Monday, February 7, 2011

Streaks - Harder than I Thought

The idea of a streak was originally appealing to me because the time commitment required isn't very large. Thinking about it, I realized I didn't need more than 10-15 minutes to do the things I set out to do (run at least 1 mile and do 100 situps per day). I still believe that's the case. What I didn't account for, though, was the process of getting ready and being in the right mindset. Getting ready and actually going to the gym or to Central Park is usually something of an event. This streak has made me rethink that approach. Yesterday, for instance. I waited until the very last minute to do my run and I knew that I didn't have time to make a production of finding appropriate clothes and such. I'm sure you're thinking, "can getting ready for a workout be that big a deal." I guess it's not that it's a big deal, but I realized that prepping for the workout is definitely something to take into consideration. Yesterday I didn't want to be bothered with all of it so I went in the clothes I was wearing. Jeans and all. It was kind of weird but a little liberating as well.

What takes getting used to is not the workout itself, it's the idea that not everything has to be just right in order for me to squeeze a workout into a busy day. Sometimes Jeremy runs to or from somewhere he needs to be during the day. I wasn't the biggest fan of this idea because I always thought it would be strange to just run around in the clothes you're wearing. I'm beginning to rethink that. Soon, hopefully, I'll be able to manage this streak without doing so much thinking.

4 comments:

  1. I'm still crafting my streak, and wanting to add the dimension that it's something I work up to... my current thought being able to hold a 2-minute-truly-flat-ass-forearm plank. Now, I definitely cannot do that right now, and if I have to alternate between straight arm and forearm until I can do all forearm, so be it. I'm going to meditate on it another day or so, but really like that I can conceivably do it anywhere, clothed any way (or naked, whee!) and in any weather. Plus, it would just be super bad-ass...

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  2. I'm of the opinion that, as long as whatever adjustments you make build upon the original streak, it can evolve over time. You could start the streak as doing a 1 minute plank and then increase the time to 2. As long as you've not only maintained the original goal, but gone above and beyond. However you decide to do it, just let me know when you're ready to join the list!

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  3. I agree with SlowPoke, Sailor! Don't over think it...just DO it. I like starting with 1 minute and building up to 2. That's really the point right? Not only to do something every day for X days but to see an improvement after that time...

    Damage

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  4. The prep time is SO true. That's why my best workouts happen when I get to the gym and I'm still half asleep. I find myself suddenly on a treadmill, dressed in my running gear, and fiddling with my ipod and I'm like "whoa. when did this happen?" and then I realize I'm already there anyway so I may as well go ahead and run. it's best not to over think it. I've been over thinking ever step of it all week and I think that's part of what my hang up has been.

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