Get Committed

on May 21, 2011
in All Posts

Lately, I’ve had trouble getting committed to my workouts.  It all began in March, when I tweaked my knee during a 12-mile training run and landed myself in Injury World for the last two months.  I switched to swimming, which is… alright, I guess.  But honestly, I just don’t feel as passionate for other forms of exercise as I do for my beloved RUNNING!

 

Then came several big work trips, our week-long vacation to the Dominican, and other life stressors, and I watched as exercise fell to the wayside.  I’ve gone from a woman who happily ran or did yoga 5 – 6 days a week to… well, certainly nothing to blog about!  I’ve had three really laidback weeks in a row, and although it was nice at first, now I just feel… lazy.  Totally lazy and totally uncommitted.

 

How do you beat a workout slump?  Well, you sign up for a race, of course!

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This triathlon is in THREE SHORT WEEKS!  Given my triathlon history (very dramatic, if I do say so myself), I better get on my training.  I’ve been eyeing this race for a few weeks, but now it’s time to buckle down and get my running and biking mileage back up.  I also need to do an open water swim!

 

So – tomorrow is the first day of training!  I’m excited to get committed and get back on the wagon.  Laziness, be gone!

 

In other news…  Mom wanted to go house hunting for her birthday, so she helped us look at another ten houses.  We saw some… interesting… homes today.

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We found one really intriguing house.  It’s in a great neighborhood that I didn’t think we could afford to buy in, but it needs a master suite, a new kitchen, new roof, new fence, and central air.  If we could knock a few numbers off the list price, it would be an awesome option… especially since the house I fell in love with from our last house hunt went under contract while we were on vacation (boo!). 

 

The intriguing house prompted a BIG debate about how much renovations we’re willing to invest in… It’s so hard to decide! 

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We’re going to sit on it on the decision a while… I need more convincing! 

 

Mid-house hunting eats included a bagel with egg and cheese (and pesto – yum!) with tomato soup:

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And a big spinach salad with sunflower seeds, veggies, and balsamic.

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Off to whip up a birthday dinner for MomHTP!

 

How do you get re-committed following a workout or healthy eating slump?

{ 50 comments }

 

  • michelle May 21, 2011, 8:53 pm

    Signing up for a race always gets me focused. Creating a new training plan where I have it all laid out in front of me helps too. I’m in a slump with healthy eating… But that will end now.
    Happy training to you 🙂

  • Christine May 21, 2011, 8:55 pm

    Definitely signing up for a new race! I used to try to focus on summer, bathing suits, etc… but non of that did the trick.

    I think you should go for the one with the wood paneling- very retro 😉

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith May 21, 2011, 9:23 pm

    I bet Sherry @ Young House Love would love to get her paint brush on that wood paneling. 🙂

  • Vanessa May 21, 2011, 9:26 pm

    The race and focusing on new sports, like swimming and cycling, is such a great decision. Last summer I broke my collarbone and three ribs in a cycling accident, HURT!!! I had to get surgery to realign my clavicle with a plate and screws –even more painful! I spent almost two months (one pre- and one post-surgery) living in an armchair and eating a lot of ice cream… Funny enough, my injury and inability to do anything for myself (including dressing and applying deodorant) eventually led me to running after a lifetime of thinking ‘I could never be a runner’. A few months after surgery, running was the first activity I could do that wouldn’t aggravate my shoulder too much and it really helped me to feel strong and capable again. Now that I’m back on the bike and training for a MAJOR cycling trip, I haven’t really been running, but I know that I’ll be back to it again in the fall. I finally ‘get’ why people are addicted to it!

    Mastering the swim and bike might be just what you need to get over the mental and physical barriers imposed by your injury!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) May 21, 2011, 9:29 pm

    “but it needs a master suite, a new kitchen, new roof, new fence, and central air. ”

    Girl..that sounds like wayyyyy more than I’d be willing to bite off.

    If your hubs is handy, great. Or if you are, great.

    But if you’re not, then I wouldnt!

    I have nearly divorced my husband over trying to put together simple things like a crib and stroller…he’s not handy AT ALL and I end up just doing it…so couldnt imagine buying anything that needed work…we would be at each other’s throats sooo badly. lol

    I hope you guys find the perfect house for you, and I know you WILL!!!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) May 21, 2011, 9:35 pm

    When you find out the answer, let me know. I have been uninspired in my training lately, and I just did a marathon today and still didn’t get the motivation I need. So a few weeks of doing “other stuff” is in order!

  • Kath May 21, 2011, 9:42 pm

    The reno vs. location is a big debate.

    But they ALWAYS say on all the HGTV shows:

    “The number one rule in real estate is location, location, location”

    I take that as a sign one should choose location over house.

  • Kayla May 21, 2011, 9:43 pm

    you signed up for a triathalon. I signed up for my first 5K! You’ve gotta start somewhere right? PS- good luck house hunting!

  • Kristina May 21, 2011, 9:45 pm

    A few things help me get recommitted:
    – Near gear! It doesn’t have to be a major investment. New socks rock my world!
    – Really PLANNING a nice, long work-out. I find that if I have a busy week and am trying to cram in workouts, if I’m in a rut, it won’t inspire me. However, if I can schedule a workout without feeling pressured and be in a really great mental space, then it makes all the difference in the world.

  • Michelle May 21, 2011, 9:50 pm

    I’m a big fan of fake it till you make it. So yea.. maybe my mind is on pizza and couch surfing over working out and eating well but if I force myself to do it for a day or two (after an unhealthy weekend, say) i’ll slide right back in and start craving spinch and workouts again.

  • Lee May 21, 2011, 9:54 pm

    My friend Amy is doing that same Tri.

  • Kristina May 21, 2011, 9:58 pm

    I posted earlier – but good luck on the tri! Way to go!

  • Ashley @ the fit academic May 21, 2011, 9:58 pm

    This can be so hard! I find it’s helpful to do workouts with friends. Or I’ll try to mix things up – do a 30 day Bikram challenge or try the new fitness classes at the gym, etc. Doing it with a friend makes it fun.

  • Katie May 21, 2011, 10:01 pm

    A goal is the ONLY WAY to get back on track for me! I’ve had two babies (three and three months) and a couple injuries, and felt totally blah while I was benched. But, two weeks after each baby I started yoga, and six weeks after breaking my foot, I started walking – then I picked a race, signed up, and made my training schedule. Exercise isn’t a “I’ll do it if I have time” sort of thing for me – its at the top of my daily to do list.

  • Chloe (South Beach Girl) May 21, 2011, 10:05 pm

    Recently I’ve also been having a hard time committing to workouts. I signed up for a bootcamp that meets 3 days a week, which helps, but on those other days I find myself making up excuses.

    I think signing up for a race or a class or a bootcamp really helps me to stay committed because I KNOW I have to go and if I don’t I’ll feel like I’ve wasted money and am also not being responsible. I’ve been thinking about signing up for a race myself, so maybe that’s what I need for those other 4 days!

  • Hannah May 21, 2011, 10:12 pm

    Ah, I feel ya about the whole laziness thing! I’ve been sidelined from almost all forms of exercise for over a year because of injuries, but I didn’t view running as a passion like you do, it was more of an obsessive thing for me, so I’ve learned my lesson!

  • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch May 21, 2011, 10:15 pm

    The golfing wallpaper would be perfect for your hubby:D Can’t wait to see you rock this triathlon!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey May 21, 2011, 10:24 pm

    I always buy new workout clothes! There’s nothing more motivating than a shopping spree!

  • Baking 'n' Books May 21, 2011, 10:32 pm

    Hah! Beats me…I could use some committed tips for life.

    I’m in a big dilemma myself. Given my loans debt and non-passionate career – I am trying to save and be smart about money…but at what point do you just live too?

    I am trying to find a place to live…anything at this point – in like a week! – and some places are as much as $200 to $300 more than what I pay more…and I know I should just go for something further out, same old, still decent location – but not different, and same routines…at what point do I let go and just do it? Or do I keep focusing on the saving?…:(

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes May 21, 2011, 11:28 pm

    we ended up choosing location over house.

    There was this awesome house we wanted in a not so good location. The house needed a lot of work, but it had a TON of potential. A TON. BUT, it would have taken a lot of work and costed a good amount of money, and the location wasn’t ideal.

    We ended up buying a nicer condo in an AWESOME area that needs a few minor upgrades.

  • Katherine May 21, 2011, 11:31 pm

    I am still working on getting committed to exercise. I am more of a swimmer, and well….I have to wait till I can actually drive myself to really get into that.

  • Carol May 22, 2011, 1:06 am

    Switching up my program helps me get out of a work out slump:)

    Also very interesting houses today…yikes!

  • Khushboo May 22, 2011, 1:13 am

    Stocking up on my fave healthy foods always helps as does any form of light activity. Once the blood starts flowing, I want to pick up the pace! Also looking for new healthy recipes always gets ke excited about trying new things!

  • Hats @ See How She Runs May 22, 2011, 6:36 am

    I’ve just written a guest post on a similar topic (mine was on what motivates and inspires me to run/workout). I’m mainly motivated by other bloggers such as yourself. This time I was also motivated by writing my post on motivation… I’m going to try and brave the windy weather and go for a run later!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good May 22, 2011, 7:45 am

    Yep, start training for an event or make yourself a challenge of some type (X number of miles, pushups, etc. for the month, or 30 Day Shred, P90X, etc.) Having a specific goal is very motivating.

  • Christine @ Burning It Off May 22, 2011, 7:46 am

    Buying new workout clothes also works… I just bought a bunch of stuff at the Nike outlet store and can’t wait to go to the gym now lol.

  • maria @ Chasing the Now May 22, 2011, 7:52 am

    I know how you feel with the injury. Hang in there!

  • Lindsey May 22, 2011, 8:02 am

    Looks like you had a great vacation, and you deserved that time off to relax!
    My best way to get back on track (for anything) is to plan! Plan my workouts, plan healthier meals etc… When I plan and write this stuff down I find I more likely to stick to it 🙂

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table May 22, 2011, 8:11 am

    I’m glad I’m not the only one that gets recommitted by signing up for a race! 🙂

    If you buy that house you HAVE to keep that rockin’ golfer wall paper border. Classic.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin May 22, 2011, 8:41 am

    Congrats on signing up for the tri!

    I usually get motivation to recommit by reading blogs. I’m actually in a bit of a slump right now so I’m excited to read about your training and get some motivation of my own! 😀

  • Tom Gellak May 22, 2011, 9:19 am

    Well I have workout slumps from time to time myself, especially when the seasons change, I find it hard to adapt to winter/summer temperatures while working out difficult.

    What helps me a lot is to change and/or adjust my workout schedule, (switching swimming with biking for example) and generally “taking it easy” without losing motivation.

    I am usually reluctant to take part in triathlons and the such, I am not very competitive myself but I am quite exited to read about your training readjustment after the injury 🙂

  • Sarah@The Flying ONION May 22, 2011, 9:43 am

    Races do wonders for my motivation!!! 😀

  • The Teenage Taste May 22, 2011, 9:56 am

    Congrats on signing up for the Triathalon, Caitlin! Whenever I need to re-commit myself to exercise I either sign up for a race or get a workout buddy! Time flys when you workout wiht friends! 😀

  • Sarah May 22, 2011, 10:22 am

    We bought a house in a great place that was built in the 1970s. After several years we finally saved up enough to pay for the renovations (since we found out that we are not handy enough, nor do we want to spend all of our free time doing renovations). It cost about $35,000. We loved the house after it was done but I don’t know if it was worth it. Our lives seemed to be put on hold for several years as we felt a little strange having people over to our “junky” house when so many other people were making their newer houses feel like home (we didn’t want to invest in decor when we knew it would all change once the renovations were done). We had to save a lot so that meant we had less money to do fun stuff. Our house was torn up for several months and we literally lived in our bedroom…NO having people over during those months!!! Anyway, it turned out really well in the end and we are so glad that we did it. But it had such an impact on our lives for several years before any construction started that I don’t know if I would make the same decision again! But I might.

    Good luck with your house hunting! It’s fun to explore all of the options!

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy May 22, 2011, 10:23 am

    I’ve been the same way with my workouts lately. Sunday is usually my rest day, but since I feel like I’ve been resting most of this week, I might try to sneak in a workout today. Then again, it might be good to count a walk in the sunshine as a workout today, and start fresh tomorrow :).

  • Colleen May 22, 2011, 10:36 am

    I make a workout schedule for any length of time from a few days to a week, and if I stick to it, I reward myself with new workout clothes! My lululemon wunder unders are the direct result of a workout slump 🙂

  • Lindsey @ Morningstar Project May 22, 2011, 3:27 pm

    Signing up for races with a friend who will hold me accountable is key for me that way I don’t back out for some reason.

    You know I hear wood paneling is making a comeback so maybe you might want that house! Just kidding, it should never come back. And sadly I think my husband had that golf pattern in his childhood bedroom.

  • Lauren May 22, 2011, 5:51 pm

    Since my half marathon last weekend, I’ve been kinda lazy on the workout front, but I think I just needed a little break after a hard training session. I’m planning on re-committing by signing up for some new classes like different yoga classes or Body Pump.

  • Ali @ Ali Runs May 22, 2011, 5:57 pm

    I recently signed up for a race to get motivated as well. There is nothing quite like training for a race to get you motivated and in shape! Good luck with your training 🙂

  • Nicole May 22, 2011, 7:31 pm

    I know that you are in a tricky position with being self employed but look into a 203k loan if you are looking at a fixer upper. It is a FHA loan that allows you to take out extra money to do renovationsin certain situations. It is different then the crazy loans that were happening a few years back and it might be a good fit for that situation. Good luck! My husband and I are house hunting and we have seen some interesting places too, my favorite feature was a purple bathroom – walls, carpet, tub, toilet, sink… it was lovely!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) May 22, 2011, 8:58 pm

    Happy Birthday Mom HTP!!

    I thought we were the only one’s with 80’s pink carpet! heh

  • kristen May 22, 2011, 11:07 pm

    that is a great idea to sign up for an event! (and some good advice!)

  • Mac May 23, 2011, 12:41 am

    I usually find a race or a workout partner to get me back in the saddle.

  • Amy May 23, 2011, 8:56 am

    Totally in the same boat! It’s amazing how easy it is to fall out of a routine…and how hard it is to get your butt back into it! I just sit down, schedule my workouts for the week, and make sure my boyfriend knows that I’m doing it so I’m held accountable haha

  • Ashley May 23, 2011, 10:01 am

    My husband and I are doing Tri Latta as well! I’ll look for you! You’ll do great, the location is wonderful and the people are very supportive.

    • CaitlinHTP May 23, 2011, 11:50 am

      So cool! Are you doing Sun or Sat?

  • Ashley May 23, 2011, 11:52 am

    We’ll be there on Saturday.

  • Dee May 23, 2011, 7:03 pm

    Q: How do you get re-committed following a workout or healthy eating slump?

    A: I read healthy living blogs for ideas! Thanks for this one!

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