April Challenge Update

Way to make it happen, GO Trainers!

I have been scanning my tracking sheet and learned a LOT about my training in this little transition of life.  And I thought it would be a great source of reflection for us all!  GO Training will be moving to Portland in 2 weeks!

Here's what I got so far:

April Challenge

Day 1- Spin Class: SO HARD!  It's been a while since I have spun and I felt it!  Also lifted this day.
Day 2- Rest - poor planning! I was suppose to run, mwah mwahhhhh!
Day 3- 40' tempo run!  Sunny and breezy!
Day 4- 4 mile rain run - so miserable.  It was cold, and sloshy.  Great run for building mental resolve!
Day 5- Lifted with Madeline
Day 6 - Rest - Stayed up too late prepping garage sale and planned to do yoga later in day but never got to it.
Day 7 - 10 mile run - it was a toughernaut. I had a hard time. I think because of the poor sleep hygiene. I walked a lot and not because of my healing injury!
Week 2
Day 8 - Spin and lift with my buddy Angie!  Challenging and fun!
Day 9 - Lifting with Madeline!
Day 10 - Walk with my hubs.  What a beautiful day to get in some miles with a nice guy.
Day 11 - 3 mile run and liftage!

What to do when transition comes tap dancing (or pop and locking...or cha cha-ing) your way?

Transitions, moving, getting hitched, getting unhitched, new job, baby birthing or adopting, kids getting into school, kids start playing sports, being pregnant, being ill, illness for your other or family member, new pet, pet sick, loved one passing away, wow.  A lot of stuff can throw a workout plan for a loop.  As we prep to move to the exact other side of the country, on the diagonal and up, I have fell victim to lack of planning a couple times!

A planned workout day got converted to a rest day when 10 pm rolls around and I am sorting through things in my workout clothes!

How does one stay focused in times of transition?  Some tips below!

For me, I decided for the next 2 weeks before we officially move, to make my workout happen I am grabbing a class at the gym, or finding a buddy.  The only exception being some of my runs, but I am recruiting  helpers for that as well.  I need to physically remove myself from the fray or I will just keep deedling through my piles of home goods. From here to P-town, I will be leaning on other resources.

Also I am starting to research gyms in Portland!  This transition will probably take a while so getting things ready on the other end is important too.

Some ideas for exercising through transition:

1) BUDDY UP!  Find some support to keep you honest.  Either a class, an exercise mate, an online community, or trainer.  ASK for help in keeping focused.

2) Adjust expectations.  I knew I had this move coming and really wanted to do a spring marathon.  But I didn't think that was a good idea considering the time and effort required to prep for that long run. I looked at what was possible and the commitment and made a more realistic goal.  If you usually work out for 30 minutes, maybe do 20 minutes!  The stress relief from less will so benefit you during the intense moments of transition.

3) Schedule.  The unbreakable appointment!  Make an appointment and stick to it!  Set an alert on your phone! Do it! Tomorrow I have an 11:30 appointment to work out with a buddy, I call no breakies!

Some ideas for those of you transitioning into exercise:

1)  Shift your perspective.  See yourself as an exerciser.  Tell yourself you are an athlete.  Avoid using "I am too busy" or " I have never been an athlete" as a reason to omit exercise.

For those of you with kiddos, those little people are looking to you for guidance.  Setting the example of making fitness a priority is up to you!

Get creative with popping in 10 minutes here during lunch at work, or before work, or after.  Your workouts don't need to be long to be effective.

2) Discipline.  You can't control the myriad of outside influences that keep life interesting but you control what you do and how you react.  Make exercise and fitness high up on your priority list.

3) FUN!  Keep searching for something that makes your soul just sing! Tai chi?  Triathlon?  Kick boxing?  Seek out, sign up, and go! And smile!  And allow your tastes to change if need be.  What worked ten years ago may not be what your brain and body needs today.

Any one transitioning or participating in Das Challenge?  Please comment on successes and bumps!