I’ve had a few workshops at work lately that got me thinking about motivation. It’s no shock that maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle requires a lot of motivation, both external and internal.
A few years ago, I was about 25 lbs overweight, was very inactive, and in the process of quitting smoking. My friend at work wanted to quit smoking, so we made a pact to quit together. She didn’t want to be a 30 year old smoker, and I knew we were going to be planning for a family eventually so I wanted to quit before I got pregnant. I asked her not to tell me if she slipped up because I knew if she slipped, it would open the door for me to do so as well. At this same time, a different friend asked me to join a gym with her. I had been thinking about joining a gym, but I was nervous about starting to work out. I really dread being the new guy at something, and I didn't really have a clue about the gym, beyond running on a treadmill or riding a bike. We signed up together, and started slowly adding to our "can-do" list. We would go to the gym 2 or 3 times a week together.
I have not had a single puff from a cigarette since the day I quit. My friend is still on her quitting journey, but she did stick to our pact, and didn't tell me when she slipped up. By the time I had found out about her going back to the habit (sister act 2?), I was already past the point of no return. I knew how hard quitting was, and knew I never wanted to go through the first week (let’s be honest, 3 months) again. After a few weeks at the gym with my friend, I felt comfortable enough to go by myself and set up my own routine. We ended up working with a trainer, and I was in the best shape of my life when I got pregnant. I maintained my fitness level to the best of my ability while knocked up, and hit the gym and the open road as soon as I felt like I physically was able to.
In both cases, I needed external motivation to get me to the right spot, but once I have the drive I am very internally motivated. I like my friend to go to the gym with me (obviously- it's nice to get out of the house with a girlfriend and work out at the same time!) but I will go without her if she can't make it. Which leads me to ask myself- what is keeping me going when I don't want to or it's hard to make it fit into my life? I love the feeling of pushing myself, whether it's an extra mile or pressing an extra 15 lbs. Even on the days when I am having a craptastic workout or run, I know I am still doing something and getting off of the couch. The fact that I was in my best shape before I got pregnant let's me know what I am capable of when I put my mind and body to it.
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Bad: Saturday's run was ugly. I had to take a couple walk breaks, but I got it done. I realized how important speedwork is going to be for a sub 2 hour half.
Ugly: Wednesday AM run was 80 degrees at 5:30 AM-- ummm we live in Metro Detroit. It was also garbage day.
Good: I increased my mileage a little bit more than I was planning on, but without IT band pain!! Also, we started "New Rules of Weightlifting for Women" I'm pretty sure that's the title, it's long. Expect some ripped pictures soon.
Awesome: Week 2 done! I survived running during our heat wave. Non-running related, we had Sydney's first birthday party and it was so great to have our family over and celebrate our little girl.
What gets you going?
Can you get yourself off the couch or do you need help?
