I’m training for the NYC marathon.  It will be the 3rd time running this race and my 12th marathon.  So I’m no stranger to the discomfort and time consuming nature of a 16 week training plan.

But summer training? It was kicking my ass.

My training plan started July 15th and for the first 3 weeks it was pathetic.   I wasn’t focused, wasn’t motivated and wasn’t getting the miles under my belt.

Luckily, something shifted.  And that something was the realization that I was in for a world of hurt and disappointment if I didn’t start pulling myself together.

So I got out a notebook and wrote out my detailed workout plan for the week; Monday through Sunday.  I wrote out the plan for each day. Miles to run, exercises to do, etc.  Then (as I love to do) a space to check it off.

Having concrete goals and a ‘no matter what’ approach to training, for me, is very comforting.  I don’t worry about missing a run because I’m committed to my workout plan.  If I can’t run in the morning I will run later.  No matter what.

There’s power in that promise.

So while you don’t have to train for a marathon, you can commit to a plan this week.  Promise yourself that ‘no matter what’ you’ll run, walk or get to a class 3 or 4 times a week and see how you feel and how that motivates you to do it again next week.

Now go run!

Keli 🙂