Month / August 2019

by susanmcrae75

26.2

I have always wanted that sticker.  26.2.  Actually, I was shooting for the 13.6, and had it all planned out.  Going to do the Disney Half, all smiling, waving to characters……Problem is, I am not a runner.  My husband, when I asked him to watch me run to figure out why my right knee and hip were hurting told me “you’re just not a land animal babe!”  This did not help, and made me want to run more just to prove him wrong!

Problem is/was, I don’t enjoy running.  I envy those gazelle like people who can run, and I wanted to be like them!  I heard of the runner’s high-I am not sure what that would feel like but I am sure my hands on knees feeling of nausea was not it.  I have tried to return to running over the years, and finally my hamstring said “nope!”  And there you have it.

The same occurred with yoga.  Again, I envy these people and friends who look so peaceful, so flexible,so toned!  Problem is, I am a mover.  When people ask me what I think about yoga, (and I get this at least several times a week from my patients),  I say “what do YOU think about yoga?”  They look at me confused and I clarify-you have to enjoy what you are doing or you 1) are not going to stick with it 2) resent the time you are spending doing it 3) not see results because of 1&2.  So I say-“try it and see!”

Wait, is exercise supposed to be enjoyable?!  YES!  I really look forward to getting up in the mornings (gasp) because the program I am doing makes me feel good, proud and sets up my day in a positive way.  This exercise, and the feeling I get from it, overflows into everything else I do that day.  When you find something that brings you that feeling, then you’ll stick with it and reach those goals!

You are always welcome to join me (I admit not EVERYONE does the program in the mornings 😉  if you are struggling with what you are doing now (or NOT doing!)  Have fun!

ssmcrae75@gmail.com

by susanmcrae75

Sabotage

I used to make my bed everyday.  It was ingrained in me by my mom, and I was trying to get around my kids saying “well YOU don’t make YOURS!”  The problem is, I have two dogs that when I am gone (picture “Secret Life of Pets” scene) pull/dig the comforter up to reveal the coolness of the sheets and….nap time!  Pillows on floor, sheets and comforter are mess when I get home.  So, why even bother?  If you have someone sabotaging your work, then it can get quite frustrating!

I’m not changing these dogs.  So you have to look at if this sabotage is really going to interfere with your goals.  My bed making goal?  Not that important, so I let it go and marvel at their efforts each day.  But your health and fitness goals?  Those are different, and we’ve all been there!  It is very hard eating carrots over my beloved fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookies, slightly underbaked (sigh…..).  So 1) I can NOT have cookie dough in the house 2) everyone in this house has to support me on this.  For my husband, it is sugary cereal-he could, and would, eat a whole box of Fruity Pebbles at one sitting.  So sorry kids, can’t do that to him.

What if you do not have this support?  Then you have to find it.  You have to have people/a person to lean on when those temptations are high!  Find your tribe and lean in-but also give support back as well.  You also have to weigh the pros and cons.  Is this moment of weakness worth all your hard work for the day?  Will it cause a setback?  Lead to other bad decisions?  Suddenly those cookies don’t look worth an additional run or workout!  If you can just have one, and that is worth it so be it, but you are WAY stronger than I am apparently!

Make sure your “why” is also specific and strong enough to resist those temptations to falter on your path of health, fitness, whatever the goal may be.  Resist those people and things that may sabotage your goals!

by susanmcrae75

Where is the Fun in That?

My sister was a college swimmer as I was, and we are often asked-“why don’t you do Master’s swimming?”  (Well, I could list my physical aggravations and injuries here, but I will spare you!)  She responds by telling them “because I remember my times and where I was then (she was an Olympic Trial qualifier) and I also know I’ll never get back to that point.  Where is the fun in that?”  I completely understand this.  Some former swimmers differ, and I believe continuing to swim is just in their blood-they have reset those goals for this period in their lives.  That is great!  But for my sister and me?  Yeah, we have to be moving forward, setting new goals, blazing new territory!  So for that type of person, I challenge you to not just go back to your sport or your “go to” activity that you have always deemed your exercise program.  Here is your chance to change things up.  Go outside your comfort zone.  Make new goals!  Find your new team (even if it is one other person!).  Train for an event, to do a new yoga pose with ease, to make it to that next mailbox on your run today!  I’ve gotten out of my comfort zone and have to admit I am loving it, and setting new goals for myself.  Have you?