Burning Out in the Madness

Twenty-four hours of work in two days makes it a little tough to stay motivated to get to the gym.  I decided that I'd take the past two days off since the last thing I wanted to do after work was train.  Up until February when my training begins fully, I will be taking work days off.  It's important to keep a good pace and not burn ourselves out when starting to train for something.

I have found that in the past that's what happens.  I think it happens with a lot of people too, especially around this time of year.  We decide that we're going to make a change for the new year and get in shape and start out fantastically.  We go to the gym almost every day at first, pushing ourselves to the limit.  Then, after a couple of weeks, we go one or two less days because we're tired and not as motivated since we're past the new year.  Eventually most of us rarely go or just stop going at all.

Well, it's important to keep in mind why we're doing what we're doing.  My resolution is not "to get in shape."  It is to set and follow through and complete a major goal.  Today, I will get back to the gym after two days off.  I'm not sore like I was for the last 48 hours, I'm re-energized from a good night of sleep, and I'm ready to go!

I wanted to run outside this morning but I woke up to a gloomy and rainy day so I'm just going to wait for my fiancé to get off work and we'll go together.  Tomorrow I'll be running outside with her and my dog so that I have a variety in the training.  It needs to stay fun and exciting so that I may stay interested and motivated.

Just remember, if you're trying to get in shape in 2012, or whatever resolution you have for that matter, to always remember how you felt when you set your goal.  Try not to burn yourself out in the first couple of weeks and always find new and interesting ways to stay motivated.  It's a long journey so don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight.  Personally, I imagine every day what it's going to feel like when I finally cross that finish line and can say that I did something I set out to do 6 months prior.  That is what keeps me motivated to stay strong and keep pushing despite all of the improbable madness.