That Elusive Motivation

I just finished a little treadmill workout after finding myself with a bit of energy to burn (I do admit that it may have been the 1/2 cup of strong coffee I had when I got home from work).  4 miles completed in 35:45 minutes...it's been a long while since maintaining a 9 min/mile pace felt 'comfortable'.  And it's not very often that I DON'T have force myself, kicking and screaming, to exercise.  Yes, even after all this time, I struggle with motivation.  So, I wasn't going to question things today as I quickly changed into my running gear.

Many people ask about motivation, where to find it, how to get, and how to keep it.  But, for people like me, it can be very elusive.  I exercise because I have to.  Although I always feel better after working out, I generally have to convince myself to get off my ass and move.  Accountability certainly helps but since I don't have a lot of local fitness freak friends to rely on I have leaned to count on my cyber friends.  Currently, I report my workouts on dailymile.com and Nutrisystem.com and I feel really bad when I have nothing to log.

Committing to some challenges helps motivate me as well.  Whether it's registering for a 5k or taking on the 10,000 kettlebell swing challenge, I have found that 'publicly announcing' my challenges has really boosted my motivation level.  Generally I post these challenges on Facebook, my blog and Nutrisystem....and being the (stubborn) go-getter that I am, I would rather drag my ass through a workout then have to announce that I 'failed'.

That's what works for me...no real words of wisdom or magic mantra to share that will spark the desire to "just do it".   Working out is hard, I won't lie.  But it is also fun and rewarding and those things far out weigh the alternative.  So I do whatever it takes...yelling, bribing, and tricking myself, as necessary, to get it done.  So, when I have these kinds of days, where I find myself WANTING to run, I have to take advantage and try to hold on to that feeling.  I'm still holding out that soon I will have more days like this, and less days where I have to force myself into action.

I also see a lot of people with questions about what to eat after working out, one of my favorite recovery snacks after a good, hard work out is Greek yogurt.  It has the perfect blend of protein and carbohydrates to help in a speedy recovery and I love it's thick texture.  


Now for something exciting!!!  I just ran across a Chobani Yogurt giveaway contest on Healthy Cultivation's blog.  It's my (and your) opportunity to win a 12 pack sampler of their fantastic Greek yogurts!!  You have until 8:00pm Eastern on Thursday, January 27, 2011 to enter. Check out the post here.  

Here is one of my new favorite recipes using greek yogurt (I got the idea from another blog but can't find the bookmark so forgive me for not quoting the origin).  I alternate between this and a slightly altered version of the Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal from Iowa Girl Eats blog for breakfast every single morning.

The Morning After Oatmeal and Yogurt

1/2 cup dry oatmeal

1/8-1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

6 oz nonfat plain greek yogurt

1/3 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup sugar-free maple flavored syrup

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Enjoy the next morning!!  

*Sometimes I cut up a small banana on top...delicious and nutritious!