I am needing a brain change. A shift in my thinking when it comes to my fitness goals. My brain is stuck in the fitness thoughts and routine from a year ago. I need to change my thoughts to the present.
My brain thinks that I am in the midst of marathon training. I think that an 8 mile training run is an easy mid-week run, when in reality, I haven’t run more than 5 miles the past few months. In fact, I have only been running a few times a week. I am pretty much starting from scratch when it comes to my running and fitness level.
A year ago I was in the midst of training for the Boston Marathon with Team Stonyfield. Today, I am struggling to run 3 miles without stopping. This reality stings and is a blow to my ego. Yet, it is my truth.
When we lived in Sacramento, my group of friends were my support. We challenged each other and supported each other on our fitness and running goals. There was always something to do, somewhere to run, and a fitness group to join. Our conversations revolved around healthy living and what our next fitness challenge would be.
Moving to Kansas City has been an amazing adventure for myself and my family. However, fitness has not been the central focus. I have re-entered the work force (outside the home) and love the added challenge. I still love to run and love all things fitness… but it is not a huge priority in my busy day.
The shift in priority has led to a shift in my fitness gains… or regression.
I am needing a brain change to shift from the mindset that I have the aerobic endurance of a marathoner to one of the running endurance of a working mama. My goals will change. My priorities will shift.
Do I love running? Yes!
Do I want to run and train for future races? Yes!
I will need to readjust my fitness and running goals to make it realistic to my current abilities and needs. I need to take a step back and look at my SMART GOALS for the next few months.
This week my goals are to keep it specific, measurable, attainable (with working every day), relevant and time based. I can do this. I just need to set my goals and make sure they are realistic!
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Do something active every day this week: a tleast 30 minutes strength/fitness routine and/or run!
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Drink lots of water: at least half my body weight in ounces (for me this would be about 80oz)
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Log my food on myfitnesspal – stay within my allotted range
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Use my Polar Balance scale for accountability (for weight loss)
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Reach my Daily Activity Goal atleast 5 days this week (honestly, this one will probably be the hardest!!)
I am committing to making a brain change this week. I will be focusing on SMART GOALS to help me with this shift in thinking regarding my health and fitness goals.
Do you have a fitness or weight loss goal you are working on? Feel free to link up with Fitness Cheerleader, Run Mommy Run and I for Motivate Me Monday!
I think those are great goals Rachel and congrats on entering the workforce again. . I plan about 3 x 30 min workouts a week and a long run on weekends cause that’s all the time I can afford. I want to train for a triathlon and my first half this summer. I not sure just yet how I’m going to fit all that training in my schedule.
You are definitely headed in the right direction with these goals. I have quite a few goals I am working on right now. I want to get healthy, grow my blog and travel more. So far I am doing pretty good.
I loved running as a kid and recently picked it back up as a regular fitness routine. I am enjoying it, although my intention is purely personal and not for running any races. Wishing you the best of luck keeping your fitness goals!
I love running but my knee won’t let me. Running is a good stress reliever.
It’s hard when life changes and we have to figure out a new game plan! I feel like my life has been like this for a few years now, but finally finding some new routines. Being a working mama who loves/needs to run is no joke! When I was working normal 8-5 hours I found that disciplining myself to get up 1-2 mornings a week early was the best way to make sure my runs happened. I was more motivated to get outside and run when I could and I felt good knowing I at least started the day with a few miles. Now I work night shift and I’m working to find new ways to keep myself accountable.
I definitely think it’s hard to shift our brain around where we want to be and where we are (physically, emotionally, and relationally). And you’re right! Things change and priorities shift and that’s okay, we just have to find our new normal pursuit of our goals. Right now at 32 weeks pregnant that is keeping my toddler alive, growing a baby, and doing some type of activity 3 times a week. Not killing it, but good for where I am right now.