No more excuses


                                      Source: Uploaded by user via Jennifer on Pinterest


The past few weeks, I've found a lot of excuses.
To be honest, my running has been lacking. I knew I wanted to take a short break after the marathon to let my knee feel completely better. But it's obvious that now I'm just being a slacker. I haven't been running much, the treadmill is boring me to death. With all the talk of half ironman, you would think I'd be running, biking & swimming enthusiastically right now. I've been riding more, haven't gotten in the pool, and haven't done a run over 4 miles.

Did I forget I have a half marathon on St. Patty's Day?

I don't want to beat myself up too much. I have been getting to TRX & Bootcamp. I have been running short distances (and having a pain free knee). I have been getting trainer rides in on the bike. I have started a new Yoga class. The truth is, planning for races takes time. Research on the race, training strategies, looking for clubs, coaches, and support to get me to the end of 70.3 is a lot.

I have been very thankful to the girls on Team Tough Chik. They have sent me training plans, and offered encouragement and advice. I have a friend from PT school who is going to help me ease into the triathlon club. I have another friend, Barbie (we did our first Tri together), who is helping me get my ass in the pool Sunday, while I help her get her butt moving after having her baby. I'm so thankful to all the wonderful support systems I have.

Seriously.
I need to stop making excuses.
I need to make time for a long run this weekend.

How do you stop making excuses?

Are you curious at who won the 2nd $50 Spa Week giftcard from Trop50?
email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com to claim your prize!


7 comments:

RunToTheFinish said...

i truly think most of us do not give ourselves enough recovery because we are slacking off. I think you have probably just been doing that well!! now you'll be ready to rock it

Sara said...

Good luck on your half marathon! I have also had trouble getting back into training. I think it just might be a little bit of burnout with me!

On the Right Track said...

Stephanie, I think the easiest way, or at least the most motivating way to stop making excuses is enlisting the help of friends...which it sounds like you have already done!

With such a support system already in tow...you sound like you have not only held yourself accountable...but they will hold you to it as well!

I find friends to be such a push for me...in the right direction, in a positive way, and it is so encouraging!

You sound very lucky, and I am SURE they are lucky to have you as a support as well!

Enjoy the ride...

Aimee said...

I think you did the right thing by taking some time off after the marathon to make sure your knee had adequate time to rest and for your body to recover. You seem to have a good plan in place and lots to look forward to. I think that's what keeps you going, but sometimes the body just needs a break and a bit of a change.

Penny said...

I know it is good to take days off, but I have a hard time with that one. For me to stay motivated I have to be accountable to someone else. So I am like a magnet when it comes to having a running partner. Believe me I'am not afraid to ask someone if they run and would like to be my running partner. It is kind of a joke in my small town about who has penny not ran with. I take that as a compliment. I say Step get a running partner that will make you accountable. Like this morning I so wanted to call my running partner and tell her I was tired or just plan lazy this morning, but I couldnt let her down so I just got ready and headed to the gym to get my run in. That is what works for me Steph. Good Luck in finding you MoJo. You will get it back soon.

Annette@(running)In the Right Direction said...

Been there making excuses myself...You're getting back on track though! And I am going to check out that tough chicks site...sounds cool!

Lisa said...

Yay, I'm so excited about the spa giftcard! Going to email you as soon as I finish this comment.

I'm really good at making excuses for myself to sit at home and be lazy rather than go and workout. What's helped me lately is that I signed up for a challenge to run at least 1.5 miles every day and there's a small prize at the end of the 30 days. Even though it's only a $5 value, I don't want to miss out on the chance to get something for free so it motivates me to get out of the house.

Once the challenge is over, I need to put together a training plan for my next big race. Having a plan also helps me to stop making excuses because I know it's important to stick to the plan if I want to have a successful race. Without a plan it's too easy to tell myself that I can always put off the run for another day/week.

Good luck figuring out what works for you!

 
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