I mentioned yesterday that I haven’t been very consistent in my training. I’ve mentioned my lagging motivation a few times over the past few months and it’s something I haven’t quite conquered yet. I think I’m finally starting to understand a little more of what’s going on with me.
Let’s rewind to when this all started.
It started after the 50K and marathon earlier this year. This is normal for me after a big race – all that focus and determination for months and months of training is gone. I don’t mind a little down time after big races, but this time it went on for longer than normal. As I mentioned before, I’m a goal-oriented person, so I reviewed my race plan for the year and tried to get myself psyched up .
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Then I started interviewing for a new job. One that I knew would include a move across the country and away from many of my planned races. I started cutting more workouts short, questioning my plan, skipping workouts when things got crazy. It’s really over the past few weeks that I associated the new job with my slacker attitude, but when I am looking back, it makes sense. I don’t know what races I’m going to be doing until the Fall, so it’s hard for my goal-oriented brain to suck it up and train anyway!
Need to do more of this!
The problem is, I’m not moving enough to balance the food I enjoy eating. My clothes are starting to fit a little tighter in the wrong places and even that doesn’t seem enough to shock me into motion. So what’s a girl to do?!
I need some accountability other than a race schedule.
My external motivation of signing up for races isn’t very easy right now. I hope that one or two will pop up at the right time when I’m in Atlanta or Colorado over the next few months, but it’s just hard to plan. I know that most (except for those amazing few) athletes go through times like this when life asks a little more of us than we plan, making our daily workouts seem difficult, if not downright impossible in our minds….in our minds. I thought that was worth repeating, so that I could help convince myself that sometimes it is nothing more than the space between our heads that stops us from getting out and doing what we love. Knowing that my own brain my be my own worst enemy at a time like this, I had to ask “So where else can I find accountability?”
- I convinced Kirk (my hubby) to coach me for a few months. I think the extra “push” of having someone plan my workouts might help. I’ve asked him to bug me about it too – I want to stick to a schedule if he’s taking the time to plan it!
- Can YOU help me? I’m going to start sharing my planned training this week and I would love any accountability from you too. If you see that I’m slacking, skipping lots of workouts, not posting my workouts – call me out!! If you need some accountability in return, just let me know and I’ll be happy to return the favor!
Any other suggestions?
If left to my own devices, I honestly would sit around and be lazy. What other tips would you recommend to help me overcome my slacker tendencies?
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Questions for you:
- Tips or suggestions you want to share?
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
If it makes you feel any better, you can’t tell your clothes fit tighter. I think you look great!
But yeah, accountability helps me more than anything. And having a plan. I’m not training for anything, but I always write out my week of workouts n Sunday evenings. Just having it entered into Excel keeps me motivated for the week.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Sausage Making: Seitan Chorizo
You’re so sweet! I’m feeling SO much better being more consistent over the last week or so, I think I missed those endorphins more than I knew! :)
This happens to me time and time again, usually after a longer race like a half. I really find that, for me, being in that sort of shape, where I can run 13 miles, at all times just isn’t feasible. It’s annoying, but really what helps is to just be okay with it and know that sometimes when life gets busy, exercise takes a back burner. That’s not to say that you should let your slacker tendencies take over completely (I have them too, I don’t worry) but I think it’s totally natural for your level of fitness to go up and down.
I know – but with my last big race being in March, I should have snapped out of it by now. ;)
For me. These days. I find I need to announce my plan (on same wavelength right now too. Blogged about it today) to the masses.
Then when someone asks how, for example, my YOGA is I’m held accountable.
I didn use to need this.
Now I need this ;-)
Miz recently posted..OM making changes.
Great suggestion, I’m thinking about starting to share my plan & progress every week – hopefully that’s not too boring for everyone. :)
I’ll kick your butt on our hike!! how’s that?! ;)
YAY – looking forward to it!
i think this sounds like a great plan… do you have a workout buddy who you can schedule workouts together a couple times a week?
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Banana Bar
Usually Kirk and I at least work out at the same time, but it hasn’t been as much the case usually. With my travel back & forth to my new job starting next week, it will be less likely for now. I hope to get back to some workouts with (new) friends soon though – that really does help!
I am the type that thinks it is okay to cut back every now and again, it can keep you from getting burnt out. At the same time, I know how sluggish it can feel to have your clothes getting tighter and less comfortable.
I’ll continue to try thinking up some good accountability ideas and get back to you. This is why I like doing monthly challenges, they help me stay focused since it is usually only about 30 days.
I like the idea of having Kirk coach you- it will be a good way to promote your new ventures as well! Be a tough critic for him! ;)
Christie recently posted..All About Circuits: Day 24
I agree, a short down-time is key, but mine has extended far too long. I just started the RW Run Streak on Monday, a great challenge for me. I even ran last night at 10PM to get my mile it — that’s when you know the motivation is helping. :)
I think it’s normal when you lead such a busy life to let things slip a bit. I’m sure you’ll get back on track soon! But don’t beat yourself up. :-) no one is perfect!
You’re always so encouraging!! =)
I think that we all go through these cycles from time to time and it’s totally normal especially when you have a lot on your plate and a lot of uncertainty too. I’m super goal oriented too and can totally relate – I would have a hard time focusing when there’s so much TBD. I think that it’s a great idea that you looking outside of just yourself to keep yourself accountable.
It seems to be working a lot better – it’s funny what that outside motivation can do when you really need an extra boost!
by posting this, i think you’ll probably keep yourself accountable! that’s part of the beauty (and curse!) of the blog, right? :)
i like to sit around and be lazy too – for me, finding a class right before or after work or planning to meet a friend (or husband) keeps me accountable. so much easier when there’s someone else/elses around!
lynne @lgsmash recently posted..Wedding Wednesday: Honeymoon Booked
That was certainly part of the plan with this post – and it’s helping a lot!! I’m glad I’m not the only one who would be lazy so easily, although I love training it’s tempting to be a slacker sometimes. :)
We can support each other. The skirt I wore to work yesterday was a bit tight for my liking! Luckily today’s jeans are a little stretchy. Tweet me if you feel like skipping a workout, I’ll give you a reason to get your butt in gear. ;) (of course, you have to return the favor)
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..My Favorite Things
You are awesome – YES!! How is your training going since last week? I haven’t had to tweet you yet, because no skipped workout. You better do the same if you’re tempted to skip! ;)
I love this post, Heather – honest and real! It’s great to brainstorm ways that you can stay accountable to your fitness plans. I’m not a huge help as I’m actually NOT a goal-oriented person, but at the same time I think saying things out loud is a good help. Spousal support + coaching? Awesome. And yes, we can help too! My hardest battle is the eating. Never out of control or super sugary foods, but usually eating more than I need, and I fluctuate all the time with clean eating and not-so-clean. The workouts I can do, the eating is harder. Not sure how to get accountability on that part – no one is in my pantry where those handfuls of “extras” reside! ;)
Stay focused, enjoy daily movement, and know that when life settles a bit you will start racing (I know it!) and get back into a routine. For now, a bit of grace and discipline together should help! ;) Love ya friend.
Bonnie recently posted..Three Things Friday
Thanks Bonnie – I wish I had your intrinsic motivation to train, I really do. That’s one of the (many) reasons you’re so inspiring. Thanks for your super-encouraging words – you’re comments are always a bright spot for me. Love ya too!! =)