Sunday, November 7, 2010

Running- Finding the Motivation



"The greatest thing you have is the 24 hours you have in front of you. The past is gone, the future is distant. Today you can succeed. Set a goal you can achieve within the next 24 hours."

I just recently had a week off from work during which I managed to do absolutely nothing. I thought that taking some responsibilities out of my schedule and becoming a full time couch potato was going to reduce the level of stress I've been under, but three days of sleeping and performing sedentary activities only led to some serious overeating and overwhelming feelings of guilt.

The year ago me would be disgusted by the sight of my sluggish life. Not only was I becoming a slob, but I was mercilessly throwing away all the work I put forth last year. Gone was the weight watchers Nazi, The gym freak, and the health nut within me. As if pushed by an invisible force, I made the unplanned decision to get off my behind and go for a run,  picking up the running shoes, GPS watch, and iPod shuffle I had purchased during my fitness craze. I felt fulfilled and extremely motivated after completing  my 3.5 miles- 2 walking, 1.5 running. My "runner's high" inspired me to check some things off my to do list, taking a huge load off my shoulders.


"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you had everything to do, and you've done it."- Margaret Thatcher

Realizing that being a productive member of society requires a level of motivation your bed or couch can't provide, I have decided to make running part of my daily routine. By day two, my body seemed to remember what running felt like, letting me break through my three mile goal.

I'm aware that motivation alone won't take me there, and that I need to be structured and consistent in order to be successful. However, I know that I must remember my reasons for doing this, specially during those cold winter months when I will look for every excuse to stay in bed. 

With my mind and soul in check, I am ready to start and stick to this..are you?

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