Patience, Persistence, Priorities

Last Friday, the temperatures had plummeted into the teens again here in New England so I knew that I had to get on the recumbent bike for a good cardio workout. This past week Roofy Runner Girl and I ran outside. I know that I trained for the Boston Marathon through one of the most grueling New England winters, but my body is not enamored with the cold weather this year. I really didn't feel like doing much in terms of a cardio workout. Even though I had a good average heart rate this week running outside, I knew that it is imperative that I push myself with interval training. There was so much to do around the house (said with sarcasm) and I procrastinated as long as I could. I turned on the TV, grabbed the remote and as tempting as my bed was to just sit and veg, I knew what I had to do. At the end of the 40 minute workout I felt exhilarated and covered in sweat. I rewarded myself with a smart bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with carrots and a clementine. Followed by a steamy cup of hot coca with nonfat milk for dessert.

This morning when I awoke I was aching everywhere. The temps have been in the teens and I've been doing a lot of strength training and cardio. Part of me wanted to pull the covers over my head and wait until Spring especially since our move to Florida is postponed (but all in Divine timing so it's all good). I warmed up in bed with cervical spine exercises and then as I sat up I began to stretch. I was not really excited about going to grab my free weights and greet my pilate ball but I know that if I do not follow my routine, all of me will suffer. I could feel myself procrastinating again - checking email, doing a little more editing on my 2nd book, emptying the dish drainer, feeding the cat and then I told myself enough. Get downstairs and do your workout girl. As I began the strength training I could feel muscles and joints loosening up and after doing the exercises prescribed by physical therapy, the pain eased. I felt triumphant that despite how I felt when I awoke, I patiently and lovingly kicked myself in the butt to stay on schedule with my health and fitness regimen. I worked slowly focusing on doing each exercise with proper form and telling myself how strong and healthy I am. My priority no matter what has got to be taking care of myself especially as I age. These final months of winter challenge us to stay in schedule especially while training for a big event but with patience and persistence, we can all prioritize to ensure that our health and fitness best stays at the top of our to do list!