Motivation

Sitting here at my dining table eating a large ramekin full of yogurt looking at the rain pouring outside, it's hard to remember how beautifully sunny it was this morning. For the first time in what feels like a long long time the sun was out and it actually felt warm! I couldn't wait to get outside and enjoy it, so off I went for a run. So glad I did - looking outside now I definitely made the most of it.

It made me think - some days motivation to exercise is much easier to find than others. This morning the sun did all the motivating for me! But other days when the rain's pouring and I'm feeling worn out from the day it takes all the energy I've got left just to get my kit on! But I always feel so much better and more alive for it and as soon I'm back I wonder what all the fuss was about!

We all need motivating or to motivate ourselves in different ways. I've definitely learned to identify when my motivational tools are not great - running because I've had a 'fat day' or because so and so looked thinner than me today or because I've got to be better at running/training than the next person is NOT healthy for me or a good reason to workout. These motivations just highlight insecurities in me. Over time I've become quicker at recognising these things in myself and making sure I'm doing it for the right reasons - far from perfect yet though!

Enjoying being outside, fresh air, building a strong healthy body, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, being with friends, knowing how much better I feel afterwards...these are some of my motivational tools these days :) These things keep me going on days when I'm tired or my body won't do what I want it to and keep it all in perspective. Sometimes a good song (namely 'Greyhound' - Swedish House Mafia - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hBRKSIj2tMc) gets me through a good old spin class or a sunny day lures me outdoors when I'm tired and wakes me up again.

We've all got our own ways of motivating ourselves - what are yours?