random thoughts

I had an amazing day at work today - some teambuilding activities with a spectacular team. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be surrounded by talented, intelligent, dedicated people who strive to continuously raise the bar and commit to achieving goals together.

I am struggling to re-establish my routine and commiit to my nutritious eating habits. I have a great coach, a detailed training plan, a 'carrot' to motivate me (Rhode Island 70.3), and goals associated with my athletic pursuits for 2009, but I can find other activities (sleep, work, shopping, hanging with friends, etc) that prohibit me from a planned workout, and justify missing workouts, especially when it involves sleeping in. "My body needs the rest much more than it needs the workout." Sadly, the reality is that I am not sleeping in for a much needed rest, rather I am awake and talking myself out of doing whatever it is I planned on doing, reading just one more chapter, or signing on to check my e-mail or fuel my facebook addiction. No more of that...I have to remember that I really enjoy these activities and remember and recognize that when I swim, bike, run, do yoga, boot camp, or strength training, I feel dynamite. My training schedule is printed and posted for me to see every morning and I will follow through on my commitment to myself. I also realized it is so much easier to let myself down than it is to let others down and that is the power of training partners. I will start treating myself and valuing my own commitment as much as I do when I commit to meeting friends for a swim, bike, run, etc.


A recent inspiration...
MD shared a New Year's resolution with a group of people with a bit of hesitation because there would be added accountability. Little did MD know that the resolve to run a 5k in 2009 and share the goal with us would be inspiring. I am touched and inspired by this resolve because I am lucky to have observed and been part of MD's commitment to setting and achieving goals over the last few years, MD's perserverance, particularly when hitting a plateau or coming upon a stumbling block, and MD's impact on others (I see others seeking advice and see MD providing encouragement and sharing tips of success), something which MD is sometimes blind to. My encouragement/advice to MD: remember to celebrate the milestone accomplishments along the way to the 5k race, not just the end result; believe what others already believe about you - you CAN and WILL do this!

I have no doubt in my mind that MD can do this and will be surprised if MD actually stops at 1 5k this year. I am hoping MD will invite me to join some of the training runs and hope to be on the course to cheer and support on race day(s)!