I'm the first one to say that I've got a pretty hard head. I'm pretty stubborn enough that if I've convinced myself of something I can do it simply because my mind believes it. It's a good and a bad thing but in most situations it's a very good thing. With my drive and dedication along with my stubbornness I can do anything I set my mind to. At least that's what I keep telling myself throughout this whole grad school process.
My fitness is no exception when it comes to this drive and dedication. I know that eventually I will reach my goals even if it feels like I won't sometimes. Transitioning into my half marathon training has been better than I could have ever imagined! Finishing PiYo felt good and I officially fit into my goal jeans size. I thought that fitting into that size would feel differently. I thought that I'd be completely satisfied and switch over to maintaining goals. My half training is about performing and succeeding and fueling my body sufficiently to reach these goals. I still feel like I have a lot to learn about the process but I know I'll get there. My training plan consists of 2 short runs, 1 long run, 2-3 spin classes, weight training, and a rest day. For my weight training I busted out my old P90X DVDs and Uncle Tony is making sure my shoulders, back, and arms think of him fondly the next day.
I recently finished a book about 80/20 running. It's where you run/train 80% of the time at a more comfortable level. They recommend a level where you can maintain an easy conversation. Since I started instructing spin classes I figured that this wouldn't be too difficult since I talk and spin right? Wrong. My time has slowed down by a full 2 minutes but I don't even care. By slowing down the runs changed. It might take me a little longer (ok ok a full two minutes per mile but whose counting?) but the feeling after is more fulfilling than my faster runs. I've reached a point where running feels effortless and I actually enjoy it more than I ever have before. I completed my first distance goal a full week earlier than scheduled because I set my mind to it and simply didn't give up. I took advantage of my stubbornness and used it to my advantage. I've heard that once you read 6-8 miles the runs get even easier so I cannot wait to reach that point!
Most of the time it's hard to convince myself that what I'm doing is actually working when it comes to transforming my body. I won't say I don't get discouraged because that's a lie. Sometimes I feel that negative self talk starting. If I have an extra indulgence (ok let's be honest it's that spoonful of peanut butter where I know it's a bad idea going into it) I feel as though I haven't made any progress. Negative self talk comes out of nowhere and I feel like giving up for about 2 seconds. It's at that point where I'm grateful again for my stubbornness because I'm able to remind myself to just keep moving. I couldn't imagine not living life the way I do now. I enjoy the healthy food and my daily sweat session. The sweatier the better and the post workout high is always worth every bit of hard work. That post workout high giving me the strength is part of the reason my positive self talk is able to dominate over the negative. Remembering that these are normal feelings helps me to kick those negative thoughts where the sun don't shine!
Do you best and forget the rest!
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