Confession--I've got a thing for Kelly Clarkson, and I really don't have any idea where it came from.
I'm not a fan of American Idol, not even a little bit. I didn't watch a single episode the year she won it. Half of her hit songs I didn't even know were her's for weeks or months. And yet, for whatever reason, I like her.
She's got a new song out called Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) and I love it. At least the chorus. The song is all about her breaking up with a guy, but the chorus is a great song to encourage perseverance during a tough workout or run.
Check out some other great songs for working out. What are some of your favorite workout songs? Leave a comment below.
When you are pushing your body to your perceived limit, it responds. It gets stronger. And the change may blow your mind. There was a time not too long ago, when running faster than about 10 min/mile pace for more than a mile or so was a pipe dream. But since I've started running much more seriously at the start of the year, I've already quickened my average pace to closer to 9 min/mile for runs of about 3 miles or less, and closer to 9:30 for 5-8 mile runs.
Your body will adapt and change as well. If you work hard, it will respond. And it doesn't even have to be anything as strenuous as running. Start a simple resistance program--heck, do as many good push-ups as you can. Do them again tomorrow. You'd be surprised how quickly you can get up to 25+ good push-ups. Your body is an amazing machine, and the only thing holding it back from excelling is you.
Whatever is challenging you right now, vow to overcome it. The first step may be tough, and it may hurt, but like my girl Kelly says, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller.... What doesn't kill you makes a fighter, foot steps even lighter....What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, STRONGER!"
Now, go get stronger.
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Just Get Going
This past weekend I completed my 3rd half marathon. This race took place at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, FL, and was a really great experience. I had been training for this race for some time, and while I didn't run quite as fast as I had hoped I would, I did finish with a new personal best time.
Along the way, I even had time to stop for a pictures with a couple of the coolest guys ever.
These races at WDW are always such a great motivator for me, because there are always runners of every shape and size imaginable. There are people that finish these races, some even faster than me, that look like they would struggle to complete a 5k, let alone a half or a full marathon.
The amount of inspiration you can get from some of these participants is incredible, and they really show that whatever excuse you have for not exercising really is a nothing but that--an excuse.
This weekend I passed a guy that was running the half that had both of his legs amputated. He was out there running with two prosthetics and enjoying the experience, when no one would have blamed him for sitting at home feeling sorry for himself.
Two years ago, a soldier ran the full marathon wearing full army fatigues, carrying his pack with him as he ran in honor of all the other soldiers serving overseas. Every person that passed him thanked him for serving our country, and he just humbly deflected all gratitude to those soldiers far from home.
This year I had some friends run that have never considered themselves runners, yet they all managed to finish their races. One actually wasn't planning to run until the day before the race when another person got sick. She hadn't trained and had every reason not to run, but instead she just went out and did it. She may not have been the fastest person out there, but she finished.
And when you finish something you never thought was possible, you feel so proud of what you accomplished, and it also helps you realize how much more is attainable. I love going to these big races to remind myself of what is possible when you convince yourself that you are able to do anything you put your mind to.
So whether or not you ever run a marathon, or even a 5k, please don't ever tell yourself you can't do it. Because you can.
And afterwords your muscles might be sore, and your joints might ache, but you'll have done something that can never be taken away from you.
And you'll know to never doubt yourself again. Ever.
Along the way, I even had time to stop for a pictures with a couple of the coolest guys ever.
These races at WDW are always such a great motivator for me, because there are always runners of every shape and size imaginable. There are people that finish these races, some even faster than me, that look like they would struggle to complete a 5k, let alone a half or a full marathon.
The amount of inspiration you can get from some of these participants is incredible, and they really show that whatever excuse you have for not exercising really is a nothing but that--an excuse.
This weekend I passed a guy that was running the half that had both of his legs amputated. He was out there running with two prosthetics and enjoying the experience, when no one would have blamed him for sitting at home feeling sorry for himself.
Two years ago, a soldier ran the full marathon wearing full army fatigues, carrying his pack with him as he ran in honor of all the other soldiers serving overseas. Every person that passed him thanked him for serving our country, and he just humbly deflected all gratitude to those soldiers far from home.
This year I had some friends run that have never considered themselves runners, yet they all managed to finish their races. One actually wasn't planning to run until the day before the race when another person got sick. She hadn't trained and had every reason not to run, but instead she just went out and did it. She may not have been the fastest person out there, but she finished.
And when you finish something you never thought was possible, you feel so proud of what you accomplished, and it also helps you realize how much more is attainable. I love going to these big races to remind myself of what is possible when you convince yourself that you are able to do anything you put your mind to.
So whether or not you ever run a marathon, or even a 5k, please don't ever tell yourself you can't do it. Because you can.
And afterwords your muscles might be sore, and your joints might ache, but you'll have done something that can never be taken away from you.
And you'll know to never doubt yourself again. Ever.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Resolutions 2012
Happy New Year!
So I'm a few days late, but better late than never, right?
With the new year come New Year's resolutions. And every year it seems like the majority of those resolutions are to do something in order to improve your health. If I had to guess, losing weight would be the most common resolution that people make. Other common resolutions often include quit smoking, eat healthier, and drink more water.
So if we consistently resolve to live healthier, how come we are getting unhealthier as a country every year?
The answer is pretty straight forward. It is only the 5th of January, and already a large number of people have given up on their resolutions. Statistically, only about one in five resolutions last. That means 80% of our resolutions fail. Why so many failures? Making major changes to your lifestyle is difficult, and if you're not fully committed to the change it is easy to revert back to your old ways. And even if you are fully committed, slip ups happen. The key is to not let the slip up become the last straw. Instead, brush or off and get on with the changes you are working towards.
So whether you decide to lose weight, stop smoking, or get more exercise, the start of a new year is a great opportunity to make a lasting change for the betterment of your health.
And if you happen to fall off the wagon at some point, don't get discouraged. Just resolve to start over and then keep going.
You can do it.
As for me, this year's resolution is going to be a tough one. I'm setting my sights on running 728 miles for the year. I'll keep you posted on my progress throughout the year.
So I'm a few days late, but better late than never, right?
With the new year come New Year's resolutions. And every year it seems like the majority of those resolutions are to do something in order to improve your health. If I had to guess, losing weight would be the most common resolution that people make. Other common resolutions often include quit smoking, eat healthier, and drink more water.
So if we consistently resolve to live healthier, how come we are getting unhealthier as a country every year?
The answer is pretty straight forward. It is only the 5th of January, and already a large number of people have given up on their resolutions. Statistically, only about one in five resolutions last. That means 80% of our resolutions fail. Why so many failures? Making major changes to your lifestyle is difficult, and if you're not fully committed to the change it is easy to revert back to your old ways. And even if you are fully committed, slip ups happen. The key is to not let the slip up become the last straw. Instead, brush or off and get on with the changes you are working towards.
So whether you decide to lose weight, stop smoking, or get more exercise, the start of a new year is a great opportunity to make a lasting change for the betterment of your health.
And if you happen to fall off the wagon at some point, don't get discouraged. Just resolve to start over and then keep going.
You can do it.
As for me, this year's resolution is going to be a tough one. I'm setting my sights on running 728 miles for the year. I'll keep you posted on my progress throughout the year.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
What's On Your iPod?
Everyone, it seems, has an iPod these days. Whether it's the newest and fanciest model or something a little older and possibly outdated, for some people an iPod is every bit as important to their workout as good shoes or a sports bra. This is especially true for many people when they take their workouts out of the gym and do their cardio on the open road.
As someone who has run a marathon both with and without an iPod, I am somewhat on the fence when it comes to "needing" music with you during an extended workout. Something that absolutely cannot be overlooked when deciding whether or not an iPod is appropriate is the safety aspect of not having music blasting in your ears while you run or bike down the street. Being able to hear an approaching car, dog, or fellow exerciser can give you an extra second or two of notice to ensure your safety, should a situation ever arise. The ear buds can also have a subtle impact on the balancing mechanism of your inner ear, which can be a problem if you are riding or running on a trail that may be somewhat uneven. If you choose to exercise while listening to your iPod, I would recommend you keeping the volume low so you are better able to stay aware of your surroundings.
If you do decide to use an iPod or other mp3 player, what are you listening to? The spectrum of options is wide, from listening to books on tape to only having music with a specific number of beats per minute in an attempt to help you run or pedal at an even pace. As long as you are making the choices of music that you enjoy, you really can't go wrong. Personally, I like the music on my iPod to be a little more upbeat, especially when I'm an hour or more into a run. I love a lot of slower music, but when I'm working out and I'm tired, those slow songs don't help.
So, here are a few songs that I have on my iPod running playlist. They definitely help me get over the hump when I'm out training for whatever distance race is next up on the horizon. If you've got other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment for others to check out as well.
1. "Otis"--Jay-z and Kanye West
2. "Rolling in the Deep"--Adele
3. "It's All Been Done"--Barenaked Ladies
4. "Dog Days are Over"--Florence + the Machine
5. "Celebrity Skin"--Hole
6. "Bombs Over Baghdad"--Outkast
As someone who has run a marathon both with and without an iPod, I am somewhat on the fence when it comes to "needing" music with you during an extended workout. Something that absolutely cannot be overlooked when deciding whether or not an iPod is appropriate is the safety aspect of not having music blasting in your ears while you run or bike down the street. Being able to hear an approaching car, dog, or fellow exerciser can give you an extra second or two of notice to ensure your safety, should a situation ever arise. The ear buds can also have a subtle impact on the balancing mechanism of your inner ear, which can be a problem if you are riding or running on a trail that may be somewhat uneven. If you choose to exercise while listening to your iPod, I would recommend you keeping the volume low so you are better able to stay aware of your surroundings.
If you do decide to use an iPod or other mp3 player, what are you listening to? The spectrum of options is wide, from listening to books on tape to only having music with a specific number of beats per minute in an attempt to help you run or pedal at an even pace. As long as you are making the choices of music that you enjoy, you really can't go wrong. Personally, I like the music on my iPod to be a little more upbeat, especially when I'm an hour or more into a run. I love a lot of slower music, but when I'm working out and I'm tired, those slow songs don't help.
So, here are a few songs that I have on my iPod running playlist. They definitely help me get over the hump when I'm out training for whatever distance race is next up on the horizon. If you've got other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment for others to check out as well.
1. "Otis"--Jay-z and Kanye West
2. "Rolling in the Deep"--Adele
3. "It's All Been Done"--Barenaked Ladies
4. "Dog Days are Over"--Florence + the Machine
5. "Celebrity Skin"--Hole
6. "Bombs Over Baghdad"--Outkast
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)