Hurdles

I was talking to my sister the other day about how hard it is for her husband to get into a workout routine.  As someone who, for years, never had to think about exercise and just "did it", I stopped to think about why it was so "easy" then and now, after a 6 month hiatus, I am in the same space...finding it hard to make the time.  Finding excuses not to get to the gym.  So what is that about?

Well, for one thing, prior to my injury I was in a routine.  And once workouts are part of your life, and your schedule, it never occurred to me there was another option.  I just did it.  I need to get back into a routine.

Why is that so hard?  I have no more laundry to do now than before.  I unfortunately do not have the distraction of someone at home to lure me back to bed.

I said to my sister that I think exercise has to become the number one priority until it becomes something we can't live without.  Until such time as the benefits are apparent, and the routine is set, the exercise dates need to override everything else (within reason).  Because I am here to attest to the fact that when you do master this, everything else still gets done.  And there is still time for a full life outside the gym (or the bike or the yoga studio or whatever you decide is your thing).  I have been on both sides.  And it is NOT easy, but you (and I) can get there.  So decide how important your health is to you.

Back in the game, with a paddle and a leash

As many of you have surmised, my head is feeling much better.  I have been hesitant to declare victory, but I dare say I am all better.  Over the last couple of months I have slowly been getting back to my former amount of exercise and activity.   What made me most happy was that it was in time to enjoy at least part of paddleboarding season.  I have been doing it for maybe 4 years now and it is one of my favorite things.  Being on the water is like nothing else.  So that is my excuse for being MIA with the blog.  I was too busy paddling, and getting someone dear to me hooked on the sport as well.  

I was able to do one race this season.  It was towards the end of the summer, and I hadn't trained.  A few people said "Good Luck", which was so sweet, but I wasn't racing to win.  I was racing to be back in the game.  To be with friends and my fellow paddleboarders, doing something we all love.  And it was not an ideal day (sorry guys).  It was upstate New York where apparently they have cold snaps even in August.  It was freezing at the lake at 730am.  Ok, perhaps not technically freezing since it was in the 40s, but that is definitely my definition of freezing...especially anytime prior to Thanksgiving.  

Even still, it was a glorious day.  I was on my board, chasing Nancy the entire 3 miles of the race.  The sun was on my face, the water cooled my feet (since by then the day had warmed up and I was hot from the exertion).  What could be better?  

The CT crew at the Cayuga SUP Cup.  08.2014

So why do we do what we do?  Why do we get up at crazy early hours to jump or run or paddle or peddle?  It is because it feeds our soul.  At least it does for me.  So find some activity that excites you.  And get in the game.  Be active.  Stay healthy.  Get happy.