Carly Sharec

What’s funny about January 2010 is that I worked out more than I did in all of 2009 combined.

(I really don’t know if that is “funny” or just plain sad, but I’m going with funny.)

I’ve been having to retrain my brain, not just my body, throughout this process. After eight to 10 hours in front of a computer at work, combined with two to four hours of sitting in traffic, my brain is screaming at me to relax in front of the TV with alcohol and sugar. So I’ve had to retrain myself to look at exercise as a stress relief and a way to relax.

I thought I would share some ways I’ve been doing this, mostly because it has not been easy and still is super difficult. What’s funny is that I feel GREAT following a workout, especially if it’s an outside run or an intense yoga session. But it still can take super motivation to pull on my shoes and get out the door, so for that I have to exercise my brain:

• Use Post-its. I write motivational phrases on post-it notes and stick them in places like the dashboard of my car and inside my wallet. I have tons of favorite quotes, but the one I’m digging on right now is “You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.”
• Read up on your goal. I’m a big believer in doing one thing every day that gets you closer to your goal. For example, my main goal this year is to run the Peachtree Road Race. If I don’t run one day, then I read Runner’s World or go to a motivational fitness blog. I’m always working on ways to engrain my “dream” into my psyche.
• Show up. Sometimes I force myself to put on my clothes and running shoes. The other day, I did NOT want to run at all. So I forced myself to get dressed and just walked. I didn’t end up running, but I still got in a workout, and felt much better walking out of the gym than I did going in.
• Come up with reasons. My biggest excuse for not going to the gym is being too tired. On the other hand, I have a real problem sleeping most nights – it takes forever for me to go to sleep and some nights I’ll wake up at two or three and not be able to drift off again. When I work up a sweat, I usually have an easier time staying asleep. So when I say to myself I’m too tired to workout, I then argue with myself that I’ll sleep way better after the workout. Also, it’s not like I’m scheduling my runs at 11 PM. I wouldn’t be going to bed at one in the afternoon, or six in the evening.

So, there you go. I’m beginning to actually crave exercise now (in addition to, not in place of the chocolate cake, but whatever), but I still need an extra boost from time to time. What is your motivation to do what you need to do?

I’m also reading the 28 chapters of Matthew during this 28 day month if anyone would care to join me!