You hold the key

Today I really didn't feel like getting up and following my routine. My body was aching from the weekend's activities. I was tired. But I opened my twitter and was inspired again by @datruss and @kellywchris have been posting regularly about the #SDFitnessChallenge. They do various fitness routines, which I like to refer to as "stunts" such as handstand shoulder and hip taps.

I haven't quite caught on to that yet, but for me it continues mainly to be running. And the only way for me to safely "socially distance" get in my runs is on rainy days or early in the morning when the trails are empty. What's still challenging in my routine is that it never feels easy to get up early or go out when the conditions aren't great. Every run I do takes hard work, persistence, and sacrifice. I wrote about this previously here. I don't want to go out some days, but I do it anyways.

Being socially distanced in these fitness routines isn't just about avoiding people. It's about pushing through despite the challenges of being restricted from what we might normally be able to do. My gym has been closed for almost 2 months, and the trails have become overcrowded during regular, warm sunny days. I think it's important to remember that we are not looking for a way around this. And if we waited, stopped or ignored what is happening then we would truly be avoiding the reality and might just give up. This is about going through this challenge. I was inspired by @negar_puye and I posted about this before here.

Today I had slept in though, so I rushed to have my coffee and through on some shorts, a t-shirt and my runners. I took my phone, earbuds and a house key. I quickly started right into my run and realized that these shorts didn't have that secret key pocket, so I had to hold my key in my hand so I wouldn't lose it. Near the end of the run my hand started to hurt and I looked down to see the key imprinted on my fingers.

When I looked down at my pulsating fingers, it made me think...you hold the key to what is possible. You make the biggest impression on your own life. Be grateful for having people in your life who inspire you to be better. But if you just sit idly on the sidelines, watching their routines and posts, then you have done yourself and them a disservice. The only way to experience what is possible is to make it possible! Unlock the potential that you have inside of you!

Appearances can be deceiving, same with our expectations

Today I decided to go out for my run despite the ominous clouds rolling in on the horizon. As my run progressed, the skies opened up and so did my mind and spirit. Sometimes, now, I am struggling to get out as much. My routine I had been building pre-COVID suddenly slowed way down, and I have been searching for my new routine ever since. I am still determined, however, to keep moving forward - not just in my running - but in other aspects of my life as well.

Our routines, and the search for new rhythms in routines, can keep us going even when it looks a little rough and uncertain out there. The ability to rely on our routines might be more in question right now given our new realities, and this might cause some people to just be waiting for things to normalize, so they can get back to their old routines. I see a problem in that kind of thinking though. Sitting back and waiting will not help us now and will not prepare us for what’s next. The way I see it is, either you are stopped and stagnant, or you are moving forward and growing. If you do nothing, essentially you are saying I won’t. I won't learn, I won’t grow. There is no moving backwards, either you have given up and you have stopped, or you are willing to take some risks and move forward.

I don't want to sound harsh, and certainly there are some very challenging situations affecting people's mental health and physical well-being right now. We all need to be safe and take precautions, but I urge you not to give in right now or give up. The routines you are fighting to find right now, as painful and scary as they might be at times, are critically important for your well-being. This isn't just about physical routines either.

Innovations come from having to solve problems in a time that is uncomfortable and restricted. I am learning how to make videos and post to YouTube, for example. NBD right!? I mean there's millions of people doing this, but here’s the point - every new small step we each take is growth and learning. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge this. Don’t compare yourself to someone else. This is about your growth and journey. So celebrate each step you take forward!

Repetition in routines may seem nauseating at times, or even too challenging at times to continue given our new realities; however, over time they help us to measure our progress, even if very slowly. Regular routines help our thoughts and actions because over time they are pressed, tested, and even scrutinized - if we share them publicly. The resulting changes become part of our new mindset and encourage us to go on, even when we don't feel like doing so.

It might seem contradictory, but being connected to others can inspire us in our routines. Don't compare your progress to others, but be inspired by them! Two educators that I follow, (@datruss and @kellywchris) post regularly about their shoulder press/handstand routine challenge, as well as educational leadership writings. What I notice, when I follow other educators who share daily like this, are the small, incremental changes that become noticeable over time. This actually encourages me to reflect on my own progress and keep moving forward. I am not doing my own shoulder press challenge, but some days in seeing their posts, it's what gets me off the couch and lifts my spirits to try again and go out for a run.

Sometimes it may seem like we are moving backwards when we post a slower time, can't do as many reps, or generally we aren't doing as much as we did before. Today was supposed to be my marathon run day - 42 KM. I stopped my intense training when COVID hit, so I was not in any shape to sustain that distance today. But I did run 15 KM, and it was amazing to be outside and enjoying my run. I have run much further before, I have run farther, but I did run 15 KM today. I'm learning to appreciate the progress I am making over time. I actually have a spreadsheet where I'm tracking my progress. It might be deflating if I compare my results over the past couple of months, but a year ago I couldn't even run 1 KM without stopping. If I didn't go out today I would have posted 0 KM. It's all about perspective.

Appearances can be deceiving, same with our expectations. Don't worry if you did less today than you might have last week or last month. Taking time to re-evaluate is good, but don't stop there. Adapt. Change. Learn. Grow. Take action...and don't be afraid to get back out there, even when it looks or feels a little dark and scary.