Now that I am training for another marathon I am back to running 30-36 miles per week. However, I could (and should) be running more miles per day in less time. That’s my challenge for the fall and winter (the marathon is next spring).
The author of the training guide that I followed for my previous marathons is quick to point out that challenging yourself is extremely motivating. He’s right. After all, anyone who exercises on a regular basis knows when a routine is too easy. The challenge comes in pushing yourself to the next level instead of being satisfied with just going through the motions of an easy workout.
Anything worth having takes work, right? (Well, that’s what I tell myself at least.) There’s a motivational sticker hanging in the women’s locker room at the gym where I workout that reads: “Tell me something you can do three times a week for 10 minutes and be great at? If it was easy to be great, everybody would be great.”
That said (or read) consider adding the following words to your workout regime and watch how it can lead to a more challenging fitness program:
Commitment. Any type of exercise routine takes commitment. If you generally work out twice a week why not add another day? While two days a week is better than not working out at all, if you make the commitment to add just one more day of running, walking, biking or swimming you are likely to see results faster.
Convenience. If lack of time is the No.1 reason people say they don’t follow through on a fitness routine then convenience is a close second. To get out of using the latter excuse choose a gym that is located close to your home or office. Or, pick an activity you can do at home (run, walk or bike around your neighborhood) at a time when you won’t be interrupted. (Yes, even if it means getting up at 5 a.m. so you can be done, showered and changed by the time you need to drive your kids to school.)
Consistency. Bottom line: It’s better to workout for 20 minutes per day than an hour every two weeks. Consistency is key if you are looking to see results from your efforts within a reasonable time period.
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