September 26th, 2015 A Mental Juggling Act

September 26th, 2015 A Mental Juggling Act

Setting up accountability and support measures are two of the most critical important points of focus in my opinion. Without mine in place, I wouldn't be writing this--and honestly, I'd likely be back to my heaviest weight in record time. 

Over two months ago, I declared my goal in this blog and on my radio show. I'm going to jog the Carter's Run 5K without stopping or walking. I couldn't imagine jogging too much more than a minute without stopping when this declaration was made. This is a prime example of employing accountability and support measures. Had I kept it to myself, I wouldn't have done it, I guarantee. I did it this morning.
photo at20the20finish_zpsbx3ggaks.jpg
My pace was slow, but I never broke the jogging stride. It was a struggle. Right after the starting gun, I naturally started trying to keep up with others. I quickly had to slow my pace and refocus on the most literal interpretation of consistency beats intensity. I wasn't competing against other runners. I was competing with myself.

I took the wrong course on Wednesday's trial run. Upon arriving this morning, I discovered the opening leg of this 5K went up and around a big hill. I wasn't planning on this. Between the automatic response of trying to keep up from the start and this hill, it wasn't looking good early. I was surprised at how my brain immediately started generating really good reasons why I couldn't or shouldn't do it without walking or stopping and this was in the first five minutes!! I mean really, there's nothing wrong with walking or stopping--it's just, I couldn't. This was a goal that meant something to me. I had to quickly change my focused thoughts by concentrating on the music and the thought that every stride is getting me closer to the finish, while maintaining a pace I could handle for the duration. It was a mental juggling act.

Once I made it past the half-way point, I started getting mentally strong. And once I crossed the bridge toward the home stretch, there wasn't any way I was breaking the jogging stride.
  photo runningthe5K_zpsmwphzeai.jpg
Finishing the 5K and accomplishing my goal was incredibly rewarding. I sat down in the sun, drank some water and ate a couple of banana chunks. It felt incredible. And it was awesome to be a part of something incredibly important. This run was in benefit of autism research and awareness.

I took this natural high to my car and ran some errands with the medal around my neck and my bib number still attached. I was proud! I bought a few things and headed home to prepare a good lunch.

A midday nap was needed and I took it in order to be my best for the wedding I was asked to dj tonight. The wedding couldn't have gone better.

The 5K this morning, the wedding tonight-- it was a full day I'll not soon forget.

I wanted to elaborate on the latest Winning Loser Video Blog, but I'll need to save that for tomorrow night. I'm exhausted tonight.

Letting the tweets take it the rest of the way.

My Tweets Today:




































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di