Remember a few months ago I wrote about no excuses?
And then I started a new job.
And, well, it would be really really easy to make excuses right now about why I can’t work out.
It’s cold.
Getting used to working full-time again after not having worked in an office for months is pretty tiring.
It’s the holidays.
Although if I can find a reason to wear antlers outside of the month of December, I will bring them back.
Sorry, I digress. And thought this post needed a picture.
But like I said, keeping exercise in my schedule has not been easy. The above reasons don’t help, but in all honesty, working out is not my top priority right now. I just got a new job, and I would like to kick ass at it. I’ve run 12 races this year, including six half-marathons and a full marathon. I’m really happy with that and proud of myself for that. I also know that even if I’m not working out 5-6 days a week like I was when I was marathon training, I’m not going to gain back all 50 pounds; I still eat healthily enough.
But I’m trying to make progress on my December challenge and still trying to get workouts in. I’m doing what I can. Since I posted about the challenge, I’ve done SurfSet (review coming later this week!), FlyWheel, run a race, and I did yoga last night I was still feeling exhausted after the weekend, but dragging myself to yoga (and running into Kendyl there!) helped. Too many days last week, I dragged gym clothes to work and didn’t use them. That wasn’t an option last night.
So I’m just going to keep doing what I can. It’s all I can do. I can work out more days than not (and realize that even on the days I don’t get a tough workout in, I’m still walking a mile each way to work), focus on my new job, enjoy the holidays and remember how much I’ve accomplished this year fitness-wise.
No idea why I chose Frank Sinatra lyrics to name my last post on this…
As I mentioned in my last post, I've really been going through it with headaches.…
(tw for diet culture talk—mostly how it's BS, but how it's affected me, too) This…
I have been thinking about this post for a while—on why diet culture is unhealthy…
I woke up this morning already feeling anxious. (Yay!) My standard iPhone alarm is set…
I read The Midnight Library over the weekend, and I need to talk about it.…
View Comments
Don't worry about the job schedule and running. I started a new job in April that required me to work way earlier (be at desk by 8:45 most days) and really cramped my running style for the first four months of my being there. All that said, over the time that I got into my groove, I was able to readjust my sleep cycle so that I can get up to 8 miles in before work...more than that is nearly impossible, because I need my sleep, but it will definitely work out as you acclimate.
@jen: Glad to hear you found your groove!! I'm still workin' to find mine. 8 miles before work is damn impressive. I was happy just to get 20 min on the elliptical plus some push-ups and planks in this am!!
Also--can't wait to hear about how the Thundershirt works out. I've been thinking of one of those for Bailey.
I like it. I support it.
You're a smart girl and it seems like you're good at prioritizing. You worked hard to land this job and I think it's great that you're making it your first priority right now. You'll be fantastic at your job and once you're all settled in, you'll figure out the balance between exercising, working and cuddling that cute pup of yours.
Keep up the excellent work. Proud of you!
You'll definitely figure it out. It took me some time to adjust here because the hours and commute were so different for me, but once you're in a groove you'll find a way to make it work.
You did awesome this year! That doesn't mean you should lay on the couch and eat chips all weekend, but it also doesn't mean that you have to work out every day after work when you are exhausted. You will find a routine that works for you. Until then, do what you can but don't over do it. You kicked 2011's ass already!! Have some eggnog and look at those finisher pictures again! ;)
@Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run: ...what about laying on the couch drinking wine all weekend?
And I don't need any more encouragement to stare at my finisher pictures :)
I definitely view running/training/working out as an ebb/flow process. While some people probably CAN just crank out mile after mile, workout after workout, I do find that I need to take a break, mentally as well as physically, from training and meeting goals.
While I don't want to sit on the couch and eat bon-bons all day (or maybe I do?), I also feel like I need a break to recharge. I am planning on some major training and events in 2012, so, at the moment, not focusing on goals or pressuring myself to work out X times is a good thing for me.
I love your attitude! Do what you can and everything in balance. I find when I stress out too much then I do not even enjoy the work outs that I do get in.
I have a similar goal for myself for December. I have so much going on that if I have a strict goal for myself, I would spend the entire month beating myself up! So, I am doing the best I can, remembering my goals and instead of falling off track, I'm doing the best I can and enjoying myself!!!
I feel like you are already at an advantage because you are walking to work!!
Well said. I just recently moved and have a 45 minute drive to and from work now. I'm still trying to figure out if getting up at 4:45am or going to the gym straight from work is better for me. Either way, it's even more difficult now with all of the extra activities the holidays bring.
So OMG Theorda I am in the exact same place. I usually work in the am before work. But I had to come in to work early (during the time that I work out) so, finding the time in the evening has been impossible. It's only for 2 weeks though so, hopefully I won't gain too much!!