Excuses, excuses...

Excuses... I've used them before... it's too hot, it's too cold, I'm too tired, I have too much to do, my workout clothes are dirty,  etc.   However, I can say for the past 15 months - I've kept the excuses on the shelf.   I've been consistent with three workouts a week - snow, ice, heat and humidity didn't stop me (but they probably slowed me down!).  So, why do I do it?

I evaluated the things that motivate me and my reasons "why" ...

• Family. I talked briefly about my husband's heart disease here, not only was it a huge shock and scare - it was a motivator for me.   I want to be healthy and ALIVE for my family!
• Health.  I guess this goes with my first motivator - family, but I really do want to be fit and healthy.  I want to be an ATHLETE.  PS - It was great to go to my annual physical and see a 14 lb. loss and get an A++ from my doctor.
• Self-esteem.  This is one area I can definitely see an improvment - I feel good about myself & I'm more confident.  It's great to get compliments too!

When I started exercising, I felt like I needed someone to go with me or be with me.  I'm extremely grateful my friend, Angie, was willing to get up EARLY and go with me those first few months. I really feel like I would have thrown in the towel had she not stuck it out with me.  Now, I realize this journey is about me and my goals.  It tooks alot of guts for me to try boot camp -- walking into it - not knowing anyone, but I quickly realized we are all on a similar journey.  While I may not "know" them, they were (and are) extremely encouraging and motivating to me.

I guess the bottom line is ... if the journey isn't about YOU or what motivates YOU, then you are doing it for the wrong reason and that is when we start making the excuses.  You may disagree with me and think that sounds selfish - but in the end you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself.  Set your goals and then reach for the stars!

What motivates you?
Why do you exercise?

Click over to Twelve in Twelve,  Ann wrote a great self-reflection about what the RunStreak challenge taught her.  I think self-reflection and re-evaluating your goals is a GREAT source of motivation and success as well.