Very few people who start an exercise program are completely roadblock free. I think that those hurdles look different to everyone. What's most important is to find a way over them (or around them). I have two inspirational friends in Tara and Kelly who have made great strides in their exercise life. I live in Austin, which is an amazing city that loves runners and outside activities. Seriously, there is some sort of a 5K or marathon every weekend in the fall, winter and spring and runners/bikers year round. Most importantly, I like to run. So starting a running regimen should be easy right? Ehh... not so much.
My hurdle is medical. Nothing that would qualify me for a Wheaties box or an inspirational commercial during the Olympics, but challenging none the less. My main issue is that I get migraines. This is bizarre because most people find that regular exercise helps to alleviate migraines. Exercise is what causes mine. No joke. Exercise and heat. Did I mention that I live in Central Texas? So in the past, I would work out and feel wonderful while doing it but then about 30 minutes after start to feel like complete and utter death. Once I made that connection, it was hard to motivate myself to work out. To get past that hurdle, I've had to work with a neurologist and be put on daily migraine medicine. I have to monitor my workouts carefully to make sure I don't get overheated. And at this point, I still can't run or workout outside during the warmer months. There is a lot of start and stop with the C25K plan. Technically, I'm still in week one and even though my legs want to go longer and faster, I can't be sure that my head is up to it.
I don't share this for the sympathy vote, but just so that if you are facing an personal struggles you know that you are not alone. At the end of the day, keep on finding a way to get over the hurdle or around the hurdle. Or if you must, plow into the hurdle and fall to the ground, but make sure you pick yourself up and keep on going.
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