Keeping Motivated During a Heatwave...

SharonG
on 7/11/10 11:57 am - Arlington, VA
Just wondering what you all do to keep moving when the weather outside is hot and miserable.  Recently, we had several hot and humid days that approached 100 degrees.  I made it to the gym to exercise a few times, but it was really hard to push myself to move!   With some mild exercise induced asthma, I did not want to risk outdoor exercise in the heat. 

To keep myself working out during the summer, I signed up for a 10K in November.  My first half marathon was over in June - I don't want to start training all over again!.  But running more than a few miles on the treadmill is akin to sticking needles in my eye.  I have been focusing on the elliptical and stairmaster at the gym as well as weight work and getting on the treadmill under protest.

What keeps you motivated and moving, especially when conditions are not ideal?

Sharon 

Rob S.
on 7/11/10 12:06 pm - DE
Since exercise is more fun than my actual job, I don't mind getting out early (5am) to avoid the heat and humidity.  I hate the dreadmill so I wouldn't think about using the gym for anything but weights.  Find a partner to run and cycle with to keep you accountable, so that you don't have much choice but to get out there.  We also drop water bottles along our long routes so that we can stay hydrated.  We also get out there at 7pm after the majority of the heat is gone.  Hope things better soon.
Rob
Seht
on 7/11/10 12:49 pm
Can you or do you have a place to swim?  You can swim laps and get a great workout.
Running in the evening when the sun has gone down far enough that you aren't working out under the direct blaze of the sun.  But it's still light enough out that you aren't having to worry about running in the dark.

You can do the same thing early in the morning.

The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!

SharonG
on 7/11/10 1:35 pm - Arlington, VA
See my replay below, Seht.  What do you do to stay motivated when conditions are not optimal?
niffer1283
on 7/11/10 1:08 pm - Richmond, IN
I do my workouts usually at 6:00 a.m. - that's when the city's municipal pool opens for lap swimmers, and also when the Wellness Center I go to opens. In the wintertime I use the treadmill or stationary bike, but if I can I'd much rather just start very early and do it outside.

Jenny
He is ill clothed that is bare of virtue. ~~ Benjamin Franklin

RNY 05/29/2008
http://www.jensgyrations.blogspot.com



SharonG
on 7/11/10 1:34 pm - Arlington, VA

I am working around shoulder issues at the moment, so swimming is totally out.  I did laps with a kickboard last night, but that is about it.  People with breathing conditions are advised to not work out outside on code red and orange days. 

I am exercising, even though it is harder right now.  Just thought people could share what they do to stay motivated.

I find it very helpful to hear how other people stay motivated and thought others might feel the same.
niffer1283
on 7/11/10 7:39 pm - Richmond, IN
Oh, okay. Well, motivation is a pretty individual thing. My motiviation is simple: I want to get the rest of the weight off that I want to lose, and keep it off.

Jenny
He is ill clothed that is bare of virtue. ~~ Benjamin Franklin

RNY 05/29/2008
http://www.jensgyrations.blogspot.com



Seht
on 7/11/10 2:54 pm
There is nothing wrong with taking a break.  Rest is needed as well and can recharge and refresh you.
But set a limit.  Like this week will be my off week for example.

My motivation comes from signing up for events - races.
I pay for them and then I feel like I need to keep going or I have wasted my money.

Scott

The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!

Sue M.
on 7/11/10 10:41 pm - Nantucket, MA
Fear of regain is a big one for me.  My eating is predicated on running a certain number of miles/week, so I must change my intake or change my output. 

I sign up for regular races to keep going.  The heat, humidity and asthma are kicking my butt this summer too, so I'm doing a lot more walking instead of running, but I figure, at least I'm moving.  I've set up some mini-goals for the month of July which seem to be working - I want to complete 3 marathons worth of walking/running this month.  
Read my blog, BARIATHLETE   I run because I can.

First 5K race October 4, 2009   (34.59)  PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010  (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21)  PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20

Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can.  If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
SharonG
on 7/11/10 10:47 pm - Arlington, VA
That is such a big one for me, too, Sue.  It's the only reason why I did the 1/2 marathon to start with!  After 7 1/2 years, my body absorbs a lot more food and  I can eat more than I could.  I like being at a healthy weight and being able to move.

Like the idea of mini-goals - thanks!

Sharon
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