Motivation Vacation
This week has been tough. I think my motivation took a vacation and I’ve been finding it hard to get out of bed each morning to run. It seems that the momentum leading into our race last week, plus some unexpected stress (an oxymoron, I think) took its toll on my self-discipline. Such is life.
To insure that I don’t have another week like this one, I’ve had to remind myself of some of the reasons I really do enjoy getting my butt out of bed and onto the pavement or in to the gym:
- Stars. I love to run before dawn and stare at the stars. They have been more visible in some places I’ve lived than others, but no matter where I am I inevitably run with my face up. An added bonus in the summer is fireflies, which are like fallen stars.
- Peace. Another reason I love to run before dawn. Few cars. Occasional fellow runners. The time and space to get my head together.
- More food, less guilt. Not that I’ve ever missed a meal. Trust me. I am blessed with a high metabolism (for which my sister hates me) so I eat a lot anyway. But if I can get a pizza in guilt free, then what the hay?
- Bathing suit season. Need I say more?
- I have triceps? By gum, I do! I found them just recently hidden somewhere under a layer of skin. I would hate to lose them again. It was a long, bloody battle to find them in the first place.
Only five reasons, one for each week day, but there are many more. On weekends I bike, which means I get to go downhill really fast. That’s always worth getting up for.
I’d love to hear from the rest of you. What keeps you motivated when life wants to crash your training party?
More Than Running... 
Most of the times I think that my “motivation vacations” are signs that my body is telling me to lay off the physical activity for a bit – especially when stressful things are going on and my body needs its resources to deal with the stressors. I don’t fight it too much as long as it doesn’t last too long.
But, yeah, #5 is my biggest “get-your-a$$-moving” motivator. Don’t want to lose the gains!
Sorry about the stress in your life – hope things get better soon.
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Jill
April 27, 2012
Thanks! Better already. I’m back in the saddle this week.
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MinkaM
May 1, 2012
Great list! When I get busy, what keeps me going is knowing I have friends waiting for me at the pool, gym or trail. Or just knowing that I have a race ahead and skipping days doesn’t get me to where I want to be.
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Kimberly / ThePowerOfRun.com
April 27, 2012
The training calendar definitely helps. So do friends. Accountability is a lot!
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MinkaM
May 1, 2012
Last sunday, I put on a pair of jeans that I hadn’t been able to wear in over 2 years due to pregnancy and baby weight (truth be told, it was due to overeating lol), and they fit perfectly. Yep so it was motivation for this week. I also look at the rewards and how I would feel if i missed a run or workout.
Sending peace and calm your way :). Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking one of the posts.
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boomiebol
April 27, 2012
Congratulations on the jeans fitting! It must feel great! Thanks for the peace and calm. 🙂
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MinkaM
May 1, 2012