Last week I wrote about my motivation returning ... but even though I mentioned 'outside of racing' goals, in the end it was only my career motivation that kept working.
The past few months I have spent a lot of time working on a "project" of sorts that's racing related so I've put everything else on the backburner. In addition to working on the project, the cold weather was a good excuse for not riding but I didn't really have an excuse for not exercising at all other than laziness.
But after spending a week unwinding from doing my part of the project, I've still been lazy. This irritates me because last year before my accident I was hitting the gym every night and was in good shape. I had even planned on jogging a 5k but since I came up with an injury before then, I was forced to walk it. Last fall I wasn't going to the gym often but I was riding at least three nights a week. Now it's the end of March and I'm doing nothing. That is about to change.
There are a few reasons for my "must start working out again" mindset.
First, I sit at a desk all day for work and rational or not, the fear of illness due to being totally inactive is in my head. Odds are I won't develop blood clots or any of the other health issues that come with desk jobs but I'll admit that I'm paranoid. We have it pounded into our heads (for good reason) that desk jobs with no activity can cause major issues so that is always in my mind. I also have back issues which have been bothering me lately. The last time I worked out and was in decent shape, they went away. If that's not motivation, I don't know what is.
Second, I have a tendency to over think everything (my friends are probably laughing at this). I am not an overly patient person and right now I am waiting to hear back about something that I really want. But I've done all I can do and just keep thinking about my final part of the thing over and over again. Since I won't know anything for at least three more weeks (more like five), this may drive me crazy. The good thing about hitting the gym and riding again is that the gym shuts my brain off and riding makes me focus on horse issues. Finding a way not to go crazy sounds like a good plan.
Third, I'd like to run another 5k sometime this year. I had a blast on the one I walked last year and would like to see what I could do if I was truly trying to be competitive. While jogging on a treadmill isn't the same as jogging outside, it gives me a good base of fitness to work off of. Plus, if I start now then I can start jogging outside when it finally gets warm enough (and stays light long enough) which will be nice.
As for riding, I'm hoping not to jinx it but the weather is supposed to be extremely nice for the next few days. I have no real goals set for the horses right now but at least I'll have Vegas ready if one pops up, plus it's good to get her out and about instead of letting her sit around.
I'm good at coming up with excuses while sitting at my work desk all day but my goal for the next three weeks is not to fall into these excuses and find ways out of working. It takes 21 days to create a habit so if I can just stay strong for those 21 days, I should be home free at creating a routine ... hopefully.
Until next time,
Mel
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