Back to running...

I think everyone goes through a slump.  It seems like I have gone through several of them over my lifetime.  It is hard to stay focused and dedicated all of the time.  Many years ago I was in a really bad way and making really bad decision health wise.  It took a weight loss challenge and a prize of $100 to inspire me to get out of that rut.  Since then I have been mostly dedicated to living a healthier lifestyle; including diet and exercise.  But there have been times when that dedication has waned.  The last few months have definitely been one of those times.

Since we moved to the farm I really struggled to get up and get to the gym.  For some reason those few miles into town just seemed like too far and I could make all kinds of excuses for not getting there.  I told myself that once school started I would get back into a routine of getting up to run and eating healthier.  Yeah, that didn't happen.  One month rolled into two and then the holidays were upon us.  So I made a promise to get back to work after the holidays and focus on getting back on track.  Don't worry, I made the most of my last few weeks of 2018 and enjoyed all the holiday treats I was offered.  Needless to say, I went into 2019 a few pounds heavier, a lot more tired and struggling to keep my "after holidays" promise.

I tried to be a little better.  I made better food choices.  I added more fruits and vegetables and tried to remove more sugar.  Not all sugar because boy - I struggle with giving up sugar, but LESS sugar.  getting mountains of candy for Christmas sure isn't helping.  But the way I'm portioning it out these days, it should last until next Christmas.  There was one component I was still really struggling with, the early morning workout.

Slowly I got back on the treadmill, at nights when I could steal a few minutes here or there I would go for a long walk.  I still wasn't running, but the walks alone I convinced myself were helping.  I was trying to find more time to ride and work on showmanship, but I was really having a hard time getting in the treadmill time I needed.  I knew what that meant.  4:00 am alarm bells and waking up before chore time.  Ugh.  If you have never been one to get up that early, let me tell you - it's a struggle. I've done it in the past, a lot in the past, and it is really hard to get used to once you get out of the habit.  I cannot tell you how many times I set my alarm and when it would go off I would make a million excuses why I could "run later" or "can't run today" and would reset the clock for 5:15.

Finally yesterday, I did it.  My alarm went off.  I knew I would not be able to "run later" and I really had zero excuses for not getting up as nothing hurt and I couldn't even say I went to bed late.  So I dragged myself out of bed and laced up the running shoes.  It was a tough slog at first, but by mile 2 something started clicking and when I got off the treadmill and hit the shower, I knew it was worth it.  The part that always seems to slip my mind when I get out of practice is how great a run really makes you feel.  It's all science and stuff about endorphins, metabolism, yada yada yada.  All I know is I felt great.  I had energy.  I was smiley and feeling an overall feeling of "life is good".  Heading to work, feeling like that, is the greatest way to start your day.  Yesterday was the kick in the pants I needed to get back to business as usual and make my health and fitness a priority again. (Well, that and stepping on the scale for the first time in months yesterday and having it confirm what my jeans had been telling me.)  It was easier getting up today and I'm hoping it continues to be a habit.  At least until the next slump.

Hey - no one ever said I wasn't a realist....