Thursday, January 8, 2009

Putting on my shoes

Only a week in to the training season for my half marathon in March, and I've come to the conclusion that the hardest part about running 5 days a week is the simple action of putting on my shoes.

The runs are not hard enough for me to stop running midway, nor is the weather too terrible to handle. No, it is first action that determines my entire day.

If I get home after the long day at work and walk past my running shoes and into the kitchen, it is a sure bet that I will make a 'snack,' pour a glass of wine, and turn on the inevitable chick-flick that I've seen a hundred times over to which now I am able to do the laundry and just listen to the movie, all the while knowing what is happening on the screen.

However, if I step into our home, walk up the stairs and come face to face with those blue and white Asics running shoes, I come face to face with the big bad monster. If for that moment, I can shut off the automated voice in my head that is listing the hundred reasons why I "deserve a day off," and I reach for my shoes...I am on my way to accomplishment.

Once on, I'm out the door and return an hour later feeling more energized and motivated to take on making dinner, finishing the laundry, cleaning up our room, and possibly cooking meals in advance for the week--well maybe not THAT motivated-- 

Nonetheless, if I can put on my shoes, I can conquer. Conquer my tiredness, my run, my long work day, and the chores I am dreading all day. So wish me luck. Come 5:00 today I will be faced with the infamous stare-down and I will have to make a decision. Walk passed, take a seat, and stare at the TV...or take on the challenge and conquer-


3 comments:

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  3. Great post E! I know I always say this, but I am exactly the same way. The first step is the only real hard part. If I'll do that...

    I've had this quote on post-its aroud my room for the past few months now.
    “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
    - Aristotle

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