Moving Meditation- Breaking Routine

It's the third day of fall and already the weather change is taking it's toll on my body. I rarely get sick, but there's something about the transition from summer humidity and steaming temperatures to brisk fall mornings and chilly nights that brings fatigue, a scratchy throat, and headaches. I assume my susceptibility is due to multiple factors mainly the fact that I've been pushing myself extra hard in my training lately, doubling volume on some days, not to mention a few late nights. 

I felt my worst on Wednesday, but after training my morning clients I began to feel better. I told myself I'll take it easy and just do steady state cardio...for an hour. The intensity must have been manageable, because on Thursday I felt excellent and resumed my normal schedule, Friday was even better, but immediately after an intense lower body circuit I began to feel the fatigue and nauseaousness setting in. Now, even a cough was developing. 

I'm spending the weekend at the beach. I told myself I get more rest here. I woke up this morning later than usual, my body needed the rest. I desperately wanted to continue with my normal training routine despite feeling spacey and congested. I went out to the beach for an early morning run. As I walked towards the water I knew I didn't want to run. I tried to convince myself that I would feel much better afterwards. This is the routine I love to do when I'm at the beach. The sun was coming up and the sky was beautiful. I'm not here everyday so I must make the most of it. 

It was as if there was a debate going inside my head-to run or not to run? "It's the end of the week, this workout is part of my routine. I don't want to get thrown off schedule." I know this may seem extreme, but when habits are set, good or bad, they are hard to break.  

You read a lot about motivation, in fact I write about this topic all the time; it's my favorite. "Just do it." "You'll feel so much better afterwards." "It's not always going to be easy, but it will be worth it." Sometimes you just have to listen to your body. You're on the right track when your fitness level and goals are a priority, but sometimes you may need to take a break from your exercise routine for a day or even a week to avoid overtraining. Overtraining can leave you with the exact opposite results you're striving for. It's not an illness that you see a doctor about and there is no prescription to cure it. All you can do is rest.  

Be in tune to your body. It will let you know what it needs and what it doesn't. Your body gets stronger with recovery, don't be afraid to say no to a workout when you're feeling under the weather or stressed beyond belief. It doesn't make you less disciplined. It's not turning your back on your goals. It's being smart. My motto is train smarter not harder. Training smart is being intuitive and staying balanced. Push yourself hard in your workouts, but allow time for recovery, and don't forget to explore other activities in life that bring you joy. 

I guess my mind gave into my body's pleads. I couldn't even pick up the pace; I didn't even try.  As the ocean water spread out before me I simply dipped my toe, turned around, and walked up the dune. It was high tide anyways. Time for breakfast.