Rediscovering My Will Power

June 23, 2015

As a runner and someone who has what some may consider a severe Type-A personality, I find the task of trying to silence my mind and the voices in my head to be a challenge. Whether I’m in bed trying to fall asleep, out on a run or just trying to do something mindless, my brain is thinking, thinking, thinking. Creating mental to-do lists. Drafting emails. Writing blog posts. Planning. Thinking, thinking, thinking.

Since the beginning of 2015, I’ve been doing a lot of restorative yoga as a regular part of my training. While it started as a way to help prevent injury, do more deep stretching and take care of my body so I can run stronger, it has actually done just as much for calming my mind. Meditation isn’t something that I would consider to be “my thing.” I’m not really comfortable ohming it up or talking about finding inner peace and a third eye and all those other things that make me a tad uncomfortable for some unknown reason. But, I’ve come to learn that being quiet and silent, focusing on my breathing and just trying to let go is freeing. Some days despite focused breathing and a quiet space, my mind is still racing. But every once in a while, I can get my mind to drift off into complete calmness. And I keep going back every time hoping I’ll be able to conquer that each class.

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During many of my restorative classes, the instructors often ask us to set an intention for the class. It’s typically a word that we are encouraged to come back to when our mind begins to wander. A single word or phrase that we can repeat and focus on. Some days I choose courage. Other days I choose strength. This week, I chose will power.

Lately, my will power has been waning like a flickering candle that’s about to burn out. With having to take a week off of running and exercise last week, you would have thought I was simultaneously taking a week off of eating right as well. My early morning wake up calls to seize the day have also been getting later and later. Snooze. Sugar. Snooze. Sugar. Repeat.

So this week, I’m focusing on will power. Being stronger in the moment and holding on to what I want most over what I want now. That doesn’t mean setting stringent rules or restrictions, it just means making better choices more often. It felt good to start running again this week, even if my first run back was in the pouring rain and slow as molasses. It doesn’t matter how fast or far we go sometimes, all that matters is that we give it our best and we get it done. Will power.

What is your intention for this week?

Comments

Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home

Oh my gosh. Are you me? I could have written this post. I joke that I’m type A++. While that intensity lends itself to some pretty good performance on the road (and at work), it also makes me pretty tense. Yoga helps a ton with that. So does wine.

rUnladylike

Haha Wendy. Glad we’re not alone. Here’s to some deep stretching and good wine. xo

Allie

I can so relate to the struggles of quieting the mind! Mine never shuts up! I have, over the years, made a conscious effort to do exactly what you’re doing and summer is the perfect time to find some stillness…at least in my head!

Kimberly @ Healthy Strides

Meditation … also not my thing. I took a class in college, and I would show up significantly late each session because I could never meditate for the prescribed time. I ended up talking my prof into letting me count yoga as meditation.

I think my intention will be kindness. I’m struggling a bit with post-baby body image, and I need to be kind to myself. BUT, I also need to be kind to my body by treating it to healthful foods and not all.the.sugar.

Here’s to a good week!

Dietitian Jess

My intention for the week is to take it easy with my workouts, taper correctly, and not overdo it going into race week. Concentrating on focus and not obsessively checking the weather!

Laura @ This Runner's Recipes

Yes, I totally relate to not being able to shut off that voice in my head. I used to watch TV or use my phone right before bed to cancel out that noise, but I’m working on just silencing it and falling asleep to silence. So far it’s actually helped my sleep!

Nicole

I’ve also been getting a lot more out of yoga lately on the mental side of things. It’s great what just being exposed to that calming environment a day or two a week can do. Glad you’re enjoying it!

Lora @ Crazy Running Girl

Oh this is so me! I’ve tried yoga and am so bad at calming my mind. Maybe I need to try again!

Olivia Crew

I can completely relate. I too had to take off a week from running (sinusy head-cold) and am just now getting back into it. I’m having a hard time readjust to my normal routine after a few weeks of work-related travel, so it’s been a bit of a frustrating couple of days. But I know it’s only temporary – gotta focus on will power and appreciating the moment!

rUnladylike

You’ve got this Olivia! I know you’ll get your mojo back. Sending a hug and high five your way virtually. xo