Excuses are wonderful ways to get out of doing things you're scared to do.
Here are some crappy excuses I've used over the last 2 weeks:- I can't ride my bike because I don't have time
- I can't ride my bike because I don't have any pedals
- I can't ride my bike because I don't know how to put the wheels back on
- I'll just do RPM instead of going for a run/going for a ride
- I'm doing some swimming drills to feel more comfortable in the pool instead of getting lessons
- I won't do the Splash and Dash race I registered for because I think it might discourage me when I fail
- My knee is getting sore from all the running - I should stretch instead
- I don't want to stretch, I hate how much it hurts.
- I don't have anything to write about in my blog. I'll write it next week.
Have a guess as to how far these have pushed me in my training. Here's a hint, I still can't swim and I haven't ridden my beautiful, neglected bike.
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| I know my Aunty is going to have a field day challenging me on these excuses. |
So where am I?
One month down and to be quite honest I'm feeling like I've wasted an eternity. I'm in the zone which gets you nowhere. Im in... (gasp) the "Comfort Zone".
The comfort zone is a place full of puppies and rainbows, sunshine, white sandy beaches and pizza that doesn't make you fat. In other words, dreams. What it most certainly does not contain is blood, sweat and tears. You can't possibly hurt yourself or fail in this special, protective place.
Today while teaching an RPM class, I heard myself say something like "If you don't take the risk now, you miss the chance to really challenge your strength". I realised who I was really saying that to and who really needed that motivation. Me. This little epiphany shifted me into a surprisingly positive mindset. I suddenly fell in love with an RPM release I've had trouble connecting to, I turned up that BodyBike resistance higher than I really wanted to and I was suddenly excited about registering for this race.
I also reminded myself how much I sweat when I work hard. It. Was. Gross. (But awesome).
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| I'm not often excited about spending $200+ unless it's on shoes or Lululemon but something tells me THIS will be worth it. |
The only way out
Take a risk.
Make time. Print off your training plan and stick to it. Figure out how to put the wheels on your bike and then do it. Put the pedals your awesome trainer bought for you on your bike. Put your helmet on and ride the f*cking thing. Book some swimming lessons you're committed to go to. Register in another Splash and Dash and ensure you are ready to do it. Stretch. Seriously, shut up and stretch. Oh, and while you're at it, use the foam roller too. Give yourself something to write about!
If you don't take the risk now, you miss the chance to challenge ANYTHING.
I'll post photos tomorrow to prove that I have put my bike back together and that I went for the swim on my programme. I should buy a GoPro.
