In my last post, I talked about dealing with disappointment. Thanks to those of you who offered encouraging words about that. I was able to get "right back on the horse," (or the treadmill) as they say. As it turns out, it was a good lesson in motivation.
Since then, my practice has been a little less than perfect, but I'm moving ahead. I hit a few bumps in the road when I was travelling, but now that I'm back, I'm going full steam ahead towards my first goal of a5K.
My current plan is to pray for some joy in all of this. I've been pretty diligent in sticking to my plan, but obligation only gets you so far. I'm hoping to start actually enjoying this. Will that ever happen?
There are many things in life that we do because we have to. I don't enjoy paying my bills, but I do it because I like to have stuff, like electricity and food. Right now, I don't enjoy exercising, but I do enjoy feeling better and getting in better shape. I am praying, though, that God will help me to find some joy in the midst of the struggle.
I'd love to hear from some of you the ways in which you find joy in overcoming obstacles.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Dealing with Disappointment
Urgh! Today I hit my first hurdle, figuratively speaking, of course. (God knows, I'm not going to be jumping over literal hurdles any time soon.)
Today I started week three of my training plan. Today was the first time I actually dreaded heading to the gym. So far, I've been pretty excited by what I've been able to do. But, today, I was fearful. It felt like a big jump from last week's plan to this week's plan and I was fearful that I couldn't complete it.
And I didn't. I came close, but I just couldn't/wouldn't do it. I tried to give myself a little pep talk beforehand and during, which was hard because even the voice in my head was out of breath.
So, now I feel a little discouraged. I know that this is normal. Its okay. Monday I'll go again and this time I will be able to finish the set. But, it has gotten me thinking: this will probably not be the last time that I will not be able to meet a goal that I set for myself. What will I do when this happens again? In the past, I would probably try it one more time, and then find a reason to give up. But that's not what I am going to do now.
I am going to California in a few days, and I know that it will be a challenge for my to stick to my plan while I am there. If there were a time to quit, this would be it. But, I am not going to let myself give up.
Thanks to those of you have been reading this and encouraging me. I am very thankful.
Today I started week three of my training plan. Today was the first time I actually dreaded heading to the gym. So far, I've been pretty excited by what I've been able to do. But, today, I was fearful. It felt like a big jump from last week's plan to this week's plan and I was fearful that I couldn't complete it.
And I didn't. I came close, but I just couldn't/wouldn't do it. I tried to give myself a little pep talk beforehand and during, which was hard because even the voice in my head was out of breath.
So, now I feel a little discouraged. I know that this is normal. Its okay. Monday I'll go again and this time I will be able to finish the set. But, it has gotten me thinking: this will probably not be the last time that I will not be able to meet a goal that I set for myself. What will I do when this happens again? In the past, I would probably try it one more time, and then find a reason to give up. But that's not what I am going to do now.
I am going to California in a few days, and I know that it will be a challenge for my to stick to my plan while I am there. If there were a time to quit, this would be it. But, I am not going to let myself give up.
Thanks to those of you have been reading this and encouraging me. I am very thankful.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Support and encouragement
I'm now into the second week of my training plan and so far, so good. It was a little challenging to move into the next phase, but that's what it's all about, isn't it? Challenging myself?
I've realized that there is a missing element to the training plan that I'm following. There is something that I've discovered is absolutely critical to the success of any program of this kind. And that is the right kind of support. Not only do you need the best supportive sports bra (am I right, ladies?), but you really need people who can provide support and encouragement along the way.
Thankfully, I have found that support and encouragement in two main places. First, my parents
have been really great. My dad has been a lifelong athlete and my mom has always done a great job of trying to encourage me in a new pursuit. They have listened as I've called them to say simple things like, "I've finished the first week of training! Yay!" And, "I can't believe I am doing this." They know that for many people following this simple exercise regimen wouldn't be that big a deal, but for me, it represents a significant change in my lifestyle. I am very thankful for them.
The other person that has been invaluable to me is my friend Kim. She is my inspiration to attempt this crazy thing. In fact, tomorrow morning, she will participate, for the second year in a row, in the same triathalon I'm thinking of doing next year. I often jokingly refer to her as "my self-appointed personal trainer." And as annoying that can be, it keeps me motivated and even allows me to enjoy myself in this process. Although she is a natural athlete, and can swim, bike, and run, circles around me, Kim humors me when I proudly tell her that I have moved into the second week of training. I am very thankful for her.
I am sure that over the next few months, I will be telling you more about these and other folks who are helping me achieve my goals. I have found that along the way to every major goal in life, the value of the experience is multiplied when it is shared with people you love.
I've realized that there is a missing element to the training plan that I'm following. There is something that I've discovered is absolutely critical to the success of any program of this kind. And that is the right kind of support. Not only do you need the best supportive sports bra (am I right, ladies?), but you really need people who can provide support and encouragement along the way.
Thankfully, I have found that support and encouragement in two main places. First, my parents
have been really great. My dad has been a lifelong athlete and my mom has always done a great job of trying to encourage me in a new pursuit. They have listened as I've called them to say simple things like, "I've finished the first week of training! Yay!" And, "I can't believe I am doing this." They know that for many people following this simple exercise regimen wouldn't be that big a deal, but for me, it represents a significant change in my lifestyle. I am very thankful for them.The other person that has been invaluable to me is my friend Kim. She is my inspiration to attempt this crazy thing. In fact, tomorrow morning, she will participate, for the second year in a row, in the same triathalon I'm thinking of doing next year. I often jokingly refer to her as "my self-appointed personal trainer." And as annoying that can be, it keeps me motivated and even allows me to enjoy myself in this process. Although she is a natural athlete, and can swim, bike, and run, circles around me, Kim humors me when I proudly tell her that I have moved into the second week of training. I am very thankful for her.
I am sure that over the next few months, I will be telling you more about these and other folks who are helping me achieve my goals. I have found that along the way to every major goal in life, the value of the experience is multiplied when it is shared with people you love.
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