Sitting at breakfast over the weekend I excitedly blurted out, “I’m getting out for a run every day this week!” Still a bit caught up in my runner’s high from the six miles we had swiftly run through the city to kick off our Sunday, I was feeling invigorated and strong, thinking anything was possible. Seconds later I uttered, “except for tomorrow because I have to get Sophia to school, pick her up after school and I need to be in the office.”
Recently, I have been a bit guilty of making excuses not to workout. I have a busy schedule, but there is no excuse so great that I should allow myself to go weeks without working out. Yes, I said weeks. Excuses tend to take on a snowball effect with me and putting off until tomorrow can also be put off until tomorrow’s tomorrow.
It usually happens like this…
I’m tired one day from doing too much the day before without working out. Since I didn’t exercise, my body is more tired than it would be had I simply taken the hour to workout and I’d rather sleep. I lay down to sleep and toss and turn, thinking about how I really should have worked out (among all the other things I didn’t get done that particular day). Then I start making lists of the things I need to do, wind up awake far too late, and too tired again the next morning to workout. Do you see the pattern here? Days turn into weeks, which can quickly turn into months and the cycle gets harder to break.
Last week, I couldn’t take it anymore. I was wiped out, I felt sluggish and I was starting to dislike what was staring back at me in the mirror. I needed to get my body moving and get back to feeling like myself. I exercised at home on Thursday for an hour and I can’t even express how great I felt. Sore the next day, sure, but sore made me hungry for more! Friday, I woke up early, had a productive work day, did some cleaning around the house and even painted my bedroom. Check those items off my late night can’t sleep list.
Friday night, following my energetic day, I took on another at-home workout then early to bed. Saturday, this gal was up and out early. I spent the afternoon outside walking about and playing at the park with my family. Went home following and worked out again before heading to dinner with my guy. This is the cycle my body is fond of.
Sunday started with that six-mile run, and thus, the curse of excuses was lifted. For reasons stated prior, I did not get a workout in today. Tomorrow, however, I’m starting a new routine to both cut down on gas and keep me in check. When I drop off my daughter at school in the morning, I will leave my car there and run home. Mid-day I will run back to get her and we’ll drive home. I’ll be making time to work out even on days my schedule is a little tight.
I know this won’t work all the time, but it’s a failsafe way of getting out of the excuse rut I’ve put myself in. It will help me feel less sluggish, have more productive days and a happier face will stare back at me in the mirror. I’m also going to permanently add “exercise” to that ongoing late night can’t sleep list so I’m constantly reminded to make it a priority.
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