Must...Keep...Going....

Okay, this whole consistency thing is now a real thorn in my side. I'm only 12 days into my 60 (48 to go!) and I'm already starting to feel like I'm hitting a wall. I really hope that I can get into a groove and forcing myself to exercise will turn into looking forward to exercise.

I ran on Saturday. It was only a half-hour and a little under 3 miles, but my shins are still griping loudly at me for abusing them. (Caren thinks I should have spent more time on asphalt and less on sidewalk - but asphalt is pretty hard too, right?)

Monday I could hardly stand the idea of getting on the treadmill - regardless of my fancy new shoes. Caren encouraged me to walk instead of run and I was only able to make it for about 10 minutes before my shins decided they'd had enough and it was time to go on holiday.

This week and the week of Christmas I anticipate to be my biggest challenges. Why on earth would you want to get out and exercise when there's food to be eaten and laziness to be indulged in?

Mostly because I want a stinkin' Rockhopper, that's why.

Consistency

In the last several years I've discovered a serious character flaw. I've observed it in some of my relatives and have often wondered if it hereditary or a product of my upbringing (no offense guys - just an observation). Regardless of where this flaw originates I have discovered I have a serious problem with consistency.

It often manifests itself in two forms: 1) inability to remain constant in a repetitive task (scripture study, exercise, money management, etc) and 2) a perpetual desire to experience something new (often manifested by a desire to try new food, become restless in a job, try to learn a new skill that I'll never succeed in, etc.). I've never considered the two related, but it makes sense that they stem from the same character flaw: inconsistency.

Caren, however, has the most consistent person on the planet and has been a major force in helping me overcome my flaw in a number of areas.

My inability to remain consistent has recently rendered my exercise efforts completely useless. One or two days a week - then a two week hiatus isn't exactly a catalyst for real change. With exercise I find it difficult to remain driven for results - mostly because my brief forays have never produced any real change and I find it easy to lose desire.

Well, I'm out to change that - at least in the exercise realm - once and for all. Caren is again aiding me in my quest to become consistent. She and I struck a deal last night: if I can exercise five days a week for eight weeks we will set aside money for a new bike.

If I miss one day, I have to start over. So it's in my best interest to make sure I do this right the first time.

Granted I'm only on Day Two of my 60 day quest, but I have high hopes. After all, I'm highly motivated - for now.

Training

Today I made several small sqeaks, er steps toward our Ride next year. It sure doesn't feel like much working out in the basement on a squeaky gazelle, but it is a step in the right direction. I think it would be good to have a section where we can log our exercise/training. I know if I saw others posting their training, it would motivate me a little more. After all..."When Performance is measured, performance improves. But when performance is measured and reported, performance improves dramatically." I posted a sidebar with a list feature. It seems somewhat lacking, but I can't think of anything else at the moment. Any thoughts? Have you seen any HTML Gadgets that can be put on the side?