So, I’ve written about my Inner Lizard, the shrieking beastie who lives inside each of us and needles us whenever we stretch ourselves. The one who says: that’ll never fit, you can’t accomplish that, go back to the couch. Mine isn’t the voice of anyone but her, that Negative Nancy Naysayer who lurks within and dines on failures.
5 weeks ago, I started on the Couch25K running program and I’ve mentioned how much I’m enjoying myself and how good it feels to just be doing it.
5 weeks ago, I couldn’t run 60 seconds. Last night, I ran 900 (15 minutes).
Here’s how the conversation went when the beastie showed herself yet again:
Me: I think I can really do this, it’s not that bad.
Her: Are you kidding me? You’re a rookie and the couch is calling …
Me: Man, that first run is always the toughest, my feet feel like lead.
Her: Yeah, you said that last time.
Me: Wow! 11 min down already!
Her: 19 to go, you’ll never make it.
Me: Who knew that running slow is harder than running fast?
Her: Running is hard period, are you sure you wouldn’t rather be on the couch?
Me: Wow! 22 min down!
Her: Can you hear your breathing? You sound like a sick cow!
Me: That last segment was tough, my legs are sure burning now.
Her: They’re burning ‘cause they’re about to give out.
Me: The sweat is pouring off me; I feel like I can do anything!
Her: You know you want to quit.
Me: Hey! 26 min down, time for my cool-down – HOOAH!
Her: …. silence ….
What does your “Inner Beastie” like to dine on?
Because you can, you did it! Go MJ, go girl (not her).
yes! And it feels good 🙂
MJ
Standing Ovation from over here!! Great job MJ. I adore that quote, always have.
~d.
p.s. My inner beastie dines on blasted negativity too. Good to keep the cupboard bare in that department. 🙂
Thank you, D. Last night I was due to start week 5 but I thought maybe I’ll just do 1 more round of week 4 … then … I raced to the computer an uploaded week 5 anyways. And I didn’t perish 🙂 Whoop Whoop!
I think all inner beasties dine on negativity and snarkiness. Glad to hear you are keeping keeping the pantry low .. MJ
Good for you, MJ! And that’s a great quote. I’m afraid my morning walks have fallen by the wayside, since we’ve been staying with my in-laws. I’m hoping that will turn around soon – I haven’t even gotten near a set of scales recently….too afraid! (My negative Nancy is saying: “girl, you’ve probably gained SOOO much weight…!)
I hear you there .. is there any way you can go for 2 short walks every day? Surely you can step away for 15 min or so? Or is that just not an option .. I understand how that goes.
Tell NN to zip it 🙂 MJ
I think I’ve just been using this as an excuse. My best time to walk is EARLY in the morning, and we’ve been staying overnight with the inlaws. Planning to do better next week!
You’ll be fine; you are where you should be 🙂 MJ
I call my person “Negative Nelly’ and she attacks when I am writing for clients. I have to do research or look back at old articles to remind myself I can do whatever it is I need to do.
Good for you, Rumbly; just having your other articles handy surely must silence Nelly 🙂
MJ
Congrats on the running. Weren’t you recovering from foot surgery a year ago?
I’ve always loved to run and it has been fun to pick it up again; yes, last year I had foot surgery and while that was God-awful to go through, I’m glad I did it b/c I have no foot pain now. Could not have ran a year ago, no way.
MJ
Awesome! Sometimes my inner lizard is more like a kimodo dragon. You’ve just got to keep going for whatever it is you want to accomplish. And you are a bright shining example.
Kimodo! I like the imagery, Renee .. brilliant! I have always been good at starting exercise programs but not as good at staying with them. This is one that I will stay with b/c I like it 🙂
MJ
Woo-hoo, MJ! Keep it up! Glad you are successful in ignoring your beastie.
you know it! How’s that ankle doing, Jeannette? MJ
Good for you, MJ! I need to get back into the exercise routine. I seem to go along for a good while, then something breaks the routine and it’s hard to start over again. I’m so proud of you. Keep up the good work!
Thank you. I think the timing was just right; now I am hooked and looking forward to my next run (tomorrow). The best part is that the program slowly challenges and conditions you, I can’t say enough good things about the Couch25K (free) program! MJ
Doesn’t it feel AMAZING!! My inner beastie and I have very similar conversations 🙂
Yes! I love to push through and find new milestones to beat — very empowering. Maybe your inner beastie and mine have met? 🙂 MJ
I bet those beasties have met! We are totally stronger than they are 🙂
totally — today I will do 2 8 min runs and 3 5 min walks 🙂 It’s a crisp, sunny autumn day = perfect!! MJ
Right now my inner beastie is feeding on your great success! Congrats, my friend!
Hugs,
Kathy
Hee hee! Thanks Kathy 🙂 MJ
YaY! Go Girl! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
MJ