The hardest part of a workout isn’t while you are in the middle of it; it’s before, when your mind is playing tug-of-war with itself trying to get motivated or get out of performing what you logically deem as “good for your body”.
I love to run. I’m slow and inexperienced, but I get a sense of accomplishment when I am able to get in a few miles. I feel the same way when it comes to yoga. There are few things I find more relaxing and more rewarding than an hour on my mat, executing (or attempting to) pose after pose.
My problem, like that of many others, is that I have a knack for finding ways to get out of physical activity. All of the excuses are "comepletely justifyable". I can't wake up early because I won't get enough sleep, I don't have enough time due to work or social obligations, I don't feel good, it's raining/snowing/too hot/all at once because it's Indiana weather...
But as my hardcore fitness friends would say, "Your excuses are lame."
And they are.
I can always find a way around them. I could go to bed earlier so I can wake up and get a good workout done before work, I can stay inside when the weather is disagreeable, I can remember that exercise can be a pain reliever for certain ailments, I can find ways to sneak it in throughout the day like doing squats or walking lunges while I brush my teeth in the morning, and I can remember how good it feels to slip into a pair of jeans that haven't fit for years and how bad it feels when they no longer fit.
The thing to remember is that I ALWAYS have a choice. If I really want something I have to go and make it happen. I have to find my way around the obstacles and treat them like opportunities to learn instead of reasons why I failed.
With the huge running community in Northwest Indiana I know that I will always have a race to attend, people to run with, and people who motivate me. Why, there are a few people I can think of right at this moment who are very motivational to me. Tim Fealy of Hometown Happenings. He has the coolest races and I don't know many people who are as positive as he is. Jenny Craig, Lady Lifer and burpie extraordinaire. She's up at the wee hours of the morning doing crazy workouts, while still having time for work and social stuff. Deanna Grimes, probably the biggest motivator for me, is the mom of adorable baby Lilith. She's an avid runner, and she continued to do the activity that she loved during her pregnancy, completing a marathon and a few half marathons.
My excuses are invalid.