I am a creature of habit. I do well when I have consistent, planned activities at certain times on specific days. However, over time this becomes its own nemesis. We need change to thrive!
This is partially why it took me a couple of years (literally) to decide to pull back from 11 years of Half Marathon coaching . . . people needed me, would this be the slippery slope to losing my level of fitness, would I lose touch with my friend network, would ageing show up sooner on my doorstep??
The routine of running 3 times a week was so ingrained, I could hardly imagine life without it! Sounds silly in hindsight, I know. Yet it was the best decision, which opened the door to a few more!
Sometimes we get so accustomed to our routine, we take its value for granted. Yes, structure is great, and when I started running in 2004, it was the only fitness in my life that stuck. It set the stage for finding yoga, and for learning to lift weights. All of that saved my (mental) bacon when I was restructured in my corporate work in 2006. It sparked a new love of finding what I could do with my body, and helping others to find the same.
So, okay, less running . . . what about everything else?
Taking running out of my ‘permanent’ schedule on Wednesday evenings allowed me to embrace a wonderful Vinyasa yoga class each week, something sorely missing. I tried to add a short run in before the class, but gave that up as wasted energy, and now, have added in our delightful Pilates class before the yoga, and that seems a perfect mix.
This step away from my ingrained running regime had a domino effect: I’ve rejigged my twice a week weight training plans (thanks, Joy!), added a little more tennis (so much fun and humbling, thanks, Chloé and Derek!) and am looking at an early morning run or training to spark a day. Adding back in a daily meditation practice has been lovely too!
Having said all of this, here’s what I’ve learned in this fitness ‘shake-up’:
- Incorporate activities that make you feel great! It might not happen at the time (like when you’re running up a hill), but after, you have physical, mental and emotional satisfaction and empowerment.
- Build in accountability. For me, this means a few things: adding it into the weekly schedule as a recurring event (which my friends and family see), training with a friend (whom you don’t want to let down), and tracking.
- Coach yourself. I’ve spent the last 12 years coaching others. Time to treat myself like a client! I mapped out my week, added a run to & from the studio around an evening class, and built in recovery times around workouts.
- Positive mindset. Exercise is my reset button. Rather than dreading the run, the workout, the schedule . . . I’m shifting my attitude. “I choose to do this (run, lift, class). I know I need this for my physical and mental health, and I will feel GREAT doing it, and especially after!“
- Be forgiving. Life happens and we make plans, only to know they may need to shift. It’s okay! Get back on track when you can. See the bigger picture.
- Rewards!! Yes, track your workouts, your progress, your completion each week. Star stickers work great! When I’ve had a solid week, sticking to the plan, I allow myself a ridiculously expensive Starbucks tea latte. Maybe get a little lost in Shoppers Drug Mart (cha-ching), or buying a book I’ve been hearing about. Something that helps you acknowledge the good work, consistency and commitment to yourself.
Change is good! Like the oxygen mask priority on an airplane, sometimes we need to coach ourselves so we can be grounded, strong and capable to look after others. Would love to hear from you as to your process of managing the schedule and taking care of yourself!
Sandy
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