motivation

So, I am a runner. Yesterday, I began formally training for 2 spring half-marathons (that is a 13.1 mile race for the uninitiated). I have a training group through the Columbus Running Company, and the coaches there tailor my training plan to my needs.

Today, my plan called for cross-training (aka XT), which means any form of exercise other than running. It helps to work muscles that running does not. While training for my previous 4 HM's, I was rather casual about XT and more often than not, ignored that aspect of my training. In my last HM, I had a hard time getting in my scheduled runs, and often ran just 1-2 times a week instead of the 3-4 on my plan.

This time, I am trying to be better about XT and keeping up with my training overall. But today, I was tired enough to take 2 naps, and I was cranky to boot. I've done some form of activity, even if just a 1/2 mile walk, every day for the past 10-11 days. I wanted a rest.

Then, I got to thinking about a challenge I am doing over at Kickrunners.com, which has a message board for runners. It is called Virtual Race Across America (VRAA) and I am on a team. I earn points for my team through exercise, including XT.

So, I headed to the fitness room at my apartment complex and put in an hour on the stationary bike and walking the treadmill, all while watching college basketball. I earned points for my team, and burned some calories to boot (remember, I am still trying to lose another 10-15 lbs). And, I felt better after doing it. No more crankiness.

Motivation is a funny thing. A lot of time, it comes from inside, because I do feel good after running or other form of exercise. But, when the internal motivation doesn't work, I will usually respond to peer pressure. I didn't want to let my team down, and really, I'd have been letting myself down if I had opted out of doing something today.