Getting Out The Door

With my training for all my half marathons and my upcoming 70.3 mile triathlon, I work out 6-7 days a week.  Some weeks I only work out 5 days, but I really try to do 6-7 days.  I try to run 3 days a week (2 short runs in the week and a long run on the weekend), bike 2 days a week (a short ride in the week and a long ride on the weekend) and swim 2 days a week.  And then there's yoga and strength training, which I fit in when I can. I don't beat myself up if I have to miss a workout; sometimes life gets in the way, and being a mom to my two kids always comes first.  Regardless, I really do try to stick to the schedule.

With all my dedication, however, there is something you can hear me say almost every morning to my husband, J:  "I REALLY don't feel like running today"  or "If you think I'm in the mood to bike today you're wrong" or something to that effect.  I mean, my bed is so warm and cozy!  I never want to leave it!  And inevitably I get up and my feet hurt from my plantar fasciitis and my legs are stiff and I don't.want.to.go.

But I do.

from Pinterest/source unknown

And each time, I'm rewarded with a great sweat session.  Some runs are better than others---there are some I slog through--but some are just glorious!  Today was such a run.  I did NOT want to go. I woke up tired and sore from yesterday's 41-mile hilly ass-kicking bike ride.  I had my usual 3 mile run on the docket, but wasn't in the mood.  Reluctantly I got out of bed, stretched my legs, brushed my teeth, and changed into my running clothes.  I told my husband I would try to run 3 miles, but may end up walking it (I've been having some sharp hamstring pain on some runs, and since I have a half marathon this weekend, Rock 'n' Roll San Diego, I don't want to exacerbate it). I also told  him I might not go 3 miles...I'd listen to my body and maybe only do 1 mile.

I leashed up Padfoot, was out the door...and had the most wonderful, pain-free run!  I concentrated on a mid-foot strike, which seems to alleviate my pain, and took it nice and slow.  By the end of mile 1, I was awake, warmed up, and feeling GOOD!  By the end (I extended my 3 miler a bit to make it 3.1 miles, a true 5k) I was beaming, happy, and ready to take on the day.

from Pinterest/source unknown

I am like this with almost every workout I do...I don't want to go, but am SO happy once I get going...and even happier when I get home, all sweaty and flushed with the work of a good run/bike/swim.  When I'm balking at going in the mornings, I need to remember that when I'm done, I'm going to be so happy!

from Pinterest/source unknown

The worst is when I have a long run, bike or swim ahead of me.  Yesterday was the perfect example.  I wanted to do at least 40 miles on the bike, and wanted to try a new route, one that I knew was going to be even hillier than usual, and therefore very tough for me.  I also needed to leave early in the morning, as the ride would take me hours and I wanted to beat the heat as much as possible (I'm a wimp and hate running and biking in the heat).  I dreaded going...but once I was out there I was so happy! It was just me and my bike, in new territory, and I was really pushing my limits. I came home very sore but incredibly exhilarated.

That first step out the door really IS the hardest step.  But once you get out there, you'll be happy you did. I know I always am!