Something inside me just clicked. I don't know how else to explain it. I saw a show on tv one night, started thinking about running a half marathon, asked for some workout clothes for Christmas, and put one foot in front of the other to start the journey I'm on. Very little of my motivation is from other people, the encouragement is wonderful and the pats on the back are too, but the hard, cold, fact of achieving this is it is really up to me to make it happen this year. It's difficult to go down to the basement and get on an elliptical after putting four kids to bed and completing whatever has to be finished at the house each time. Once I get down there, I'm in it and I love it, but the actual changing into workout clothes, strapping on my tennis shoes, and filling up the water bottle is really tough at 10:00 each night.
So, what do I do to keep my motivation? I have several crazy things that keep me going. I listen to country music while I run. It reminds me that I want to do the half marathon in Nashville and helps me keep my eyes on the prize so to speak. I have the gift tag that Shannon wrote on with the workout clothes he got me for Christmas. I have the Olympic metal the boys and I made for our family during the games. I have the count down and number I wore from my first race. And my favorite right now, I have started a bit of a graffiti wall on the concrete block walls in the basement (with sidewalk chalk). I put sayings that help me focus and inspirational quotes. I write the dates of my races and milestone accomplishments like what date I completed my first 100 miles. I had the boys write and draw a little something for me to see as well.
The main thing I wanted was to keep inspiration in front of me. I want to be able to look at that wall and have it speak to me to give me what I need at that time to push through and accomplish my goal. It's taken and will take even more discipline for me to reach it for the fall, but I really want it. I want it for me, I want to inspire others and give back, but most of all, I want it to be something that my family sees and remembers when they face something tough and remember my accomplishment and know that if mom can do it- they can too. I hope it gives them the motivation they need to dream big dreams and reach for the stars! I can't wait to see what they accomplish and celebrate with them just like they are doing with me each day!
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