Every day should be sunny. Every day should have temperatures in the 70s. Every day I should feel motivated to train. Every day should be injury free. Every day I should have time to train. Every day I should be able to have a productive workout.That's the way things outta be.
That is, however, not the way things are.
Each Monday the last few weeks, I've felt like that was going to be the week that I would get back into my training routine. Well, it never happened.
Tonight, this new Monday, my anticipation of 70 degree temperatures, coupled with the feeling of my loose jeans not being nearly quite as loose, would serve as perfect motivation to get me out and running. It was on!
The office door closed behind me at 5:30 p.m. Instead of a somewhat sunny sky greeting me, a pink sunset fading behind the shadowy horizon was my welcoming landscape. "Oh, crap" I managed to mutter as I shuffled to my car, completely devastated about the potential of my dream run.
Not totally wanting to give up hope, I thought, "I can just immediately go home and throw on different clothes and running shoes and at least spend 5 minutes running in some light."
But because negative thoughts are skilled at reaching further within your mind and becoming buddies with the other negative thoughts that had been just below the surface, I began to think about all the things I had to do this evening that would destroy the run totally. I absolutely had to have tonight more dog food (a trip to TSC) and coffee for tomorrow morning (a second trip, this one to Wal Mart). I should probably make dinner, but I've got a pile of dishes to clean...yada, yada, yada.
A little background: Up until a few months ago, I worked from home. I could do all of my training during the day if I wanted...and I did want.
I've since gone back to work full time and I'm completely happy about it. I've got a dream job that challenges and excites me and I really enjoy the people with whom I work. Now that it's darker in the evenings, I'm just having a harder time adjusting.
I do know that I will win this battle. When I started working full time again this summer, I was faced with the challenge of training in the evenings instead of during the day - and it was beautiful and sunny in the evenings!
I struggled with finding my motivation for a bit, but then I eventually found my groove. Now that it's darker out, life has just decided to shake things up a bit.
Though I've realized it in parts before, it really hit me as I pulled into Wal Mart that perfect circumstances rarely line up, that they are the exception, not the rule, and it is working around the things that won't work around you that are the keys to moving forward. Finding opportunity in the unscheduled, erratic demands of life is what I need to remember as I head into the dark, cold and quiet winter.
You know, at the end of the day it comes down to me answering one very simple question: "Do you want to train or don't you?" The answer is easily, "Yes, I do!"
11 comments:
If it were easy, everyone would do it. You'll figure it out!! Hang in there.
What a reminder for someone who constantly awaits the perfect alignment of practically everything! I'm a person of "If onlys" or "What ifs." When I should be a "Why not now?" kinda girl. This post resonates with much of my own life and perhaps as we frequent the same office each week, we can offer some support and motivation to each other!!! I would train with you, but I would only slow you down because I'm not at the same physical level. But any time you need an exercise buddy, you know where to find me!!! M
Sounds like you definitely got your swagger back!
Good to hear the confidence is back. Its been a long, fun, exhausting, and rewarding season. Time to recharge and get back into things
So true! People often ask me how I stay motivated, and the truth is, sometimes I just get out there and do it to get it done. Yes, some days are wonderful and I feel fast and light and the weather is perfect, but sometimes it's cold and dark and I want to stay in bed !
This is the Daily Quote from Runner's World... I thought it was very appropriate!
"In the 30 years I've been a runner I've run more than 150,000 miles. Still, some of the hardest steps I take are those first few getting out the door for daily runs."
-Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan
glad you're getting your mojo back! i lost and found mine too...
Why don't enjoy yourself with an amazing evening workout (portable-light picked-up your t-shirt) forgetting all the things concerning dog food or dishes to wash?
Season is already alive and ask you an effort to do the best. And you'll do it.
I'm joking, but here, in Italy, good weather condition permits to do another sunday event! Good job and enjoy your training!
Working from home myself, I can imagine how difficult it must be to have to work out now during evenings after work or on weekends. But, for sure, lots of people do it. In fact, most do, I think. My local tri club schedules their workouts like at 4:30-5:30am in the mornings or on weekends. Maybe you can find a group to train with?
You have a great sports blog. This is my first visit but I'm impressed. I have two sports blogs myself and I'd like to exchange links with you to spread some traffic around. Let me know if this is cool.
Jason
SportsSoundOff.net
SPORTSMONARCH.com
Some days, motivation is the hardest part (or the fact that life is just busy)! :) I work from home, but haven't always and remember that I'm truly blessed to have the flexibility that I do!
Post a Comment