Top Ten Plus One

A couple days ago I texted the Sadist to ask him why I should show up at our next session.  As usual he ignored me, though his standard answer is always because I love it.  As I have said before, love is a very strong word and not one that I associate with working out.  I was not surprised nor upset by his lack of answers as I don't think he really knows what to say to me sometimes. 

 

Although I initially sent the text knowing I wouldn't hear back, I realized I did need those answers.  The past several weeks have been beyond hectic with me starting a new job and trying to work on my internship.  I love the new job, but I haven’t quite gotten used to the commute and I find I am tired many nights.  It occurred to me I really could use some motivation. 

 

Therefore, I decided to develop a top 10 list of why I should continue down this path.  I also decided it would be good to document it, especially when I need the little extra push.  When I started the list I hit a wall right off.  I got two, but I was stuck after that.  Since the Sadist was of little help in that department, I figured I would go to the next  best thing, my girlfriends.  I put the question to them to see what they could come up with and I have to say they did a great job.  Of course one person was a little over zealous and rattled off several of the obvious ones, leaving the rest to be more creative.  

 

So with their help, I am happy to provide the top 10 reasons (with a few annotations from me and a bonus reason) I should continue to work out with the Sadist and run:

 

1. I have visible results of what I have done already. 
2. I don’t want to lose the all the gains I have made in improving my health and my looks.
3. Great stress relief, especially when I get to punch a certain trainer.  ;-)
4. Releases endorphins which equals positive outlook and makes you happier
5. Now that I’m in my forties, I need to keep making goals and this is a good outlet for that.
6. I can proudly tell family & friend how many races I’ve run and how many more are scheduled
7. I'm not the only insane person getting up and running before the sun comes up
8. To be able to sprint to the finish line and beat Terri
9. Great looking trainer, I am so not discounting this reason.  Some days it is the only reason I keep going.
10. I've come too far to stop.

Bonus reason: 

1. Deep down I enjoy working out. (I’m still not completely agreeing to this one but it may have some merit).

Sometimes it is really good to be reminded why we put in hard work whether it is at home or working out.  I know I start to get tunnel vision and then lose the sight of why I started in the first place.  Obviously, I don't completely hate the work outs or I wouldn't still be going, but this list is a great reminder of just why I put up with the sweat, and aches and pains.  If anyone has any other reasons, please feel free to send it along.  I'll be happy to make this a top whatever I end up with list instead. 

 

Thanks ladies for your help.  It's great to know you have my back and it seemed like you guys had a little fun coming up with the reasons as well. 

Got Drenched?

Ready to get drenched?

Today was the Drenched 5k.  Although it wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, we had an amazing time.   The course was a muddy and grassy trail.  I definitely haven't been practicing on that.  Add to that it went up and down and you had to keep an eye out for rocks and tree roots.   Even with all of that, it was fun going through the foam and being pelted with water from big hoses.  The best part was the slip and slide.  At first I wasn't going to do it, but it looked like too much fun and it was.  Apparently someone got a video of us, so I am looking forward to seeing it.

Maria & me

Thankfully the Sadist didn't have me work out my legs too much yesterday but they were worked out.  I am feeling the pain in my arms though.  This time we worked out in tandem.  While one was doing an exercise the other held a pose (i.e. squat) for the duration of the exercise. Generally this is a good deal since I'm not working out while he lounges around ,however there is only one problem.  He always looks so much better working out then I do.  I have to say he has very nice biceps, legs, chest and butt.  Okay, he just looks good all over, but that isn't the problem.  It is that he much smoother than I am while doing the exercises. I feel like a bull in a china shop.  I'm so much more of a klutz and even in exercising I'm all wobbly and manage to trip over my own two feet. There are several things I am no longer allowed to touch because I've either dropped, tripped, or ran into them.  They probably should pad that place for me.  Anyway, I was pretty good at holding the poses as that required not moving.  I'm never going to be graceful, but at least I'll be a strong bull in the china shop.

I started my new job in DC and thanks to that I have been logging a lot of steps.  In my old job, I was lucky if I got 3 to 4k by end of the work day.  I'm now logging in over 10k a day and that's before I get home.  Add to that I've cut down on my soda consumption and lo' and behold I've actually managed to lose some weight, though someone put his foot on the scale so it looked like I gained 100lbs.  I told you he was sadistic.

A Year Later

Believe it or not it has been a year since I started on this journey.  It's amazing how much things can change in such a short time.  I've been chronicling my challenges and successes and honestly I'm both surprised and proud of all I have accomplished. I'm glad I've been keeping track or otherwise I may not have believed it myself. 

As I've stated before, the changes aren't just physical, though they are definitely noticeable.   I've also been able to build some much needed confidence.  Along with the changes in appearance I have also changed my direction in life.  I am extremely happy to say I am finally making the move to further my career in instructional design.  This has been a long time coming and had I not been working on me, I may never have realized it.  Like I said, a lot can change in a year. 

As I start into the next year, I will continue to push forward.  I've had someone pushing me to do a half marathon and maybe one day I will, but right now my goal is to take down that 3rd mile wall.  If I get bored with the 5ks then I'll consider going further, but for now 5ks are enough. That person, who shall remain nameless, may be interested in knowing that the Sadist was all for the half marathon.  Maybe those two can run it and I'll cheer them on.

My next challenge is just to continue.  With the new job, my time is going to be at a premium as I commute between Baltimore and DC.  Somehow, I'll make it work, besides how could I miss giving the Sadist such a hard time (or is it the other way around).  I think he would miss me, even if he didn't admit it.  I'm pretty sure I would miss him, pretty sure.

Here is to another year of progress!  Cheers!