Mark at the Complete Running Network puts it in perspective with this entertaining and true Star Wars analogy.
Here’s my confession: 3 months ago I would have put solid money on the fact that I had succeeded. That exercise was as much a part of my make-up as food and air. Then September came and I abandoned all hope. Well, ok, not all hope, but a lot. Why can’t I be a seasonal athlete? April-September? My running shoes are laughing at me. But I haven’t given up. Mark reminds us:
1. Every day, remind yourself of your fear for a future with sickness and unhappiness.
2. Recognize that, through regular exercise, you have the power to miraculously change that future to one of health, happiness and longevity.
3. Make a contract with yourself that the only way you can create that miraculous future is to work on it today.
I’ll add this one: 4. I’m a parent. I have an opportunity (ok, a responsibility) to teach my children a love of good health and fitness and to encorporate it into their daily lives.
We still talk about exercise and fuel and healthy bodies. But as they say, talk is cheap. I need to step back up and be the example that I briefly was. I haven’t completely given up. I’ll do another sprint triathlon next summer- maybe 2. I am formatting a winter plan but what it comes down to is this: “…the only way you can create that miraculous future is to work on it today.”
What are YOU doing today? How about your kids? What are THEY doing?
[tags] exercise, Complete Running Network, Mark Iocchelli, parenting, health, family, teaching kids, fitness[/tags]
Photo courtesy of Daniel via flickr, used under a Creative Commons License.
6 responses so far ↓
Amy // Nov 18, 2006 at 9:40 pm
I’ll be happy if I make it to the fitness center three times a week! Seriously, the solution for me was finding a gym that included a great childcare option when I am working out. I will tell you that I’ve enjoyed that 40 minutes of sweat more than I ever expected to.
Chris Brogan... // Nov 20, 2006 at 12:07 am
You’re amazing in what you cover at this site. Whenever I check in, I’m impressed. Thanks, and keep up the amazing work. — Chris…
Alice // Nov 20, 2006 at 12:52 am
There is so much that I would rather endure than to have to exercise. I know that about myself. Yes, I know all the great reasons to do it…but somehow, that’s not good enough.
So, I bribe myself. I’ve committed to exercising 4 times per week. Doesn’t matter if it’s cardio/weights, etc. As long as I’m moving for 30 minutes. I’ve told my husband that I will do this 4 times per week…and for every day that I miss that week, I have to pay him $20.
Me being the cheap-o that I am refuses to pay…so I’ve been exercising 4 times per week. I hate it, but I do it. =) Find out what motivates you.
I’ve also tried http://www.peertrainer.com (it’s free) and that’s given some good results. I just have to start logging in my food again so that I shrink some more!!
Megin Hatch // Nov 20, 2006 at 1:48 am
Amy: wow. 3x a week. wow.
Chris: thanks! We’ve got so many great folks contributing!
Alice: I am going to check out that website. This is way too hard in the winter!
The Lazy Organizer // Nov 20, 2006 at 5:37 am
I am a believer that you have to set the example for your kids. My Mother ALWAYS exercised. Not a lot but little every day.
I am an axercise addict and I owe it all to her. My kids are already hooked. Plus I wouldn’t trade my two hours a day of free babysitting at the gym for anything!!!
I try to go 6 days a week but things get in the way and I usually only make it 4-5 days. Sometimes I do get that sixth day in though. I never exercise on Sunday unless it’s an easy walk. Setting aside the same time to go every day is a lot easier than trying to go three days a week, let me tell you.
Mark // Nov 22, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Thanks very much for the plug.
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