How to Get Up Out of Your Chair And Exercise

First of all, I would like to point out that, yes indeed, I have changed the name of this blog.  It is called Passion Under Grace because I am passionate about many things, and right or wrong, I am covered by God's grace.  You can feel free to agree with me or disagree, but either way, I know I am forgiven.

One thing I am passionate about is exercise.  Since becoming an adult, running has been my way of still being able to eat ice cream and not feel guilty abut it.  But it became more than that. The old competitive spirit I nurtured as a kid resurfaced.  I wasn't just running, I was trying to be better than I was yesterday.  I set a lifetime goal of running a half-marathon and crossed it off my list in 2010.  Not willing to dedicate the time needed to train for a full marathon, I am stuck wondering what to do next.  

While in this limbo, I am not stopping.  Blindly, I use that old Nike creed, "Just Do It."  I have no other reason.  But neither do I have a reason to stop.  Unless I have a good reason not to, I get out for a work out on my designated days.  The list of reasons "not to" is pretty short.  Today's temperature was 18ºF, with a wind chill in single digits.  And I have no car today.  So, I ran to the gym and rode a bike while I was there.  I am glad I did.  I feel awful when I give up on myself.

So how about you?  Looking for motivation?  Many times, I just don't want to go out.  I don't really love running.  And sometimes, I am just too comfortable to get up.  But I do it anyway.  And here's how I do it when I don't feel like it, in case you need to borrow any of these reasons.

1. Music - I usually don't let myself get sick of the music I listen to during workouts.  (If I do, then I get some new tunes!)  If I only listen to a certain playlist during my workouts, I can look forward to getting to hear that music.
2. Coffee - Sometimes I am just tired and lazy.  If I drink some coffee before I go out, I just can't stay sitting!  (But I choose the trail that has the better bathrooms.
3. Remember Why - I run to feel good.  I love those endorphins and norepinephorins and all that good stuff. I also like the feeling of ice cream in my mouth. This is why I run.
4. Remember Why Not - It is easy to say, "I don't feel like it today, I'll do it tomorrow." But check that. Maybe tomorrow is packed and you won't have time. Maybe you feel like you are coming down with something, and you might feel worse tomorrow.  (Sometimes a good workout before a cold sets in gets your healthy blood pumping enough to kick that cold to the corner.) That's another reason that if I can do it, I will do it.  If I miss a whole week, then it is like starting all over when I get back into it.
5. Finish Up! - Every day I make a list of things to do.  I always add exercise.  If I don't do it, I don't get to cross it off.  And that kills me to leave something undone in a day.

That is how I stay motivated to work out.  I just don't allow myself much wiggle room.  I'm not a pro athlete; this isn't my job.  So I have to do it for some other reason.  If I keep at it, maybe I won't need a reason at all.  How about you?  What gets you up and out?

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