Backing Out

Last night I spent some time using my foam roller. I had a nice hot soak in the tub. I then had a nice rub down with Biofreeze. Yet when I got up this morning, my back was still bothering me. I decided not to push it and slept in.

Decisions like these are always so hard for me. Am I listening to my body or that lazy voice in my head? There have been times when I haven't felt well or a little achy and ended up having a great time. No matter how I feel in the morning I will be completing Week Six, Day One. I committed to not going more than two days without running and tomorrow will be day three.

Day Three -- 30 Days of Yoga

“ Do your practice and all is coming. ” ~Sri K Patthabi Jois

Week Three: Weekly Weigh-In

No weight loss this week. I’m not surprise because I did not go to the gym at all this week. I was so busy with work I couldn’t get it together. I am grateful that I didn’t gain. My food plan has been very good. I usually do really well when I take the time to do my food prep. Yesterday I made broccoli salad and turkey chili. Right now I have salmon patties in the oven and I’m going to sauté some green beans in olive oil and garlic.

I’m supposed to be running in the MLK Day 5K tomorrow. I did not train at all! All I have done is complain that it’s too cold to run. I hate running on the treadmill. I also have to cancel my plans to participate in the Color Run because it’s the same weekend I plan to surprise my best friend for her 50th birthday.
I need to find another 5K soon and get my butt in gear!

Fitness is Learning - Self Discipline

Self Discipline


Self Discipline is when you tell yourself to do something and you don’t talk back. ~source unknown


What do I think of when I think self discipline? I think focus. I am always impressed with those individuals who workout on a regular basis. I can think of a few individuals who go to the gym – no matter what. I don’t know about you but I often envy those individuals who have the self discipline to reach their goals. They make up their minds to do something and like the Nike commercials say -- just do it.

When I was working out with Kimberly, I would go to the gym every Monday and Wednesday at 4:30. Without fail, there were always the same individuals at the gym. Even on those days I worked out on my own, the same individuals were there working out. What focus! What self discipline! When I started going to the gym on the regular, I felt self conscious.

For this term, I have decided to find out how to develop self discipline. Can it be taught? If so, how?

First, I think it is important to understand the meaning of self discipline. Here’s a definition from dictionary.com: discipline and training of oneself, usually for improvement.

Reading through a number of web sites, I came across some information I could relate to and apply in my life. Four key ingredients to self discipline.

• Self control
• Motivation
• Persistence
• Goals

For me, self control entails having a plan and sticking to it. I also think portion control and training plan.

Motivation. This comes from reading various blogs and articles, socializing with all my fitness friends online, positive self-talk, and meditation.

Persistence. My training schedule. I have to stick to a specific workout schedule when it comes to exercise.

Goals. I need to do some more work in this area. In one of the courses I teach, I discuss S.M.A.R.T. goals. I need to apply this goal-setting technique to my fitness and weight loss goals.

The next term I will be researching is "mind over matter." I will be posting what I've learned in a few days.