My workout on Friday was the hardest mental work I’ve had to deal with so far. I ran on Thursday night, but it’s gotten pretty warm here, usually around 80 degrees. Running in the heat is extremely difficult, so much so that I even had to walk at one point. I didn’t have much food at home at the time either, so I didn’t eat nearly enough before the run, and I certainly haven’t had my required electrolytes (more on those in a later post). I also hadn’t slept well the past two days. All of this together creates to a weak, labored disposition.
After running Thursday night, I got up on Friday, at 4am just like I always do. I lifted weights for an hour, then I hopped on the StairMaster. Most days it’s no big deal. But this Friday, it was a huge mental feat. I was so tired that I couldn’t even listen to a podcast or watch a Youtube video. I just people watched as people passed by at the gym.
I spent most of that hour mentally calculating how much time I had left. I thought about how many 15 minute segments were left, how many 20 minute segments, you get the idea. I really just wanted to stop. In times like that, it’s literally the Nike motto: “Just do it.” I had to just keep going, so I did.
I reminded myself that I have a goal, someone out there is my competition and maybe she’s at the gym, so I will keep going too. Mentally, it was hard. Honestly, it just sucked. It was a “one step at a time” kinda day. I couldn’t think about the three months I still had ahead of me. If I had, I would have stopped. On top of that, I realized it has been two weeks straight of three hour or more workouts per day. I was both impressed with myself and, Just. Plain. Tired.
A few things I realized in my exhausted state:
- I don’t own enough workout clothes now that I work out twice a day. I have to do laundry every two days. I definitely need more workout pants.
- I don’t enjoy going to bed with sweat-dried, dirty hair. I have to wait until after the follow day’s morning workout to wash it. (I color my hair, so I try not to wash my hair too often– every day, twice a day is a lot, definitely too much. A big shout out to E-Salon though, I love my color and how easy it is to use.)
- Running is much harder on my body than the StairMaster.
- I sweat more with StairMaster.
- I’m reminded again as to how important electrolytes are.
- Above all else I’m reminded of how crucial sleep is.
Be sure to take care of yourself. You deserve it!
Vintage Vitality 