasks like taking a shower or going to the bathroom became scheduled events. Even then, it was rare and she usually came with me. Don’t get me wrong, being a mom is the greatest adventure and every day will continue to feel as exciting and anticipated as Christmas morning, but I’ve neglected my psychically active lifestyle along the way.

I started running in the evenings when Darren gets home, but if I want to feel comfortable in a bikini in 32 days, I needed to add more to my routine.  I don’t have time for excuses or an “I’ll do it later” attitude. “There are seven days in a week and someday isn’t one of them.” 

So I got a jogging stroller and now Athena joins me on the run. The Joovy Zoom includes all of the high end features you would expect in a Joovy jogger. Made from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and 600D fabric, the Zoom is ready for tough duty yet is light and maneuverable.

The neoprene parent organizer holds 2 cups and has a zippered container; plus, there is a rain/wind cover included that is custom made for the Zoom. With plenty of storage in the easy access storage basket and mesh pockets, I can bring along a sweater, sun glasses, and a few necessities for Athena.

The suspension, with 3-inch travel, smooths out the bumps and provides a comfortable ride. The seat is adjustable so Athena can sit up and see the colored leaves as we jog through the park or she can lay back and rest while I get a workout in. She loves being outdoors so it is the perfect solution for the both of us.

My favorite part of the stroller is the over-sized canopy that provides the best sun protection available. I was tired of trying to rig a blanket to the canopy so that Athena was protected from the sun, but wasn’t too hot in the North Carolina temperatures. Now, she can stay cool, see her surroundings, and still be protected.

The Joovy Zoom leaves me with no more excuses. November 25th comes early, but I’ll be prepared. I have the freedom to exercise any time of day and still spend time with Athena. Plus, she gets to see me living an active, healthy lifestyle rather than hanging out in the house. Look out Fiji, here I come!