Tag Archives | self-talk

Thoughts for Friday

By on September 30, 2011 in excuses, motivation, quote, running, self-talk

I know I haven’t blogged consistantly in far too long and I apologize! I miss it terribly. We are scheduled to get Internet in my apartment next week so finger’s crossed I’ll be back to sharing too much information you never wanted to know in no time!

Today’s post is short but powerful. My work buddy Hal (Hi Hal!) lent me a copy of   To Be a Runner by Martin Dugard and despite the fact that I am only 40 pages into it I can already tell it is going to be a necessary addition to my bookshelf.

Ready for something deep?

“Excuses always lead to a reckoning. We find reasons not to take that first step out the door, just as we find ways to be-or not to be-our best. Weakness, doubt, and fear are parts of the human condition. Facing them instead of fabricating an elaborate rude to sidestep them-hoping to avoid them but ultimately carrying them in our hearts and mind and psyche until they whittle away at our being-give us a direct route to hope and dreams. Along the way, we reap all those other by-products that make suffering a tonic for our souls.”

Excuses are an all too powerful source that I find myself relying on like a crutch. In the moment, when we want something more than anything it’s easy to draw upon an excuse as a means of justification. But you and I both no that giving in it’s the quickest way to get nowhere fast.  I needed this kind of reminder today. I hope it helps you too.

 

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Exercise and Excuses

By on July 8, 2011 in adjusting, laziness, self-talk, workout

The personal trainer in me is cringing right now. I haven’t worked out since Tuesday and even then it was only a quick 40 minute run that left me feeling less than thrilled.

Despite the fact that I have been sitting all day through training I come home exhausted. I suppose it has a lot to do with adjusting to a new schedule, commuting, and general lack of sleep but I still find myself missing my active, energetic ways. I don’t want to be one of those people that let’s fitness fall by the wayside because they’re busy. I kind of think that is bullshit. We are all busy.

This whole train of thought reminds me a lot of a Nike advertisement I saw once that read:


(source)

That pretty much sums up what I am going to be telling myself from now on.

I’m not too busy to take care of myself. Exercise keeps me healthy, happy, and not crazy. (You’re welcome, new co-workers.)

This week I’m giving myself an “it’s okay you’re just adjusting” pass. But come Saturday things are going to change. If it means waking up at the crack of dawn or staying up into the wee hours of the night then so be it.

Now if you’ll please excuse me it’s Friday and I’ve made it through my first (half) week of work so I’ve got some celebrating to do!

How do you fit exercise into your busy schedule?

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Study Break

By on January 12, 2011 in Almond butter toast, binge eating, Broccoli, bucket salad, guilt, overeating, self-talk

I’m on a roll today getting through textbook material. Since I just took a little lunch break, I thought I would drop in to say ‘hi!’ before I go back to studying.

Yesterday I did not feel like eating healthy. As of late I have been eating super clean and working out like a feign, so I was not surprised to wake-up uninspired to eat fruit, vegetables, or anything of the sort. So I didn’t. But before I indulged, I managed to get my training run of 3.5 miles finished in 37 minutes. I didn’t stop to walk at all! :)

(Veggie supreme pizza. 2 of my 3 slices… and not even a dent in the food I ate yesterday).

Once upon a time, I freaked out over days like this. I like to be in control, and often I would fret when I ate ‘bad foods’ and simultaneously binge eat until I was nearly sick. But through self-acceptance and positive self-talk (which I really do believe works), I have come a through that dark cycle and learned to take it easy on myself.

(Grilled cheese and tomato soup.)

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending how you look at it) my eats escaped the camera yesterday. I suppose I just took the day off from accountability. But I am here letting you know that I had some of the best, richest, most indulgent food in recent memory. Think chocolate covered animal crackers with sprinkles and gummi worms. Apart from the stomach ache (which was bound to happen), I really don’t feel bad about what I ate.

Sure, I neglected my hunger signals. Yes, I had way to much sugar. But it is fine, because upon waking this morning I wanted nothing more than to begin my usual routine again. So that is what I did.

(My favorite breakfast: 1 slice cinnamon raisin bread, 1/2 tbsp almond butter, a sliced banana, and cinnamon).

The reason I mention my deviation from the norm is because I am finding that taking a break every so often makes me appreciate healthy foods and balance more. By no means is this the answer for everyone, but I am thinking that it works for me.

(Bucket salad with lots of broccoli aka nature’s scrubbers.)

I love having control, but it was really nice to let go for a minute yesterday. And so long as I am able to jump right back on the bandwagon, I think I will be just fine.

Now if you will please excuse me, I have a gallon of tea and water to drink while studying. Later tonight I have a great speed workout planned, and I want to make sure I am hydrated and ready to go!

Question: Do you feel guilty indulging in foods you don’t normally eat?

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Suck it up Saturday: When to stop.

By on January 8, 2011 in Almond butter toast, eggs, self-talk, Suck it up Saturday, workout

It’s definitely been too long since I have done a Suck it Up Saturday post. Truth be told, I lost a bit of inspiration in my last weeks of college. But that is gone now and I am excited about today’s topic.

(Breakfast: 1 slice cinnamon raisin bread, 1/2 tbsp almond butter, 1 banana, cinnamon).

I read this quote on Monday and tucked it away with impatience and excitement. I wanted to share it right away!

This is the perfect mentality to set yourself up for success when facing a daunting workout, a long run, or a challenge that you do not think you can complete.

(Lunch: Sandwich thin, hummus, feta cheese, spinach, and salsa).

“Your brain will tell you when to stop long before your body is actually ready to stop. If you body needs to stop, it will collapse. If it doesn’t collapse, that is how you know you’re okay to keep going.” (source)

(Dinner: 1 egg, 1/2 egg whites, spinach, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and rosemary roasted potatoes on the side.)

How badass is that?? Thinking about exercise in this light makes it easier to know when you are quitting before you really need to. So today I encourage you all to push just a little harder than you think is possible.The body is a powerful thing, so don’t let your mind prevent you from seeing what it is really capable of.

Until next time,

~Jenn

Question: What is your favorite quote to live by (or one that you use when the going gets tough during a workout?)

Disclaimer: This is by NO means everything I ate yesterday, so no one freak out on me. :)

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What I am capable of.

By on November 11, 2010 in Garmin, reflection, running, self-talk

After a run like this, I’m pretty sure that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for.

Allow me to explain. Today I changed up my usual running habits. My Garmin’s screen normally shows my pace per mile, average pace over the course of the run, distance, and heart rate. Clearly I have an obsession like to know how fast I am going.

(I ate something other than a veggie bowl for dinner!)

But rather than stick with the norm, I opted to change it up to see what my average pace would be based on feeling. I reset my Garmin to display distance, heart rate, and average heart rate. I set out with intentions of going a bit slower on the front end to conserve energy. Other than that, no plan, no set mileage to complete…just me, my music, and the road.

(My latest go-to breakfast: 1/2 cup egg whites cooked microwaved with broccoli and mushrooms. Served with an english muffin with 2 tbsp peanut flour PB, and 1 tbsp jelly).

It was a beautiful run. Since I took yesterday off all forms of exercise, my legs were fresh and never reached the point of feeling fatigued. Although my heart rate averaged 175, I never really felt like I was working that hard. That is something I would like to improve over time, as I think when running longer distances it is better to have a lower heart rate.

(Snack: peanut butter banana sandwich on cinnamon raisin bread).

It makes sense though, because when I game home and looked at my statistics, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had run 7.17 miles in 1:13 or a 10:14 min/mile.

(So much for starting out slow, huh? Whatever, I’m in the 9 minute mile club!!)

That includes 2 walking breaks and more bicycle and car dodging than I want to talk about (why can’t people move!?).

I’m pleasantly surprised that I have not lost all of the hard work I put in to build up my mileage before the half-marathon. I would have been royally peeved had I struggled with 7 miles. I’ve only run one 8-miler since race day, and other than that I have just been focusing on speed.

(Hunger tamer oats: 1/3 cup oats, 1/2 scoop chia seeds, 1 scoop vegan rice protein powder, 1 tbsp flaxseed meal, 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter, drizzle of honey.)

This run was very encouraging for me. As of yesterday, I signed my sister and I up for a Turkey Troy 5k and I am aiming to run a sub-30 minute 5k (something I have only dreamed about). I haven’t looked at the course yet, so that plan could easily go awry if it contains a lot of hills, so let’s just pray it does not.

On a completely unrelated note, I just realized every single meal I have consumed today included peanut butter. Moderation shmoderation….

Until next time,

~Jenn

Question: Did you work out today? How did it go?

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Strength and Willpower

By on November 8, 2010 in Almond butter toast, self-talk, yoga

Yet another Monday is upon us.

Despite my reluctance to greet the new week, as I would prefer to roll over and fall back asleep, there is one bright side to my Monday mornings.

(Lunch: 2 slices cinnamon raisin bread, 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 small banana, chia seeds, and cinnamon).

I am fortunate enough to have enrolled in an intermediate yoga course that falls bright and early at 9AM at the beginning of each week.

Once I actually get out of my room I really look forward to starting my week with an intense focus and calm.

(Dinner: 3/4 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup chickpeas, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, and 1/4 cup Colby jack cheese.)

Today in class, we were asked to think of two words to set the intention of our week. The instructor reminded us to choose words that we would need to use in a time of weakness or vulnerability. I racked my brain for a bit…going back and forth between several options before settling on Strength and Willpower.

(Dessert: 2 slices cinnamon raisin bread, 1 tbsp Dark Chocolate Dreams, 1/2 tbsp flaxseed meal, sprinkle of chia seeds.)

I chose strength not for its literal sense. I need strength to keep my head up in the final weeks of college. With all that comes along with closing a major chapter in your life, it is oftentimes difficult to stay positive and keep from feeling overwhelmed. When the time comes this week that it all seems to much, I will reflect on the strength that I have on and off the mat to push through.

(Breakfast: 1/3 cup oats, 1/2 scoop chia seeds, 1/2 tbsp almond butter, 1/2 tbsp jelly.)

As for my other choice, willpower, well that one is a bit more obvious. I need to call upon my willpower to turn to other comforts rather than food when I am bored, lazy, or sad. Moreover, I need the willpower to look inside myself and question my hunger cues. I am so easily duped by my body and I need to use willpower this week to not fall victim to every false hunger pang I think I feel. I will not binge this week because I am choosing to be stronger.

I hope you all have a great Monday.

Until next time,

~Jenn

Question: What two words would you use to set an intention for this week, and why?

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