In September, I decided to do the Couch to 5K so working
out would not get lost in the shuffle of life. Trying to make it to a
class and hoping there is space available was jus too difficult, and 30-45 minutes
2-3 times a week on the treadmill seemed doable. I just wanted to keep
sane and not gain weight. I never expected to love it.
And if I'm being totally honest, I didn't think I could do
it. I have friends that were talking about running 5K during a workout or even
a race, and, to me, that was equivalent to running to California and back.
I just didn't think running a 5K was a fitness goal that I could reach.
Right before Christmas, I completed the Couch to 5K program
by running 3.92 miles. I felt amazing! I
did it! I accomplished this feat that seemed unrealistic and totally out
of my league.
It was not easy: the first 15 minutes of each run make me
wonder why I am torturing myself. Once that wanes and the endorphins kick
in, and I feel like the synapses for sadness become rewired. I feel happy.
I even kept it up during the holidays, which is totally
unheard of in my book. I usually let the mental stress get to me and just
try to sleep and eat as many cookies as I can.
Then I hit a snag and haven't run in 2 weeks. I blame
Snowpocalypse along with a sinus infection/headache that was slowly sucking my
motivation to do anything.
During these two weeks, my head is fuzzy. Never
getting off the couch and staying in my fleece jammies under a fleece blanket
seems totally reasonable. I'm tired so I must need more rest, right!?
This is a lie.
I've been down this path before. The one where my body says
it's time for hibernation.
And I'm not falling for it this time.
Running makes me stronger. I feel focused. I want to
drink less coffee. I fit into my jeans. I feel more mentally stable. I
feel confident that I accomplished something I never thought feasible.
That warm, fuzzy blanket and cozy couch will be there when
I get back.
But now that I realize how I feel when I run, I know that
today, practicing kindness looks like going to the gym and running myself back
to normal again.
Do you struggle with wanting to work out and relaxing? What
keeps you motivated?
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