Skip to main content

Stress and Exercise

I know for a lot of people Exercise (especially running) has been an awesome stress reducer and I am in total agreement on this.  However; I can't seem to tell my body that when I am trying to get out of bed.  My body thinks that sleep is the best stress reducer.  I work out at 5am so it is dark and cozy in my bedroom and my body likes it that way...:)  I've even had conversations with myself about getting out of bed...mentally running through how easy it would be to get dressed, grab some water and go downstairs...if I go, I can watch XYZ on DVR :)  I think I might be going a little crazy?  Anyone else deal with this...please say yes and tell me I am normal.

I did 2.3 miles this morning and feel great.  I am relaxed and ready to face the day.  I would like to take a snapshot in my mind now that my body can register on those days I am trying to talk myself out of it. 

How do you get yourselves motivated?  Anyone else do workouts super early (it is the only consistent way I can find time and desire to actually get in the workout)?

Also, check out the 500 Mile Challenge comment board.  We are thinking about doing a Virtual 5k where we would pick a date and then all post our times.  The "winner" would get bragging rights.  I am not that fast, but it would be interesting for me to see how everyone's times play out.  We are all in different stages of running, but for the most part I think most of us are just short of a year into running (or just getting ready to pass the 1 year mark). 

Happy Running!

Comments

C. Beth said…
I run early, but not THAT early. :) I'm kind of compulsive about getting in my runs. Lately it's been more of a struggle to allow myself to cut down on miles when my body is telling me to stop.

I think I'd have a harder time with motivation if I had to get up at 5. But when I can't get up, I try to do my run at night instead.
10/9/10, 1:11 PM
Unknown said…
Ashli...I can't get out of bed. I've never been a morning person and can't imagine it's going to change. I actually like working out in the am if I can, but I also do not mind a good old 8:30 pm workout after my kids are in bed. Most people don't get it how I can do it so late, but it doesn't bother me...kinda clears my head of the day and then gets me relaxed for bed. I wish I could tell you how to motivate yourself to get up at 5 am, but I have NO clue! Good luck! Keep on going!
10/10/10, 7:56 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 1 .. Done!

I can't believe that Wednesday marks the beginning of week 2 already.  I feel like I was just telling Liz that I had this idea for a running challenge and shabang...here we are starting week 2!  And people are doing it with me! I logged 10.5 miles in Week 1 (starting off a little ahead never hurts :)).  Overall I felt good about getting the miles in, but I am having a pain in my knee when I run longer than 3 minutes at a time so I am doing mostly intervals.  I think it is my IT Band...I know this is pretty common, but it stinks to have pain.  Anyone have any good suggestions for IT Band therapy.  I have heard of using a foam roller, but have no idea how to use one or even what to buy...suggestions?? Liz has also given me a great idea to do a badge or something to mark progress on this quest.  I am thinking of something, but haven't had much time to devote to it.  I like the idea...what about anyone else doing this journey with...
8 comments
Read more

Daily Mile

My friend Liz  has set up a cool challenge for all of us to track our miles at Daily Mile.  If you want to join the challenge, let me know once  you have an account with Daily Mile (its free!).  Mile counting doesn't start until the day you accept the challenge.  Remember the original challenge time was from September 15, 2010 to September 15, 2011.  If you are keeping pace at 10 miles per week, that will give you 520 miles total so if you start the challenge this week, you should still be able to stay on track and get 500 miles in before the end date! I have 3 miles to do tomorrow.  I am looking forward to it.  I really need to find the time to get some new shoes so that I can actually run more.  I keep trying, but my knee is killing me.  I just haven't had time this week to do anything about it, but walking is better than nothing right? I added the Daily Mile widget at the left so you can see my progress as I post my workouts there...
4 comments
Read more

Amazing Grace (3)

This past week at church a group of men sang a fabulous rendition of Amazing Grace in a style I would describe as a southern quartet with instruments...It was truly amazing to see God's heart cry out to us through their song... (I guess it kind of reminded me of O Brother, Where Art Thou? even though I have never really seen the movie, just the style I guess.) This week, we focus on verse 3 of the original. Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,. And grace will lead me home. Our pastor read from Psalm 31 tonight and reminded me that from the beginning of time, we have been faced with challenges, but that God has been there EVERY time....we are here, we are breathing and we each have our own unique ability to share this Good News with someone. The last line in the Message Paraphrase says: Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon. Do we remember to live with this expectation that the grace of Go...
2 comments
Read more