A few weeks ago I tried to be the author, Ann Patchett. I read in an interview that she wrote her last novel, Tom Lake, while walking at a treadmill desk for two hours each morning. She explained that when she woke up her two goals were to exercise and to write and by combining them she was able to accomplish both of her goals at the same time.
This made me laugh. I just bought a treadmill because I wanted to write like Ann Patchett. Today's my first day, so far so good, but decided to Google "Ann patchett treadmill" to remind myself of the story I've remembered for so long. Anyway, I found this, so thanks. I'm hoping it works better for me than you!
Awhile ago I just started exercising in my pajamas. Most of what I do is low impact strength training or barre work so it really doesn't matter what I'm wearing. Somehow the removal of that barrier to entry makes it feel a little less like a slog. It's very unaspirational in terms of an enviable morning routine. But when it's cold and dark, getting out of bed at 6:30 is a bit of a stretch, and frankly I just don't want to change my clothes twice some days... I know I know. I could set them out beforehand, or change as soon as I got up. But I don't want to, and it might wake the baby up. So I will continue to curl up and journal and then do a half-assed barre workout in my pajamas if I feel like it.
Sometimes those ideas are just really great.... for other people 😂
I love this, Annelise! So many details in this of what it works for you in your particular life, right now.
Have you tried getting exercise with all the kids? 😳 I remember a period of time when I tried roller blading and pushing the baby in the stroller at the same time while the other 3 rode bikes. 🫣 Well that was exhausting. It was better to finally separate the two activities (getting exercise/exploring with kids) so they didn’t get grumpy mom anytime we went on a walk or bike ride.
hahaha. Yes. I do exercise videos with them crawling on me. If I'm very desperate for endorphins I have done some with a baby in the carrier. I very rarely take walks with everyone at this exact juncture, and if we do, it's not primarily for exercise. When I could fit them all in the stroller I'd do that! I miss those days. But the crowd control aspect of it is too stressful -- it's like the treadmill desk. Sucks the joy out of both.
I have the exact same two goals: exercise and write daily. I theoretically can get outside for a walk (I need to invest in a better rain jacket but I don’t mind the rain) and I despise treadmills, but I relish the idea of killing two birds. I just don’t know if I am coordinated enough to walk and write and think all at once.
Alas, may you make your own Frankenstein with parts that work for you ; )
made me laugh...i too imagine myself doing the same, but i am glad you tried it and shared. I am pretty sure i would find the same thing to be true for me. You're let. I'll do me. You do you.
This made me laugh. I just bought a treadmill because I wanted to write like Ann Patchett. Today's my first day, so far so good, but decided to Google "Ann patchett treadmill" to remind myself of the story I've remembered for so long. Anyway, I found this, so thanks. I'm hoping it works better for me than you!
Ha! I wonder how many people have tried it because of her. I really hope it works for you! I think it does for a lot of people…
Love this
Thanks Reem.
Love this piece! Glad you decided to just stay you.
Well I think you’re a great example of “staying you”.❤️
Awhile ago I just started exercising in my pajamas. Most of what I do is low impact strength training or barre work so it really doesn't matter what I'm wearing. Somehow the removal of that barrier to entry makes it feel a little less like a slog. It's very unaspirational in terms of an enviable morning routine. But when it's cold and dark, getting out of bed at 6:30 is a bit of a stretch, and frankly I just don't want to change my clothes twice some days... I know I know. I could set them out beforehand, or change as soon as I got up. But I don't want to, and it might wake the baby up. So I will continue to curl up and journal and then do a half-assed barre workout in my pajamas if I feel like it.
Sometimes those ideas are just really great.... for other people 😂
I love this, Annelise! So many details in this of what it works for you in your particular life, right now.
Have you tried getting exercise with all the kids? 😳 I remember a period of time when I tried roller blading and pushing the baby in the stroller at the same time while the other 3 rode bikes. 🫣 Well that was exhausting. It was better to finally separate the two activities (getting exercise/exploring with kids) so they didn’t get grumpy mom anytime we went on a walk or bike ride.
hahaha. Yes. I do exercise videos with them crawling on me. If I'm very desperate for endorphins I have done some with a baby in the carrier. I very rarely take walks with everyone at this exact juncture, and if we do, it's not primarily for exercise. When I could fit them all in the stroller I'd do that! I miss those days. But the crowd control aspect of it is too stressful -- it's like the treadmill desk. Sucks the joy out of both.
I have the exact same two goals: exercise and write daily. I theoretically can get outside for a walk (I need to invest in a better rain jacket but I don’t mind the rain) and I despise treadmills, but I relish the idea of killing two birds. I just don’t know if I am coordinated enough to walk and write and think all at once.
Alas, may you make your own Frankenstein with parts that work for you ; )
Right? I love killing two birds/being efficient with my time but it’s good to know I can recognize when the efficiency is killing the joy too!
I also think I enjoy the natural separation between letting ideas steep during a walk or bike ride and then working with those ideas at a desk later.
Good luck to finding the right solutions for you, Tresta.☺️
made me laugh...i too imagine myself doing the same, but i am glad you tried it and shared. I am pretty sure i would find the same thing to be true for me. You're let. I'll do me. You do you.
I’m glad it made you laugh! Sometime we try borrowing an idea and it works for us and sometimes...not so much.