Sunday, January 10, 2016

Power in Numbers

No matter how many different motivation strategies I discover and try, they all lose luster after a while, and I'm back to the grinding slog of getting myself to do what I need to do. But one strategy that doesn't seem to lose its effectiveness is peer pressure.

Meeting with other people to exercise takes the unpleasantness out of what might otherwise be another boring training session. There are definitely days when I relish a solo workout with nothing but my body and brain to keep my company. But when I only rely on myself to keep me accountable in my training, I get a little soft. I am a very accommodating personal trainer. You worked hard yesterday, go ahead, take a day off. And eat a doughnut. 

Family Track Club saves the day! For the past three weeks, my cousins, siblings, dad, friends, and I have been meeting on Saturdays to run around the middle school track together. We represent a range of ages (1-68) and fitness levels, from marathon runners to 5K walkers. The beauty of the track is we can all move at our own paces, and yet we can all be together, socializing and supporting. Our weekly gatherings are also a reminder that I am part of an amazing family. I belong to an adventurous crew that is up for anything. They're so inspiring!

I'm usually not too enthusiastic about getting out the door on a Saturday morning, but once I'm on the track with a gaggle of people I adore, those laps fly by. Even though we're working hard, the fun numbs the pain (for the most part). Social training is not going to lose its luster any time soon.

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