Wednesday, June 15, 2011

No Excuses

If there ever was a time to Shut Up and Run, it was today.

Do you ever want to wimp out?  You plan an early morning workout and the later you stay up and the more you drink, eat, etc., the more you negotiate with yourself about why you don’t really need to get up that early, or why you don’t really need to do that workout anyway.

By the time you lay your head down to rest at midnight, stuffed and dehydrated, you move the alarm to the off position and think, “Oh well. Working out isn’t everything. I’m sure I can fit it in later in the day or next week or never. I’m just destined to {insert adjective here}: be lazy, be out of shape, not meet my goal.

Maybe it’s that you were at the Rockies game really late last night while there was a rain delay:

rockiesdelay

And maybe you had two of these:

bethbeer

And one of these with a mound of fries (and a few farts):

hotdog

Or maybe it’s that you are tired from previous workouts this week.

Or maybe you have a really full day ahead and it makes you tired to start an hour or two earlier for your workout.

Or maybe, for just a minute, you stopped caring and lost sight of your goal.

But, in the deep dark of the night, your conscience gets to you and you know you can’t cop out. You remember you have a blog that espouses “no excuses” and “getting shit done without complaining.” You know that you need to do what you said you were going to do because …..well, only because you promised yourself you’d do it.

The thing is, no one really cares but you. Sure your friends and husband and parents want you to meet your goals, to get in shape, whatever. But when push comes to shove, it is you who has the most invested. It is you and only you who has the most to lose if you don’t stick to your plan. And, the most to gain if you do.

You have to live in your brain and heart everyday and take the brunt of not doing what you said you would do.

Back to me. This is how it went down. I woke up at 5:50 a.m., groaning. I slapped on some clothes, fed the dog and was running by 6:05 a.m. I don’t know how I did it. No coffee, no food, no iPod. I just thought, “This workout will suck and then it will be done.”

It was a tougher workout, being so tired. Plus the water fountains at the lake weren’t working and I don’t like to drink liquid e-coli, so I kept my face out of the lake. But, by mile two, as is always the case, I found my stride. 6.55 miles in 57 minutes.

I am never sorry I did it. Never. In fact, by the time I showered, stopped by Starbucks and was on my way to work at 7:30 a.m. (yes, I’m that fast. I told you I don’t like to spend time getting ready), I was on top of the world.

Here is my attempt at advice. Stop thinking so much and getting in your own way. Thinking merely allows an outlet to not do something. Just put it into action without the forethought of: it’s too hot, I’m too tired, I don’t have time, I don’t feel like it. If being in shape, losing weight, running marathons was easy, everyone would do it. It’s not supposed to be easy.

When those thoughts creep in, kick them to the curb. Then do what you said you were going to do. You’ll be glad you did.

How do you motivate yourself when the going gets tough?

SUAR

69 comments:

  1. I had the same issue this morning, down to the 2 beers and a hot dog at a baseball game last night. Except my alarm went off at 5. I rolled out of bed at 5:50 and got it all done and felt great. The only thing I didn't do was dry my hair, but who needs to do that?

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  2. I think the sucky workouts count for so much more than the great ones. Good job getting out there!

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  3. It is so much different for me now than it was in "the old days." Back then, not doing the workout was NOT an option. Now it is... lol. But when I have a clear goal... which I do right now.. it is easier to "shut up and run" :) Last night was my first tempo run of this training cycle (starting the second week). I was dreading it all day. I don't even know why... well, I do. It was going to mean running hard :P When I finally headed out at 9 PM (!) I would have much rather sat down to the salmon my husband had just cooked. But I didn't. I went. I got it done. And as you said, I was NOT sorry I had done it! I think for me it is having a very clear goal in mind that helps me just get it done.

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  4. Love the words you wrote for us today!!! I am going to print them and keep them in my running bag and maybe also by my alarm clock! I think that what gets me motivated it the idea that running and setting goals is "mine" alll mine. So much of our day as mothers is about what we can do for others and give to others. But when I have a great run and smash a goal I set for myself Its all for me to enjoy and smile to myself about for the rest of the day.

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  5. Great post, as always. I love keeping up with your blog. You hit it for me. Time to turn off the thinking and just do it. Now I just need to add to my morning mantra that I just need to "Shut up and run."

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  6. I like this one. I have recently moved my running to mornings, because we are moving down south, near the beach, and the temps are much warmer, so the earlier the better, but my runs have been horrible. 4 times a week and I'm struggling by mile 2 of a 4-7 mile run each time. I know it's the lack of fuel, heat, and tiredness, but I make excuses for it and that makes the runs miserable. I will try to stop thinking and just start doing.

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  7. I've been coming up with excuses in my dreams lately, but in real life I get up and do the miles. My subconscious may want to have that extra hour of sleep but my goals want more.

    I think you got it right. Don't think about it, just do it!

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  8. Best advice I've heard is to allow yourself to run just one mile. If you're feeloing crappy after one mile, head home, if not, you're out anyway so keep on going.

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  9. Wow... can't even tell you how much I needed to hear that. THANK YOU! Nice having someone tell me to stop being such a baby and just get something done.

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  10. I had the same exact issue this morning only my food was a 5-course prix fixe meal with two glasses of champagne. 6 hours of sleep on a too-full belly when I am used to 8 or 9 hours. The run didn't start out pretty, but my overall time was what it was supposed to be. I let myself skip a 0.3 mile block so I could get back in time to eat breakfast with my husband. I gave myself double credit for only getting out there and getting started only 5 minutes late.

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  11. Nice post! It is so true. I just force myself to get going and 'just do it' (to steal from Nike). Once I get going, it's fine and I feel great and glad I did it. I try not to think about all the reasons why I don't want to go. Just clear my mind of those things and go anyway.

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  12. I always try to remember how great I feel afterwards. It usually changes my mind of skipping the workout.

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  13. I needed this blog this week. Love it! Thanks for reminding me.

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  14. "This workout will suck and then it will be done.”

    LOVE THAT. New motto for sure.

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  15. "If being in shape, losing weight, running marathons was easy, everyone would do it."

    How true this is.

    Now I want a hot dog.

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  16. It's hard for me to relate to the waking up early to run, since I am an evening runner. But, I never skip my workouts. Maybe twice, ever. You're right, I am the only one that is truly invested in my running/training, and I guess I am REALLY invested. When I hear about people that "fall off the wagon" and don't run for a week (or a year), I am sympathetic but I can't actually relate. Once I got on the wagon 6 years ago, I never got off.

    Good job on running that early after 2 beers, a JUMBO dog (holy cow, was that a footlong?) and a late night.

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  17. These same thoughts creep into my mind after a night out, when I'm thinking of setting the alarm clock forward and skipping a workout. What gets me out of bed is knowing that I WILL be happy I did the workout and that if I don't do it, I will dwell on it all day and kick myself in the butt for not having manned the F up and got out there.

    I've also started a deal with myself that if I'm gonna drink, then the next morning I have to at least get up and run a mile for each drink I had. I'm such a light weight in my old age that I usually only have a few drinks, so I only "have" to do 3 miles the next morning. But once I'm out there doing my drinking miles, I usually end up feeling good enough to do the whole scheduled workout as long as I'm already up and out there.

    Good for you for getting it done!

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  18. I let myself complain and then answer with 'Do it anyway' I feel like crap" Uh huh, do it anyway. I have PMS/Bills to pay/stuff to do-uh huh, yup, heard you. Now do it anyway. Never fails.

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  19. I let myself complain and then answer with 'Do it anyway' I feel like crap" Uh huh, do it anyway. I have PMS/Bills to pay/stuff to do-uh huh, yup, heard you. Now do it anyway. Never fails.

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  20. Kudos for getting out there. I would probably not have done the same. There is a chance that tapas and sangria on Friday night for my bf's birthday will screw up my 6 am long run but I'm hoping for the best. Running with a group of people who will give you endless shit about it is a motivation to get there in whatever shape I'm in.

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  21. I have learned to stop negotiating with myself and just do it.

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  22. Fantastic advice! I could have used it this morning when I skipped my workout!

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  23. I NEEDED this blog post today. THANK YOU!!

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  24. I needed this post. Last week while nursing a calf injury I didn't run but cross trained like hell. This week I'm almost ready to run but have no desire to crosstrain. Motivation is lacking.

    What keeps me going is my goal for the Chicago marathon in October And thinking about my achievements this year. I'm going to a group training tonight that I've put off 2 weeks because of the injury. Time to get my $$$ worth out of the training.

    That hot dog looks delicious.

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  25. Wow! This was totally me this morning. My alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. ...did NOT want to get up and run. I told myself to just get it done. It would suck...my time would suck...I would be tired all day...but it would be done and I could nap at work (OK...maybe not really that part). Started out, didn't look at my Garmin once (because I knew I would be horrified at how slow I was going), and after a mile, I felt like myself once again. Checked my average pace only when I got home, and it was BETTER than usual. Just goes to show...

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  26. Well said! There have times that I've forced myself out the door before I have a chance to talk myself out of it. Sometimes that's all there is to do!

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  27. Where were you when I needed a kick in the butt this morning? I'm feeling fat and lazy now.

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  28. Best blog post ever.
    I did not get up for Bikram today.
    I will do better. I will think SHUT UP and yoga. Or, SHUT UP AND GET UP. Or whatever works.
    Thanks for the kick in the pants.

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  29. same thing happened to me today, i knew a tempo was on tap and it wasn't looking all that appealing. but i got my butt moving, started with my warm-up and got er done. the thing is that if i skip my workout, the hell i pay mentally is just NOT worth it. that's what i tell myself when i don't feel all that motivated. i also know that once i'm done i always feel better and happy i did it.

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  30. Thank you. This is just what I needed. You are awesome. I love your blog.

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  31. "Do what you said you were going to do." I love it!

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  32. Here is how I will NOW motivate myself on the next "one of those days"- printing today's blog and leaving it on the mirror or fridge! Great motivation!

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  33. Stop thinking so much...that is my biggest issue. I overanalyze EVERYTHING!!! Once again this post nailed it and was exactly what I needed to read. LOVE going to baseball games. I just tell myself I am going to do just one mile and re-evaluate...99% of the time I keep going!

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  34. I rarely "feel like" getting up at early o'clock to get my run in... But I'm ALWAYS disappointed when I don't and ALWAYS thrilled and proud when I do. Great post!

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  35. I never regret a workout. I tell myself that over and over and usually I get there. Sometimes they suck, but then it feels even better when I'm done.

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  36. Yours is the 2nd post I've just read that's telling me to get off my ass and just do it. I'm so freakin' tired after a night of storms, no electricity, kids in my bed. I hear ya, I hear ya, fine, I'll get off the 'puter and go Move It! I'd rather take a nappie on the couch, tho! Don't think for a second I wouldn't!

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  37. Good job my lady - you just did it! Nike has the best motivational advice - Just Do It! How do I motivate myself? Well, when it comes to training I just say, "It's just training, go with the flow, no expectations, no demands." Of course, I am retired, so it makes it easier not to have to get up at 5 or so in the morning to get a run(s) in. But, when it comes to the actual marathon, well, then I just say, "Believe" - believe in the training, believe in myself, and just put one foot in front of the other, one mile at a time, and shout "Nike" (for victory) as I cross the line." Just do it and believe!
    peace

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  38. Really great post! Everything you said is so true...and something we all need to be reminded of sometimes!

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  39. Love it! We all have a million reasons why we shouldn't do something. I'm with you in the 'just roll out of the sack and do it. Don't think, don't drink, just DO.
    feels beyond great when it's DONE!

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  40. Your post was the butt kicking I totally needed today. I've been waffling back and forth - don't run with the marsh fire smoke, run with the marsh fire smoke. I have a half mary in October I need to get ready for and now the marsh fires are supposed to burn for like 5 months, or maybe a year. So, thanks for the butt kicking. Looks like I'll be running with the marsh fire smoke!

    Run on!

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  41. This is perfection. Thank you for reading my mind this week and writing this post directly for me.

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  42. Loved loved loved your advice "Stop thinking so much and getting in your own way. Thinking merely allows an outlet to not do something." I'm good at sticking to my training plan, come hell or tall beers... but we all have those days where staying in bed is soooo tempting. I might tape that phrase to my bathroom mirror for the occasional morning when I need that pep talk.

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  43. Lately, I don't. I needed this post.

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  44. This was DEFINITELY me last night. I wrote on my blog about "phoning" it in, but the truth is I took myself to the gym, did the workout, and got through it. It wasn't the most brutal workout I've ever put myself thru, but I was sweaty & tired.

    I do admit to trying to talk myself out of working out though... It happens frequently. I'm just learning to shut the voices up with Greek yogurt, instead of cookies. :)

    Sarah @ Thinfluenced

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  45. Thanks for the kick in the butt!!! This is sometimes exactly what I need to hear. I will be hearing you say this in my head when my alarm goes off at 5am (even though I don't know what you sound like).

    Stop Thinking so Much and just do it. Love it.

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  46. Exactly what I needed to read today, thank you!

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  47. OMG. I am sooo going to need this tomorrow. Thank you!

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  48. I just do it. Just like that brain child at Nike suggested. I know that I feel better after a workout. Just try to set my sights on the other side of the mountain.

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  49. Funny, motivation was the topic on my blog today too. I get motivation from many places during the day, including your blog, but it's getting over myself that gets me out there in the end. Thanks for being there with the "no excuses" inspiration!

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  50. Great post! I motivate myself in the mornings by literally jumping out of bed. I find that if I leap out of bed, I'm less likely to go back to sleep.

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  51. Thank you for this post. I have been letting myself slack off and on for quite some time now, and I really need to get on a kick with all the runs I want to do this year!

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  52. Thank you so much....everyday. You rock!

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  53. I wish I had read this before my attempt at a treadmill run this afternoon. Maybe it was the enticing weather or rattle from the 'mill or my lack of will to run on a machine rather than road, but it didn't work. No excuses, play like a champion!

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  54. I remind myself what my final goal is, that usually gets me motivated!

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  55. I think that feeling when you're out there because you got up and out of bed is so worth it. You feel like a superstar because you know you could have stayed put but you didn't.

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  56. If I ever win one of those necklace giveaways (or I gueeesss just buy one), I decided "Afterwards" would be the word I printed on it. Because it's so true...no matter how tired you are or how awful it is outside, you'll always feel like a million bucks afterwards :)
    Thanks for another encouraging kick in the ass!

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  57. I just read your blog! That gets me going every time!!

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  58. I just read your blog. That gets me going every time!

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  59. I was good at this excuse thing.. then I realized that excuses = no results. I didn't really love that. So now, no excuses... Im butt tired sometimes, but I see results, and I love it.

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  60. Needed this post today. Thanks and when the Shut up and Run Tshirts become available, I'll wear one to keep me motivated...

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  61. I wimped out this week... I had a morning run planned, but I was a bit shattered from the weekend and the session the night before. Hope it was the right thing to miss the run. I find it so difficult when training hard to listen to my body and follow the program. (good thing I'm the coach and can change the program)

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  62. I have mantras coming out of my a** like farts to keep me motivated.

    Besides the get the f*ck up a**hole and get this sh*t done I like to use:

    Your competition isn't up right now
    Nobody works harder than you keep it that way
    Suck It Up Buttercup
    Life is hard, training is easy
    Embrace the Suck or Pain
    SUAR is reading your blog
    Are you really going to piss all those months of work away?
    The finish line waits for no one.
    If you want it you better go get it
    Greatness is earned it is not a right

    Anyway I could go on and on but this is how I beat my body and mind into submission on a daily basis.

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  63. Loved this post!!! I had the same thing happen to me this morning, but i didn't run.. It started to rain.. so I'm running at lunch time.

    I have to ways to motivate me:
    Quote by Lance Armstrong:
    Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”

    One of my all-time favorites from Mia Hamm:
    “The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.”

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  64. "Stop thinking so much and getting in your own way."

    Thank you. Your posts lately have been spot on with things going on in my brain. I'm about 3/4 of the way through a marathon training plan, and today I"m tired. Today I was going to put off my run until tomorrow. You just motivated me to stick with my schedule and quit being a baby.

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  65. After being sidelined with an inflamed tendon, I am so thankful to be back running, I "run happy" every workout. :-) Today, it was 90 degrees, and I was running & smiling the whole time.

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  66. This post frigging rocked. Thank you SUAR. I am now gonna have to start to get up early to add miles. The timing of this was perfect. You are rad.

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  67. This post totally gave me the push to 'Shut up and Run!' today. In fact, 'Shut up and Run!' made an appearance on my blog today :-)

    Thank you so much for your 'no excuses' approach. It's exactly what I need!

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  68. How do I motivate myself? I read your blog and then think lots of people have motivation problems and then do it b/c I'm the only who can. Some days it really is just one foot in front of the other isn't it?

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