Commit (verb): to obligate or pledge oneself.
I've been repeating this word to myself during my runs over the past week.
Commit.
Commit to the distance.
Commit to the speed.
Commit to that damn hill that's rising up in front of you. (Geez, could that thing be any steeper?!)
Because, when you're out there running (or biking, or swimming, or whatever), there are bound to be moments when you want to stop. For me, there seems to be a lot of those moments. But what's the point of being out there if I'm not going to just commit to it? And, what I'm finding is that if I just decide that I'm committing to the run--the speed, the distance, that freakin' hill--it actually makes it a little easier, because I don't have to listen to that obnoxious internal struggle with myself any more. I've already made the decision. I'm committed. Case closed. So, one way or another, it's gonna happen. Then I'm left to focus on the task at hand.
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In other news, I went to my 'How to Teach Yoga to Kids' workshop on Saturday. I got lots of good information and a great handbook that should be a good resource for next year. It ought to be a real hoot trying to teach yoga to 3, 4 and 5-year-olds! Ha! But, the class served as a great reminder of how much I love yoga. I love feeling limber and strong, and I love a good yoga push-up. I remember falling flat on my chest when I first started trying to do "yoga push-ups". Being able to finally do them with strong arms was probably my most proud yoga accomplishment, back when I was doing yoga on a regular basis. Taking this class made me realize how much I miss yoga and want to get back to it.
Do you have a word or phrase that you use to get you through tough moments during your workouts (a 'mantra' perhaps?)
Most recently, I've been using 'commit' and--don't laugh--'beast'. You know, like, "you're a beast, Lisa!!"
Do you allow yourself to have 'internal struggles' during your workouts, or do you immediately kick those thoughts to the curb?
Well, I'm starting to just kick them to the curb. But, I've always been one to allow those thoughts to hang around and waste my time and energy. No longer!!
Do you do yoga? What kind?
My current yoga habits are very spotty, but I'd like to get back to being more consistent with it. I love to take a good yoga class, but they're EXPENSIVE! I used to do Ashtanga yoga which was really awesome. I'd love to try hot yoga too.
By the way, I haven't given up on taking pictures, but my camera battery is dead and I can't seem to get it together enough to charge the dang thing! Maybe tomorrow...
