Mar. 11, 2009
Exercise is a lot like . . .
homeschooling!
We have made the decision to do it. We know it is the right thing to do. We know it is good for us.
And yet, there always seems to be something that gets in our way. So many distractions. So many excuses.
We make a commitment every day to start fresh and have every intention of following through - and then the distractions hit.
I made this connection one day while I was running. Trust me, you have A LOT of time to think when you exercise! I made the decision to start exercising a few months ago. I started off great, and then the complications came. Try scheduling your exercise around two teenagers who need to work out, a husband who goes to the gym every day, and the number of daylight hours. Many days the teens stay after school to work out, so by the time they get home it is dinner time. And then there is the issue of running by myself at night - not gonna happen.
And yet, there always seems to be something that gets in our way. So many distractions. So many excuses.
We make a commitment every day to start fresh and have every intention of following through - and then the distractions hit.
I made this connection one day while I was running. Trust me, you have A LOT of time to think when you exercise! I made the decision to start exercising a few months ago. I started off great, and then the complications came. Try scheduling your exercise around two teenagers who need to work out, a husband who goes to the gym every day, and the number of daylight hours. Many days the teens stay after school to work out, so by the time they get home it is dinner time. And then there is the issue of running by myself at night - not gonna happen.
In addition, try getting yourself motivated to go inflict pain on yourself in the heat for 30 minutes. By yourself. That by yourself part is what is getting to me. I no longer have the mental ability to push myself like I used to. So I tried running with my oldest son. No go - he runs too fast. Then I tried with next son. Well, that has worked out great so far. EXCEPT that he thinks I need to train like him. Mind you, he is 14 and wishes to be a Navy Seal. I am 37 and have no desire to run competitively.
He pushes me every time we run together. I keep telling him that I don't need to run that fast, but he won't hear it. His philosophy is "If you can do it, why not be in the best shape possible. Why settle for just "in shape" when you can be in 'top shape"" He has a point - if you are 14 and want to be a Navy Seal! But I don't.
Needless to say, he has been good for my exercise, even though I complain about it. I am forced to keep my pace and he has pushed me to do better each time. And the other good thing - I can say that I can keep up with my 14 yo son! That is pretty awesome to say at 37!
So, my advice to you is find a partner and push each other. When you feel you have reached your limit, push yourself beyond it and you will be amazed at what you can REALLY do. I am learning that through my partnership with my son. And I am thrilled to be able to share something like this with him. After all, it is often hard to find common ground with teenagers.
Just like homeschooling, you have to find a way around the distractions because it is what you know is right.