Sunday, August 3, 2008

Exercising the Demons

I'm pretty happy with myself that I've been working out consistently the past few weeks. I'm an on the wagon/off the wagon type of girl, so I take it day by day, week by week. What has helped is joining the Relief Society running group on Monday mornings. It seems to set the pace, if you will, for the whole week. Getting out of bed and working out first thing Monday seems counterintuitive, but I end up feeling great and wanting to do it again the next day.

I've also worked out with Neil a few times, which is fun, too. It's motivating to hear the alarm go off and know I can't stay in bed because he's going to work out, and I should go, too. Plus it's extra time to hang out with him.

On Friday I went to ballet class, which I haven't been to in awhile. It was great, and such a workout. I missed the class I normally go to, so I went to the more advanced one. I could hang for awhile, and then it was way beyond me, but I still tried to keep up. It's funny when you feel like your body is doing one thing and you have a mirror wall in front of you telling you it's doing something else. After class, I was completely exhausted, and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I love it when I've exerted myself to that point. I'm quite sore today, but it's a good hurt.

What I'm saying here is that I've found some fitness things that, for me, right now, work. It seems I am more encouraged if I feel I have "people counting on me" -- the RS running ladies; Neil; the ballet class. I am not as great at self-motivation. But feeling like I am going to let someone down if I'm not there (hey, it's a functional lie I tell myself) gets me out of bed or out the door. Find out what works for you, and ... just do it.

Me and the bandit
Richmond Marathon finish line, Nov. 10, 2007

9 comments:

Lacey said...

I agree and way to go for that last couple weeks. You have to help me find ballet close to our house when we get back. It sounds peaceful and lovely. Why don't you have any pictures in a leo or tutu?

M. said...

that's a cool photo! oh, and yes, I agree. On my mission I had to put a pager under my bed and have a friend call me to wake me up. I'd get up b/c i knew she was counting on me. Now... not so good :)

modestmuse said...

Thanks, Lacey. Ballet has been really great for me; we'll hook you up. I'm looking at ballet schools near Montclair now. I'll have to get really brave to get a pic of me in my tights & leotard!

Melinda, I thought the photo was pretty cool too. I don't think our feet are touching the ground -- nice metaphor. It's one of the ones the marathon photog took. I didn't buy it, I just copied and pasted it. I'm probably breaking some copyright laws ...

Taralyn said...

So, I just started a Hula class on Saturday mornings. You want to add that into your workout schedule :)

Lincoln and Alisia said...

I have been working out a TON since I have nothing else to do. I love the feeling of being sore everyday... ha ha. weird but true.
That pic of you and Neil is so cool

Stephanie said...

you guys are so hot! i feel inspired by this post since i have been lame for weeks now.

also, it is killing me to not be with thomas, you, and everyone else right now. hope you are all happy, reflective, and well right now. hug everyone for me. love you.

modestmuse said...

Thanks, Stephanie. We wish you were here, too. It's been an emotional day but so special to think back on times like San Diego and D.C. when we were all together on joyous occasions. Love you, too.

Julie said...

Love that picture. I remember that day - you were so inspirational to me!!

Anna K. said...

I'm the same way. Its WAY easier for me to work out if I feel like someone is counting on me. It also makes it much more fun when I have someone to go with. Someday we should do a marathon together.