Tough Workouts

[5ft Diva]

Today was one of the hardest workouts for me to get through physically but mentally it was even tougher. If I knew that my dh wasn't gonna ask me how my workout went today I probably would've cut my workout short and told myself I could just start another day thus beginning a slippery slope to quitting.

Anyway, I know this is the first of many workouts like this. What advice do you guys have for me to get through those mentally? What can I do to keep pushing through the pain and discouragement?

[Erudite]

Mine was better than usual today, because I have a goal. I also had the "couch to 5K" training program that kept me from overdoing it. I knew I could have gone on awhile longer, but thought I'd better stop because I'd already surpassed yesterday's workout in distance and time.

Someone said in another thread, that taking your goal off of weight loss and on to getting in shape is a good way to go. Today that thought was helpful for me. I'd like to lose a whole bunch of weight for the look of it, but readjusting to the 5K goal is a "getting in shape" goal and that is really helpful to me. It gives me a fresh start and I always do well with a fresh start. I'm a great "beginner"...follow through, I'm working on, but I do usually begin well.

Can I also tell you...I'm so glad to be working toward something WITH people. I want to get to the 5K because my friends are going to run it with me and I don't want to let them down. So that really helped me to get going today as well. Thanks guys!

[Big_Sissy]

Well, it sounds like you did well, both of you.

I can tell you, the biggest problem is letting that one day stop you. Just push through those and the others won't be so tough.

[Dia Minha]

Diva, the thing that works for me is picturing what I want out of my workout. When I was doing a lot of walking I would picture how I would look walking along the beach after reaching my goals. I would put myself right there on the beach and imagine the way I would look and feel. When I'm dancing I picture myself out on a big dance floor with fancy lights and how graceful I look in my slimmer fitted dress and how light I feel on my feet. Just being able to feel what it would be like at goal, even if just for a moment in my imagination usually gets me moving or keeps me on my feet.

Pretend you are there. You have reached your training goals and your on the way to crossing the finish line of your very first 5K. What do you look like? How do you feel? Now pretend you are there. Pretend you look and feel the way you will when you cross that finish line. It's amazing when it works. I hope it does for you.

[Mamallama]

5D, I am so impressed that you are working so hard---WOW---weight lifting, jogging----not to mention all the Mothering of 5 boys, taking care of your home and that's all without mentioning all that you do at church and elsewhere.....
You are doing awesome! I think that you've answered your own question where you said if it weren't for the fact that your dh was going to ask about the workout is what kept you going......THAT I think is the key to what is keeping all of us going, through the good workouts and bad workouts....the sharing of our goals with each other is what motivates us to keep pushing on through those tough rough days. Back in the day "Keep on Truckin'" is what we'd always say.....so 5D, your doing great! "Just Keep on Truckin'!!"

And Tomorrow is a NEW DAY!!!

[Big_Sissy]

And another workout! So I hope you sleep well

[5ft Diva]

Thanks Mamallama for your support and encouragement. It's VVEERRYYY much appreciated.

[Erudite]

Today was my tough workout. I made it through day 1 of week 3 (yes, I know it's Thursday), but I was nearly gasping by the end of the 3 minutes. Today I just need someone to tell me that I still make it to the 5K. It's 6 weeks away and so I can't do weeks over in training anymore and still make it. I'm going on vacation next week and while I have made plans to exercise (yes! I have!) that may not work like I want it to. Am I still gonna make it?

I do have to thank Mama for her Patton quote. It's on a post-it above my treadmill and I was concentrating on it as I pushed through my first 3 minute jog. I just kept saying, 1 more minute, 30 more seconds, you can do it, your mind is running your body. It was hard, really hard, but I did it.

[Mamallama]

Erudite, you're doing fantastic!! REALLY! Everyone has bad workout days, and even bad workout weeks. Hang in there---you can do this!

I just thought I'd share this with you. For me, I cannot run on treadmills. I get SO bored and just don't have the discipline to stay on it. It is way too easy for me to get off and quit. I don't think I could even stay on it for 3 minutes.

One thought I had while reading your post is that maybe you could consider going outside for a little jog. I know it's hard to get away sometimes with kids and all, BUT if you can find a way to get out for a bit and run, it's a lot harder to quit!! ---Because, you still have to get back home from wherever you are at. For example: if I leave my house and start running in one direction for 10 minutes and find myself exhausted, my choices are either I turn around and run back 10 more minutes to get home thus making it a 20 minute work-out, OR I can turn around and WALK back home, which still makes it a 20 minute work-out---walking is not a bad thing, it's still exercise! So for ME, by running outside, I'm forcing myself to go a little further than I would have had I stayed inside on a treadmill. Whether it be that I'm walking home or not, I'm still putting time and distance in....plus it's much more scenic and nice for me to be outside in the fresh air.

Anyway, like I said it's just a thought. Either way, whether training inside or out----you are going to make it!!! Keep on truckin' Erudite!!!! You can do this!

[trishcook]

You ladies are all inspiring!!! I find it hard to just walk to get in shape...it's still exercise.UGH!!! But, to be jogging and running...WAY TO GO!! Keep up the great work and pushing thru those hard days and you'll love the results. I was once told that I need to do everything within in my power to make sure I was there to take care of my kids and so....I always keep in the back of my mind that I am doing this for my kids, that they deserve a mother that's healthy and able to play with them and do things with them!! Plus, hopefully my children will be healthy because of my example and my determination. Anyway, you are all doing GREAT!!

[Erudite]

Thanks! That's just what I needed to hear!! I was told that running outside was a lot easier than running on a treadmill. I plan to start doing that when it starts being light at 6:30 in the morning, which is when I can do it and not impact the schedule too much and have a shower afterward. But I do like running on a treadmill because I can read during the warm-up walk and that when I get my "frivolous" reading in. (The rest of the reading I do throughout the day is toward some specific goal or work related or I have to concentrate and write stuff in the margins or whatever.) And it is good to do the exercise with my children nearby, BUT I do have a jogger stroller, so I could go with one of my children at least.

Trish, I have been thinking the same thing about my kids...that it will be empowering for them to see Mom doing this race. It's the same reason I made sure they were at my graduation ceremony a few years back. I hope it means something for them too in keeping healthy (as opposed to being skinny).

Thanks guys!

[Big_Sissy]

I think running outside vs inside really is a personal opinion, and I think it also depends on what you occupy your mind with while you are running. If you only run, then yes, it blows. It's a lot easier to get in the Zone if you are outside because the sites, sounds, and smells, are automatic, and help your mind wander so you don't think directly about what you are doing.

Anyway, don't feel like I'm attacking you ML, as that's not my intent, just stating that it requires a little more planning to make Treadmill running or walking as enjoyable as doing the same outside might be.

Now about you E, GREAT JOB!!!!! You keep it up. I can't wait to see the "pack" of BnS'ers cross that finish line. I know you'll be one of them.

[Mamallama]

I agree with you BS! What form of exercise works best is all a matter of personal preference. The point I was trying to make is that perhaps when the current mode of exercise is getting tough, one could consider alternating modes of exercise to give variety. All forms of exercise whether done inside or outside take A LOT of self discipline.

BS, I was not trying to say that one way of exercise is better than the other. I was simply sharing what works FOR ME and thought that I was giving encouragement and a possible alternative to help keep workouts going on days that are tough. Giving encouragement was my whole intent. I’m sorry if anything I said sounded offensive. I had no idea it would sound that way…..obviously I’m not good at expressing myself here….I’m sorry.

[LostnFound]

ML, you were very encouraging in your post. I notice in all of your posts you are always writing something positive. Way to go!! The ideas you share will help more people than those you are directly replying to.

Remember you have a whole group of people reading your posts. You never know when somebody on the forum really needed to read exactly what you have written. I know it's helped me in so many different areas of my life.

We all matter. We all have our own opinions on these subjects. We all need to share these opinions or ideas because thats what a forum is all about.

You are definetely a positive force with this forum!!! Keep it up!!! It's your duty with the mind that you have with so much knowledge. Just kidding. But I love to read your thoughts.

[Mamallama]

That's awfully nice of you to say LnF. Thanks for helping me feel better.

[5ft Diva]

Don't take what BS said personally. I can tell by reading his post that he was just stating his opinion and it probably came out even a little stronger than he intended it to. Sometimes he comes across strong but it isn't personal. It's taken me 12 years to figure that one out. Being a woman, it's annoying at times but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's taught me a lot about myself and how to not take any guff from others.

I thought your post was very encouraging. I've been trying to get the guts to run outside because that's where the 5K will take place. I've been a little chicken because outside has hills, wind, heat, and people that can see you, and like you were saying, once you've gone 20 minutes away from home you have to travel 20 minutes (or longer) back to your home. I really need the encouragement to get outside as it makes me a little nervous that I will fail at my attempts. Thanks for your thoughts and just tell BS to knock it off or you'll knock his block off.

BS, be nice.

[Big_Sissy]

Originally Posted by Mamallama

I agree with you BS! What form of exercise works best is all a matter of personal preference. The point I was trying to make is that perhaps when the current mode of exercise is getting tough, one could consider alternating modes of exercise to give variety. All forms of exercise whether done inside or outside take A LOT of self discipline.

BS, I was not trying to say that one way of exercise is better than the other. I was simply sharing what works FOR ME and thought that I was giving encouragement and a possible alternative to help keep workouts going on days that are tough. Giving encouragement was my whole intent. I’m sorry if anything I said sounded offensive. I had no idea it would sound that way…..obviously I’m not good at expressing myself here….I’m sorry.

Woah ML, I'm sorry too. I didn't come across the way I intended either. Sorry about that. Basically, we agree. I was just a dork, so seriously, I'm sorry and hope you will forgive me for my "maleness"

Variety is a great idea, and I missed that point completely.

[Big_Sissy]

Originally Posted by 5ft Diva

Don't take what BS said personally. I can tell by reading his post that he was just stating his opinion and it probably came out even a little stronger than he intended it to. Sometimes he comes across strong but it isn't personal. It's taken me 12 years to figure that one out. Being a woman, it's annoying at times but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's taught me a lot about myself and how to not take any guff from others.

I thought your post was very encouraging. I've been trying to get the guts to run outside because that's where the 5K will take place. I've been a little chicken because outside has hills, wind, heat, and people that can see you, and like you were saying, once you've gone 20 minutes away from home you have to travel 20 minutes (or longer) back to your home. I really need the encouragement to get outside as it makes me a little nervous that I will fail at my attempts. Thanks for your thoughts and just tell BS to knock it off or you'll knock his block off.

BS, be nice.

These are words spoken from someone who knows. I have a large bark, but I don't have any teeth for the bite so to speak. Seriously ML, I didn't mean to sound so combative.

[5ft Diva]

Yeah, he wears dentures and I took his Fixodent away.

[Big_Sissy]

having your spouse on here does have its "dis" advantages