I'm sure you will be pleased to know this is the first post that isn't all doom and gloom. I've been running for the past few days relatively consecutively, and it's starting to feel... okay.
I had a realization a few days ago that helped me start working out on a regular basis. Comparing myself to where I used to be has been extremely harmful to my esteem and my motivation. I think things like, "you used to be able to go 10km, now you can't even make it 3km?"... and then I would stop. Because what is the use in a 3km run full of walking breaks, it couldn't possibly be helping my fitness levels - or my waistline.
But that simply isn't true. Last week, I ran twice, for about 3km, and it was hard. This week, I'm increasing my distance and starting to pick up my pace. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I've let myself go to a point where I pretty much have to start from scratch... which is okay. Accepting that right now I'm just not an athlete has helped me keep a more positive attitude about fitness.
Tonight, I tried yoga, and it hurt! Maybe even more than running. By the end of every pose my muscles were shaking. I did as much as I could, about three quarters of the class, then I quit... and there's nothing wrong with that. There is no shame in not being good at something you don't practice. In fact, I find pride in practicing something I'm not good at.
After this shift in attitude, I'm finally getting motivated. I've cut down on reality television (okay, mainly because most of the good shows have ended for the season...), and have started cooking all my food at home. Instead of coming home having a nap and ordering in, I'm getting things done, working out, and feeling good about it.
Lessons learned? If you can only run one mile, run it. Don't look at marathoners and compare. Realize that one mile run is better than no miles, and feel good about choosing to challenge yourself. Motivate yourself with the feeling you get from fitness, not from comparing yourself to your former fitness levels, or to other people. Fitness should make you happy and healthy, and perks like weight loss should just come as an extra bonus on the side.
Happy running!
A revelation is all you need to pull you away from discouragement. Running is truly the best "self" sport, its personal, empowering and addicting, and you could not be more correct in your lessons learned. Proud of your dedication thus far. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteWell said, CY also, running for one mile will graduate into running for longer distances as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny - the jury is out on the whole warm up or not pre run -- what is your thought on that?
You should congratulate yourself for every milestone- 1K, 2K, etc. Glad you are not being too tough on yourself, we can often be our worst critics. Love the format BTW!
ReplyDeleteVery motivational post. A lot of us were probably in much better shape a few years ago, whether we were athletes or not. Maybe it is better to focus on doing what we can, and taking it one step at a time. I might even go for a run.
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