Here’s to making this week great, even when it might be crazy-busy, stressful, and perhaps scary! Even though I’d be the last to say doing things that scare me are my favorite, I know they are good for us once and a while. So do something that scares you this week. Commit to that race you think you might not be able to finish. Sign up for the class you’ve always wanted to, but talk yourself out of. What would you do if you weren’t living in fear? You can! Ready, set, GO!
After the hilly hike Ry and I took yesterday, I’d say this is appropriate. This week go after whatever challenges you are facing. Believe in yourself! You can do it!
Today is the Boston Marathon! My dream running goal is to be on the starting line in Hopkinton one day. Since that is obviously not happening today, use the 65 second tour of the race to motivate you in whatever goals you have for the week. Whether you are running your first Boston or your first half marathon this week, good luck and congratulations in advance.
Know that some of the miles will feel good, some of the miles will feel bad, perhaps even terrible, but some miles will feel awesome. The sense of pride as you cross the finish line whether it is race number one or number 31 will never stop! Bask in your hard work and sense of accomplishment, and enjoy the feeling as it carries over into all that you do! Running is rarely ever just physical work; the impact on the spirit is far greater.
Sometimes I think the best motivation and inspiration is running a race. I had an amazing time running the Trailbreaker Half Marathon (race report to come) this weekend and am really looking forward to my other upcoming half marathons this spring. Today’s motivation is brought to you by a father and his son who also run races to be an inspiration to others. Maybe Team Hoyt can inspire you on this Monday morning as they did me.*
The above sums up my week last week. I literally didn’t make it out the door a few times. So this Monday I think I need to actually take my own motivation advice. I don’t know what happened last week. I had the best of intentions all week, but I just had so much to do despite not having school. I had some major setbacks in the eating clean and running departments. Lets just say (after a half dozen Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, 2 and a half bags of jelly beans, an entire bag of white chocolate M & M’s, pizza multiple days, eating out one night, only running 25 of the 35 miles I was supposed to while also skipping spinning because who can make themselves get up that early if they don’t have to) I wasn’t feeling too good about myself. To make matters more challenging (cue dramatic music) I’m running a half marathon in 5 DAYS! Why do I do this!
Don’t get me wrong, I sort of knew what I was doing. Even if I wasn’t fully aware of my actions, there were plenty of warning signs. Despite all warning signs from my body (the post-sugar shakes, feeling exhausted, feeling moody-ask my husband about my Real Housewives of Tomah-esque meltdown after a day of cleaning and eating M & M’s, lack of interest in things I love-aka running, feeling the size of a house, interrupted sleep, sugar cravings, runs that feel like I’m carrying military gear on my legs, butt, and back while my heart is squeezed into a vice, etc) I did NOT listen to what my body was trying to tell me.
Over the past day I’ve realized I must just except the fact that I made a bad choice (repeatedly, over and over, as in doesn’t catch on too quick) and move on. I can’t put those sweet, yummy, hi-I’m-high-on-sugar-treats back. I can’t reverse time and run those miles, so I guess I will just have to get back on the wagon this week. Maybe you feel derailed by Easter treats and greets with family and friends. If so, no biggie, simply make it a priority to get back (or start) in the swing of things. You only have forever in front of you to make one change at a time, or two, or however many you can manage. When you feel yourself getting derailed in the future (and you WILL), listen to your body and allow yourself to mess up a few times.
To get back on the wagon I made homemade spaghetti sauce using fresh garlic, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. The sauce was poured on veggie noodles and eaten with a side of roasted carrots and zucchini. My body thanked me by making me feel better than I had all week. My run the next morning still didn’t feel so good, but it all takes time! Don’t be so hard on yourself!
As you will see in this week’s motivation video, you could make the choice to be sad and stay on the couch after a setback or you could make a choice that will make you feel happy, accomplished, and proud! I know you can-so get back on that wagon.
Major props to you if your wagon never crashed, imploded, or led you to nearly die from dysentery over the weeks leading up to Easter! I was close. My tombstone would have read-Here lies Sarah; chocolatey and jelly beans. If you didn’t grow up playing Oregon Trail on an apple II computer with floppy disks, then you won’t get this last part!
With the weather (finally) starting to warm up in the midwest, perhaps that is motivation enough. If not, check out the extra inspiration below to kick off your work(out) week…
or draw from Steve Bell’s motivation-he runs because someday he might not be able to!
I often see people expect too much of themselves when starting new exercise endeavors. People try to run a mile or two, and feel terrible and never want to run again-and don’t. Instead start with shorter distances, sets, weights. Don’t increase the chance you’ll hate something that is already new and challenging. Once you are committed, it is much easier to continue to push yourself.
As I made goals for myself this year, I’ve really focused on the above quote-making small changes at a time. Sudden changes can feel difficult and increase the chance of not continuing the positive change(s). Small steps at a time seem so much more manageable. Whatever you might be working towards, remember small things can add up to big things over time. Doing something a few times a week can quickly become a daily habit and a way of life!
So if you are at all like me, then you sometimes struggle with motivating yourself to workout. I’m struggling right now because I am sooooo sick of winter weather! These photos are what western Wisconsin woke up to on this beautiful March morning. It really was beautiful, but by March 11 the allure of winter is gone. GONE! The couch and the fourth season of Breaking Bad on Netflix sound so much better than running outside.
I’ve decided a little extra motivation on Monday might help me throughout the week. So each Monday look for a weekly dose of motivation here! Feel free to comment on what motivates, inspires, and helps you to get your workouts done.
Today’s motivation comes from a clip I’ve shared on Facebook before, my 120 pound journey. No matter how many times I watch this I get emotional and motivated. I hope you do to! Read about how Ben Does Life on his blog to learn more about his journey past and present. He just came out with a book I have yet to read, but added to my book list-do life.
Click below for your Monday Motivation and get out there!
sneaksandstilettos.com 
