Typically, the cycle goes something like this:
- Pick a race, get a plan, and start training
- Train
- Run Race
- "Take a break" for X amount of time
- Miss running and wish I were doing it again
- Pick a new race, get a plan, and start training
- Train
- Run Race
- Take another break for X amount of time
- Repeat over and over
So..... I looked up the top reasons that people stop exercising in hopes of finding a little insight for myself. Here is what I found. People stop exercising because.....
10) Desired results come too slow or they hit a plateau and stop seeing results -- I agree with this, but I don't think it really applies to me because I am encouraged by working harder to make results happen. If I plateau or feel its too slow, I have the knowledge base to know that I need to change my routine and/or add a new exercise to trick your metabolism.
9) Don't know what to do / don't know how to do the exercise -- Yeah.....this doesn't apply at all. I know what I want/like to do and I know pretty much how to run. I might not be a pro at it, but I know how to do it....
8) Have no one to exercise with -- Again.....not me. I enjoy/love/cherish my time running alone. It is just awesome. It is such peace and solitude and its just me and the pavement - no kids, no phone, no school, no work - just running. I enjoy the occasional run with others, but mostly, I am a lone-runner - and proud of it!
7) Injury -- I can agree with this, but it just doesn't apply to me now. I have had one injury from running and I didn't want to stop running. When I had to stop for a while, I could not wait to get back on the road. I felt I was being deprived!
6) No clear plan -- Ummmm.....I have no reason to not have a plan. T is my coach. She is kick ass and can spit out a training plan faster than a grocery list - trust me, I have witnessed it. I. Have. A. Plan.
5) Costs too much / Can't afford it -- Running can be a pretty inexpensive sport. Unless you are one that has to have all the gear and all the shoes, then yes, it can be expensive, but I do not spend that much.
4) No energy / too tired to exercise -- Sadly, many days I do feel like this, but I truly know that I will always feel better after than if I don't do it at all. So I am a 50/50 on this one.
3) Just hate to exercise -- Sure, some days.....hell to the YEAH.
2) Lack of Motivation -- I have said it before. I struggle with the M word all the time! I have goals and support and desire and a great plan but a lot of times, it just doesn't matter without MOTIVATION.
1) T-I-M-E (or lack thereof) -- DING Ding DING!!! This is definitely my #1 reason (and clearly many other folks'). I work, go to school, have 2 young children, lack of sleep and.........on and on and on. When is there time for running? Well, when is there time for it that doesn't take from the other stuff? Never if you look at it this way. There will never be time to run if I don't make it. Which means, I have to take from something (or someone) and give that time to me. I am worthy of taking time for myself and my health each day. We ALL are worthy! I work pretty darn hard every day and I deserve to give this time to myself! The others can wait. And you know, I find that if you demand this, you get it. But you have to demand it and want it and make it and take it.
So, MAKE time, find motivation (or hell, just pretend you have it) and JUST GET UP AND DO IT!!!! Do this and I figure, if nothing else, it'll just become a normal, regular thing - like laundry or washing dishes. That's what I am working on.
How about you????
1 comment:
i follow that cycle to I find if I don't have a set goal like now for instance it much easier for me to slack. I need that tunnel vision of a race date to keep me on track. :)
and just so you know my blog moved, you can find me here now.
www.ericarunning30.com
Post a Comment