Hey There,
With only four weeks to go, you can imagine I’m getting more and more nervous, (Especially because my time off work still hasn’t been approved). My running number and tag came through the post last week, and it literally hit me, ‘Shit just got real’.
My fitness has improved A LOT! I have been going to the gym, doing some classes and just being more active. I’ve gone out for runs, but my mileage is no way near what it should be, so that will be my focus for the next four weeks. It is just hard to get the motivation to run more than 6 miles on your own, (I need a running buddy)… The weathers not helping either. I’m not one to run in the rain, (I know, I know, I’m not a real runner if I don’t run in the rain). I see myself as a girl who runs, not a runner. And even when I say run, I mean jog.
I’ve been getting back in to my strength exercises with kettlebells, I think I can definitely see myself moving toward the weights rather than the cardio workouts after this half marathon. There is just something more fun about it, don’t you think? I’m not sure if I will get my motivation for running back completely now, that runners block is hard to get through and if an event can’t get me through it, what can? I used to be so active when I was younger, pretty much in every sports team I could be in, so I am enjoying being back in to exercise mode. There is nothing better than that feeling, its a great ‘feel good’ factor, I eat better, I feel better, I’m more confident, I’m more productive… Until I hit a night out, and it all goes wrong on the hangover day! Only joking, that just normally knocks me for a day or two, (I’m only human).
I think what has helped is getting a gym buddy again, I have been going with a friend, but unfortunately she is not a fan of running. Having someone to go with you is motivating, as if you don’t go, you feel like you are letting them down to, you can get competitive during the workout and see it more as a social thing. I have been looking at motivational pictures, writing out programmes and keeping an eye on what I eat, focusing more on nutrition this way I keep all it all in focus.
Once I have my holiday approved I will be setting up my sponsorship forms to raise money for liver transplants. When I think about the struggle of running for over two hours, I just need to think of the cause, and the achievement.
At least I can see the improvement since my last fitness post, lets hope the next one sees an increase in miles ran…. Wish me luck.
My tips for keeping motivated with exercise-
- Get a gym buddy
- Think of it as a lifestyle change not a quick fix
- Write up a exercise programme
- Write down the days you will go to the gym that week (And stick to it)
- Read up on exercises and diets to get you thinking
- Follow athletes you admire
- Be realistic with your food and workouts
- Sign up to events
What are you training for this year? What are your tips for keeping motivated?
Lots of love,
KBxx