Midweek Motivation: Eyes on the Prize!

Midweek Motivation!
This has been my mantra for the past couple weeks as I am tempted daily with deciding between instant gratification (skipping a run to get an extra 1/2 hour of sleep, not making myself lunch from home because people hosting events at work will be bringing goodies) and doing what is going to keep me on track (running early since I know the rest of my day will get filled with work-stuff, taking extra time in my morning to put together some healthy food and then avoiding the room where the goodies are kept). It's been hard, and I've definitely given in on a few days, but I try not to beat myself up about those. I am thankful to have you all, and other good influences in my life...discipline is a very individual trait, but it can't hurt to have someone there to slap your hand away every once in a while!

So, even though it's okay to give in to the "now" on occasion, don't lose sight of what you want most. Whether it's a 5K PR or finishing a marathon, or if it's just trying to run once a week to keep up your base or keep those favorite pants from getting too tight. Make your intentions clear to yourself and those around you...it's much easier to keep your eyes on the prize when you and your circle can see it ahead of you!

Happy Wednesday Runners!

Midweek Motivation: Lesson from the super-competitive back of the packer!

I am super competitive. It is a trait that has been ingrained in my psyche since I was very young. My parents were "sports" people and my sister and I followed suit, becoming competitive athletes, and vowing our undying allegiance to all Minnesota sports teams. For me though, my competitiveness has not been isolated to my athletic endeavors, but has shown itself in pretty much all other pursuits. I mean, I've been a Mom for over 8 years but I still can't bring myself to "let" my children win at board games. So it's no surprise that the impetus for me to start running two years ago was a competitive one; I found out an old high school swimming rival was doing a local triathlon and man, I really wanted to beat her! So I started training and fell in love with running. What was surprising though, was how afraid I was when I got to the start line of my first running race. I was looking around at all these super-fit, shorty-shorts-wearing, GPS-tracking, barely-breaking-a-sweat runners and thought to myself "I don't belong here!" I was sure I was going to finish dead last, and for a super-competitive person, that thought was super-deflating.

Well, I didn't finish last, and I certainly didn't come in first, in fact, I have no idea where I placed. I was too busy marveling at how awesome it was to be in this huge group of people, young people, old people, people of all shapes and sizes, people who were going for a PR and people who were running well below their normal pace because they were running with a friend. This was not an elite group, I was not the "worst" runner there...I realized quickly that this new athletic journey I had embarked on was not about beating others, but about improving myself, pushing my body to it's limits, about competing with all my preconceived notions about what I was capable of and winning on every level.

This past weekend I did my first triathlon of the year...my ninth overall. I was feeling pretty good about where I was physically, so of course my hope was to make the podium. As I watched all the waves in front of me I again marveled at how all-inclusive this sport is. Men, women, teenagers and Septuagenarians, all competing together. Super ripped guys in tiny Speedos, two pregnant women who chuckled at themselves for needing the ladder to climb out of the pool. One guy who swam elementary backstroke, because that was the only way he knows how to swim, giving it his all while everyone else in the pool was churning out Olympic-caliber crawl stroke! Before I began running, I was unable to appreciate the bravery it must take for some people to get out there and compete, knowing that they will be lapped, or knowing they simply don't "fit the mold" of an athlete. It is both humbling and empowering to get to the start line not knowing what the outcome might be.

So, as the snow starts to thaw, and you start seeing more posts about races, more of us talking about our training plans, and all the inevitable pictures of people with finisher medals around their necks, don't be afraid, don't be jealous, don't think "I don't belong here". Sign up for that local 5K, try your first triathlon, embrace your inner competitor! Every time I get home from a race Kayley asks me "Did you win Mom?" And while I have yet to be able to tell her I came in first place, I always tell her that "You know, I didn't win, but I did a really good job and most importantly, I had a lot of fun".

Happy Wednesday Runners!

Midweek Motivation: Impossible

One of my favorite movies ever is Princess Bride. One of my favorite scenes is when Vizzini keeps saying "Inconceivable!" when the Man in Black keeps catching up with them and Inigo Montoya tells him "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." Well, I'm starting to feel that way about the word "impossible".

Just last night Logan was telling us that going to the moon was impossible. So Kayley helpfully pointed out that while riding your bike to the moon would be impossible, people have flown to the moon, so it's not impossible. Yes, riding your bike to the moon is impossible, but you can still get there...finding something that is really, truly, impossible is quite a challenge.

Three years ago, I would have said that me running a mile without stopping was impossible. Two years ago I would have told you that me finishing a marathon was impossible. One year ago, I would have told you that me mentoring other runners was impossible. One month ago I would have told you that me going 30 days without eating sugar was impossible. Four "impossibilities", four pretty major undertakings, four things I always assumed only really driven people could accomplish, four things I never imagined I would do...all made possible, by me!

The roads to accomplish these seemingly impossible tasks were not easy, they had their hills and potholes and detours, but once I got to the end of those roads, I kind of looked back with a shrug of my shoulders and said "Hmmm, that wasn't so bad". Our "impossibles" seem scary because we don't know what's on the other side of them, we are going to be challenged on the way to making these things possible, but once we realize that we are capable of doing the "impossible" they don't seem that big anymore. Now, don't get me wrong, these are amazing things we should celebrate accomplishing, it's just that we are so much stronger than we think we are that once it's done, we might not seem so surprised that we did it.

So take some time today to think about your "impossible". That one thing that you really want, but are just sure you can't accomplish. Then, just put your head down and go for it...because even though you keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means!

Happy Wednesday Runners!

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

I hate to admit this, but I am a chronic apologizer. I used to think it was out of my innate sense of politeness that I was constantly saying "I'm sorry" to people (I was born "Minnesota Nice" ya know). But it wasn't until a few years ago when my husband, after I had apologized for something inconsequential for the millionth time, finally said "Quit apologizing! It's annoying!" that I started to think of it as a character flaw. My husband calls it "Catholic Guilt". I've recognized it as "Mommy Guilt"...whatever it is, I have worked hard to get better about it, but it's a very difficult habit to break.

Several years ago, I attended a seminar at a work conference. The topic of discussion was how to relay potentially unpleasant information to our customers using good customer service skills. We had to write a series of announcements about facilities being closed, or classes being cancelled, etc. Almost everyone in the group ended their announcements with "We apologize for the inconvenience". Our presenter asked us "Why are you sorry? Did you do something wrong?" And we all agreed, no, we didn't do anything wrong. The facilities were closed for maintenance, or the classes were cancelled due to lack of enrollment, we didn't cause these things to happen...so why were we apologizing? The presenter told us that apologizing gives a negative spin to things that aren't necessarily "bad". We are implying we did something wrong so we need to apologize, instead of setting it up as a positive choice that benefits everyone in the long run. She said instead of being sorry you inconvenienced people, end your announcement with "We look forward to seeing you when we reopen with new pool filters!" Or "Kathy will be back next week to teach an energizing class!" This made so much sense to me, and ever since that seminar, I have never written "We apologize..." on the bottom of an announcement. So, why can't I look at my personal life in the same way? Why do I continue to feel guilty about my decisions, why do I feel the need to apologize when I haven't done anything "wrong"?!?

As parents, choosing to take time for ourselves seems like a choice between being selfish and being there for our children. We've all had that stab of guilt, "Instead of going for a run, I could be playing with the kids". And then on top of that, the knife might further turn when we think "I'm going for a run, which means my husband is home taking care of the kids instead of doing something he wants to do". But for me, it goes even deeper...like yesterday, I was going to meet a friend for a swim and spin class in the morning, but my kids slept in and we didn't get going early enough for me to make it...so I decided to bail instead of trying to rush my kids out the door. However, instead of thinking, "Great, now I have time to enjoy a leisurely morning with my family", I thought, "I'm a bad friend for skipping the workout". I wasn't as present for my kids as I should have been because I was thinking I had disappointed someone else. And I know that I am not the only one stuck in this vicious cycle. Whatever its name is, Mommy Guilt, Wife Guilt, Catholic Guilt...I owe it to myself, and my family and friends, to let it go. Diane got her workout in yesterday, I didn't do something "bad" by not showing up. My kids know that running makes me happy and is important to me, I am not being a "bad" mom by going for a run. My husband, more than anyone, knows that spending time exercising is necessary for my sanity, I'm not being a "bad" wife by taking the time to work out.

I'm not advocating being selfish and neglectful, but if you, like me are a chronic apologizer, stop and think before apologizing for something. If the urge to say "I'm sorry" pops up, ask yourself..."Did I do something wrong?" and "Did my decision cause someone else harm?" If the answer to either of those questions is truly "No" then stop beating yourself up about it. The only thing we are accomplishing by feeling guilty is putting a negative spin on something that is likely out of our control, or vilifying something that we have decided is in our best interest. Your kids will understand, your husband gets it, your friend will still invite you to go exercise with her next week...they have already forgiven you...so let yourself off the hook!

Midweek Motivation: 4%

Today started out like a dream! I got up early, walked the dog while watching the beautiful sunrise (seriously, did you see it, it was amazing!), my kids were both in good moods (this rarely happens simultaneously, and NEVER happens in the morning), and I arrived at work ready for what I thought would be a routine day. But, then things went to crap, as they are prone to do when I am least expecting it. Needless to say I spent the morning gathering mindless data for someone who tried to make it out to be my fault that she didn't have this data in the first place, data that for the past three years I have never supplied to her before but that I somehow was just supposed to know I had to get it to her right now (note: I might be procrastinating getting her the data right now by typing this...shh, don't tell anyone).

Anyway....on to the motivating part of this story... a couple women from my running group had graciously agreed to come to campus to run with me today, so when they arrived, I quickly got ready to head out. When I told them about my curve ball this morning Jenn asked "Do you need to bail?" And honestly, I probably should have...but I couldn't think of a better way to blow off some of the steam that was building up than by going for a run with friends. I remembered seeing this picture a couple weeks ago, and decided..."No, I'm not bailing, going out for this run will take up 4% of my day and I'm not going to let the carelessness of someone else take that small little piece of time for myself away!"

I know we all get busy, and sometimes instead of the "carelessness of someone else" the reason we bail is actually our children, or work, or other family commitments that we can't get away from. But I'd encourage you to really take a look at your day. I'm guessing if we all look hard enough, we can find 4%, or maybe just 2% of our day to give back to ourselves. Maybe that 4% doesn't mean gearing up and going to the gym or out for a run...maybe it's yoga on the living room floor while the kiddos are watching a cartoon, or it's running stairs to and from the basement while the baby is sleeping. If 96% of your day revolves around something other than your health and well-being, you owe it to yourself to find that time and make the most of it!

Happy Wednesday Runners!

Sunday Afternoon Sulking

Can you see that? Real Feel 33-degrees...you know what that is? That is the first time THIS YEAR that the temp has felt above freezing! But do you know where I am? If you guessed getting ready to go for a run in this amazing "feels like" weather, you are wrong. I'm at work...while my running group is getting together for a virtual race, while my family is out cross country skiing. While all other Minnesotans are outside, relishing this small break from the deep freeze..I'm at work, sulking.

You know what could make this a little less depressing? If I could partake of some of the chocolate-covered goodies that are just sitting in the hospitality room next door to me, calling out my name "Linda, we are so rich and creamy and delicious, come eat us!" You know what else would make this less depressing, is if when I go to meet up with my running group later for the Happy Hour social after the virtual race I could have a cocktail or some pub food along with everyone else. But no, I'll be adhering to my Whole 30 plan...club soda with lemon for me, taking a hard pass on the margarita and loaded nachos.

Day 21 of the Whole 30 is much easier than Day 4 was...but now I'm in this phase of "I've made it 21 days, that's about 20 days longer than I thought I would make it, let's call it good and drink margaritas". But I'm not going to stop, I'm not going to cheat. It's still hard, but I've come to peace with passing up goodies, I'm feeling zen about not having cocktails, I'm actually enjoying discovering new food and new ways of preparing things, I am not missing bread or having milk in my coffee...it's working...I'm winning...I do feel more energized, I am sleeping better, the plan is delivering on it's promises.

Last night at dinner my husband said to me "it will be nice when you are back to eating normally again". I didn't think much of it at the time. We had been having a discussion about our budget, so I assumed he meant it from a financial stand point, as I have certainly spent a lot more in groceries this month than normal. But this morning it started to bother me...what if I don't want to go back to "eating normally" when I'm done. What if I want to keep this up as a permanent change in my lifestyle? I mean, I will certainly allow myself an occasional sugary, gluten-y indulgence, and a cocktail here and there...but I really like what I have cultivated over the past 21 days, I don't ever want to get to a place again with my eating where I feel like I HAVE to do the Whole 30 plan to stop bad habits. I started feeling resentful that they haven't tried to embrace eating this way too...why do I have to go back to "normal". But, I reminded myself that they have been supportive...they haven't flaunted their food in my face, my daughter has actually seemed interested in learning about the new things I'm eating, even if she hasn't wanted to try many of them. Then, a friend pointed out that maybe they just miss the "social" aspect of us all eating together and that was the "normal" he was referring to. And it's true...even though I have still been eating most meals with them, I am never eating the same thing. I finish my meals first and then just sit there, probably staring forlornly at their food...maybe it's likely that early on my deprivation came across as depression to them, and they just want breakfast and dinner to go back to being the fun family affair we all looked forward to each day. So I'll need to spend the next 8 1/2 days figuring out how to reach a middle ground. How to keep up with the plan while not unconsciously blaming my family for indulging without me at each meal.

So, since I have made it to Day 21, I should share some of the things I have discovered that have made my life a lot less miserable over the past three weeks:

1. Trader Joe's Almond Butter: Peanut Butter is a no-no on the plan, as are a lot of other "butters" because they contain added sugar (side note: do you know that pretty much EVERYTHING has added sugar?!? Gah, reading labels has become like a game of hide and seek for me!). Anyway, I discovered Trader Joe's Raw Almond butter is just almonds, no salt, no sugar, but still super-yummy. I eat it on apples, bananas, celery sticks, and sometimes I just lick it off  a spoon (don't judge).

2. Frozen Fruit/Coconut Milk Sorbet: This has been my go to "dessert" on nights when I need something sweet after dinner. I've done frozen mango, bananas, pineapple, and strawberries and it is DIVINE! My Magic Bullet does not like to do it unless I have more coconut milk than fruit, so I've resorted to making it in my giant food processor, which is a pain to clean up...but oh so worth it!

3. Brussels Sprouts: All my life I have listened to my inner-8 year old who told me that Brussels Sprouts are gross. You what inner-8 year old? You can shove it. Brussels Sprouts roasted with some olive oil and garlic are THE BOMB! Some day I will convince my actual 8-year old daughter to try them (she of course currently thinks they are gross)...I don't want anyone I am related to to grow up without the joy of eating theses little pieces of heaven!

4. Eating the same thing for breakfast everyday is kind of liberating: Every day for the past 21 days i have had the exact same thing for breakfast...scrambled eggs with spinach and salsa (Trader Joes' no sugar added salsa verde). And I'm telling you, waking up not wondering what I am going to make for breakfast has been a time saver, and I actually really look forward to it!

5. Coffee is my life-blood: No elaboration necessary, if it wasn't for coffee, it's likely someone would have been murdered by my hands in the past 21 days. Long live coffee!!!

Alright, thanks for letting me vent. I actually feel a lot less sulky after getting this all off my chest. I only have three hours left of work before I can go meet up with my running buddies and drink a club soda with lemon...which will be just fine since I am determined to leave this experiment knowing that coming together over food and drink can still be a fun social event, even if our party favors are different!

Midweek Motivation: Perfection

I've been called a perfectionist more than I care to think about. I mean, I am FAR from perfect in most (okay all) aspects of my life, but I do have an obsessive need to live up to standards of perfection...and that can get really tiring for those around me. I don't like to advertise my imperfections, I don't like it to seem that I don't have full control of everything around me. But running has taught me that there is no "perfect" runner. We all have ways of running that work for us. If you asked 100 runners what the "perfect" running shoe is, or what "perfect" running weather is like, or what the "perfect" nutrition system is, you'd get 100 different answers. Success in running is just getting out and doing it, despite your busy schedule, despite the fact that others are running longer or faster that you, despite your excuses.

Running can be messy and ugly one day, then glorious and uplifting the next, but it rarely, if ever, is perfect. I've had to learn over the past two years that I can be imperfect and still set a good example. I don't have to "win" all the time to be successful. Having the latest gear or cutest tights doesn't make anything easier. I don't have to make a certain time or distance goal to be perfect. I have become so much better at motivating myself in all areas of my life because I have allowed myself to be imperfect with running, and that doesn't mean I have failed. It means that I have gained experience that I can pass on to my future self (and hopefully others) that will inspire moving forward, forgetting about perfection, and just doing the best I can.

Happy Wednesday Runners!