I really didn't want to run today, I was tired, cranky, not feeling great and the weather was crappy, but my first coach instilled a little motto in me, "When you feel crappy, go out for 5 min and re-assess, if you still don't feel like running, then head home." This works because by the time you have changed and headed out the door, you have won the battle and (often) have a decent run, even surprising yourself at how good you'll feel.
I played this little trick on myself today and, while it got me out the door and I got my 90 min. done, I think I looked at my watch every 5 minutes or so. It was not effortless and I felt flat, which also sometimes happens.
I got the run done by committing to getting out to a spot, a "destination" run. I did some exploring around Esquimalt, literally just running around looking for new spots and killing time. The run got done though and I found some neat little pockets of the city that I'll likely never go back to, but at least I can say "I was there".
The other positive is that I think that I am starting to run enough. While the run wasn't all that enjoyable, it is good to know that I have been working hard enough recently to get my legs to feel that way. I quoted Jens Voigt a few times: "Shut up legs!"
5 comments:
Whenever I have trouble coming up with the motivation to get out the door. I just think to myself;
What would Jens Do?
I wrote just last week about this very feeling
http://vincentramblings.blogspot.com/2010/02/wwjd.html
Ha! too funny, great quote and yes, tough SOB who seems to love suffering and riding his bike.
Such a great strategy, Adam. I love it. Getting out the door is often the toughest part. As well the destination is good. It gives you a tangible goal and off you go.
Thanks for the motivating reminder. Sometimes it's all you need when you get home from work and it's dark out.
Good to know that even you get that feeling of not wanting to head out the door some days. Pretty impressive that your 5-minute assessment turned into a 90 minute run!
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