How can I escape routine?

Question

I used to do aerobics, as I got more fit it didn't make me feel better anymore so I would rewind it and do it again, but I got into a routine where I had to do the same I did the day before. & what I did the day before kept getting longer. The relief of finishing the ritualistic routine always gave me energy and excitement to do some other exercise but that would add itself to the other routine the following day. So everything I started off doing because I liked it was turned into something I had to do. I found that running was one way I could get away from the routine and outside of the house. But now running is being turned against me. How far I ran yesterday taunted me the whole time I ran the following day and now it is how fast and up how many hills. I can't run fast enough to feel better, fast enough to escape the thoughts of failure. How can I reprogram my mind so that I can enjoy what I am doing and not be burdened by it.

Answer 1

Welcome to the world of plateaus. It sounds like you are fitness oriented, which is great. It sounds like your works are fairly one-dimensional. Meaning, you do the same thing every day until you get bored of them.

I'd urge you to mix things up. Maybe hit the weights on certain days and do running on others.

Also, you must schedule easy days. Trying to run faster each day is only going to bring on heartache and misery.

I think you need to get out of the mind set of competing with yourself every time you go out and do a physical activity. I know it can be challenging, but you have to realize you cannot beat yourself or set a new personal record everytime you tie up your shoes and hit the road.

That being said, enjoy the fact that you are fit and can do physical activities. As a competitive runner, I know that sometimes I turn off my watch when I am running and just get out and enjoy the scenery. This is extremely tough to do because I feel like I am slacking or not trying hard enough. But I've come to accept that not every day I am going to shatter my previous record (it gets harder every day). Some days I am just 'burning calories' and other days I am working on a specific goal.

This guy writes some nice columns: http://www.johnbingham.com/. He's a slower runner, but he's always got nice things to say about being fit and able to run. Check him out in http://www.runnersworld.com or in their magazine. He's helped me from beating myself up after a poor race effort or when I am in a slump.

Good luck.

Answer 2

seek out something different to do every day

Answer 3

well choose a routine which your comfortable with