I think I used to use this as an excuse. I would tell T, “I need your help.”, “You’ve got to help me stay motivated.” Honestly, what a crock. You can use your partner, your family, your friends, all as a reason - but the motivation has to come within. The desire to kick ass, and be the best; To be successful, to be wealthy, to meet your own goals and dreams - that is all you. You are the only thing stopping success. You are the only person who is responsible to make your dreams and goals come true.
So next time you think you can’t get there, the next time you think your pace is too hard, the next time you say you are never going to get where you want to be - dig deeper.
This was today’s motivation. No excuses. I woke up at 930, groggily. I laid my head back on the pillow telling myself I’d just sleep a little bit longer. Then my stronger voice said “Get up!”. So I did. Today’s mission? 3.5 miles/ treadmill day.
Let me tell you this much. Three point five miles is now my %$^!#.
Okay, so I didn’t run 7 minute miles? But who cares! I did it. I consistently ran 90 seconds on, 120 seconds off. I dominated. And I as I watched ladies doing Zumba, and I watched ladies join me on the treadmill and leave again - I dominated.
Today is restaurant day, which means we are headed to Texas Roadhouse for lunch. Which also means, my steak will taste that much better with my side of 3.5! I’m not sure its endorphins that makes you happy. It could just be me kicking my run in the face.
Chocolate Milk isn’t Cheating!?
Whenever I see an ad take over magazines, TV, and everywhere in between - I have to read up on it. I’m kind of an info addict. I blame T. :) So when I saw “GotChocolateMilk?” everywhere I read- I wanted to know what the big deal was.
I’m definitely summarizing everything I’ve read and I encourage you to check out the site as well. When I first started running again, I would drink a Odwalla Chocolate Monster Protein Drink after a good workout. Then, I just went to water and a fruit. After reading up, I think I may just swing back on over to chocolate milk.
I’ve always LOVED chocolate milk. And what advantages did they line up for us to read up on? In a 8oz glass of milk you get : 3:1 ration of carbs and protein, electrolytes like calcium, and potassium (along with others), great cost (usually 50 cents a glass), and basic ingredients we can all identify! Yum!
The rebuilding, rehydrating and replenishment benefits are being emphasized pretty hard on the site. But with a well built campaign, why not push the info? At the end of it all, what do I think? Its worth a try! I love chocolate milk, can fit it in my calorie intake and will cure my chocolate cravings!
Thoughts?
Yesterday I caved bad. I had not 1, not 2, but 3 of those “snack size” Kit Kat bars. I can’t say I had some major PMS craving. I can’t say that I was going to die if I didn’t eat them. No one held a gun to my head. I just did it.
There were a lot of empty calories and I regretted not being able to eat a nice 100 calorie size bag of popcorn later. But, wasting time on regrets is not my forte so we shall overcome!
I decided this week that every week I will set a new goal and accomplish it. This week? Chocolate. If I must have chocolate, I will have no more than 100 calories (1/2 a candy bar). I will restrict myself to 2 times a week if that. I know my calories are better spent on fruit, popcorn, veggies, but this is my compromise. Remember, I’m not dieting. I’m trying to change my lifestyle. Saying I will cut chocolate out forever is a joke. Portion control is key. I’m pretty sure chocolate will leave a bad taste in my mouth due to my lack of discipline yesterday so I shouldn’t have too hard of a time kicking this goal in the face! Next week I’ll try to be more challenging like doing hills every day or something. This week lets nip this chocolate craving!
Do you set goals for yourself? Are they always long term?
Side note, I’m skipping my run today. I’ve got a final in about an hour. Then I have to prep for another final that I must take by tomorrow. A paper to edit before I leave for work, on top of my last class being moved to 7am tomorrow. I’m looking forward to going to dread my 4.5 hours of sleep tonight! So I’ll be rearranging run days this week to stay on track!
Mid Monday
Just a quick post to say commenting has been enabled through Disqus. Click on the date on top of the post, and you’ll be taken to a comment-enabled blog post. Yay!
Now back to our regularly scheduled programming…
-S Bombell — Motivation Mondays are the hardest for me. I want to post 100 quotes every Monday on how I’m feeling. I’m sore. I’m tired. But this pain is good, it is temporary. It will be worth it.
Yesterday I had to skip my run. Damn sleep. I hate that its a necessity. As soon as we returned from our weekend trip, I was out of the house running to make up for Saturday. I had Nike + GPS issues (more like user error). So, I’m going to say I did better than what I came out with, as there were a few stop and starting points on my part. Even with my time, I’m okay with it.
I had some food indulgences over the weekend, 2 slices of pizza, and Red Lobster today. However, its not a habit - and the pizza I could have easily done without. Good news is I’m excited for getting back on the regular meals again tomorrow!
Now news about the photo above. I think I’ll start including pictures of the “Fun on my Run”. This house above has a giraffe in their yard, but its been so long since I ran this route they now have the newcomers! Lions, elephants, giraffes… oh my! I especially like the garland on the RV with addition of the bells. I’m sure the chains on the animals is for wind and theft issues, but I like to think its to tame the beasts.
Saturday Thoughts
What’s on My Mind?
It seems that from day to day I’m starting to really look forward to running days. My April schedule is actually 3 days of running, but I think I’m going to push it up to 4. With my school semester finally coming to an end, I’ll be pushing for strength training a bit more as well. I’d like to take some of the classes at my gym as well to keep me versatile. I think this exercise thing is really syncing in.
Tomorrow based on how the weather goes, we’ll be off to Zion National Park, UT. I’m looking forward to a nice hike or two on Sunday. Right now, I’m excited to wake up and go on my 3.5 mile jog. I’m happy T is very supportive and knows I need to get this run in before we drive off. At what point did your running turn from ‘exercise’ to ‘excitement’? I think I’m getting there. I look forward to running days. I know I’m not moving very fast right now but who really cares? Speed will come. Endurance must be built first. If you’re in my shoes, running slow - don’t be discouraged. You’re still running laps around those who are sitting on the couch!
What’s Coming?
With school ending, you can start looking forward to me posting ‘What I’m Eating’. ‘Motivational Mondays’ and every once in a while ‘New Gear Fridays’. We’ll see what else I can come up with. Are there topics on your mind? Ask! I’ve been researching everything, and am happy to help (with article links etc.)
Have a great weekend!
Today I woke up early because I was expecting a delivery. I went back to sleep in hopes of one more hour of rest only to be rudely awakened by thunder and lightning setting off car alarms throughout the neighborhood.
Then when I mustered up the energy I got ready to leave I found a leak. A leak in the house. Can you sense my enthusiasm?
To my disappointment the maintenance guy said he could not do anything until it stopped raining. Awesome.
On top of the leak, I had to go to class for a final art critique, leak be damned.
Now all I’m thinking is I don’t want to run. Life has taken over. But isn’t that how it is? You find the time. You prioritize. Because life is this way.
If you want it bad enough, you make time. You just do.
