I was running late this morning. I’m not really sure why. So I rushed to drop of No. 3 at Nonnie’s house. Mom and I talked for a second about my lateness and then I started for the door.
As I was walking out, my mom asked: “Are you still walking in the mornings?”
I sighed, heavily and almost ashamedly. “No,” I said. “I, uh…” I stumbled on my words. “No.” I sighed again.
I can’t really put my finger on what the problem is this time. In the past I’ve been able to say this is the reason or that is the reason. But for the last several weeks – actually more than a month, I think – I just haven’t even made an attempt to go. My alarm isn’t even set to go off at 5 a.m. anymore. So it’s not like I even give myself the opportunity to go.
And I don’t even feel guilty watching The Mr. as he leaves to ride 8, 10 or 12 miles on his bicycle. (I know, right? 12 miles!) You’d think that the fact that he’s getting out there and making the time would inspire me to get out there as well, but damnit it just doesn’t.
And I know I should. And I know I’ll enjoy it while I’m doing it. And I know how good it makes me feel. And man do I remember how good it feels to push myself. Heck even the dogs like it.
I really thought that now that the sun comes up at 4:30 a.m. (no daylight savings time here in Arizona) it would be easier to drag my ass out of bed at 5 a.m., but it’s not. There was a spurt this winter when I blamed the darkness at 5 a.m. for why I couldn’t/wouldn’t get up for my walk. But clearly I’ve thrown that theory out the window.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to myself that “I’ll start again next week” and then it doesn’t happen. I know, I know. I just need to force myself to do it and once my body remembers how good it feels it will be easier to continue.
It is easy to fall off of the wagon and even easier to stay off of it. Trust me, I have done it MANY times. Hang in there and just try a few minutes a few times a morning until it is a habit again...
Hello to all of you...today I used my burning feet as an excuse not to walk. But you are right, the guilt just dissapates. I am tired of regimen. I called my walking buddy today and promised her that we would go next week. I hope that I can hold true to that promise. My feet do hurt and my fingertips and I have cramps from the medicine...OMG I hate this disease!!! I am heading for my cabin and I am telling myself that I will go for a walk on the wonderful trails. But what if there is a bear? Oh that's right...bears like sweets and I haven't had any for the past three months. Along with not having any sweets on my inside I have become quite a sourpuss!!! Best go and pack...note to self...don't forget hiking shoes or.....
We all are falling off the wagon all the time - it's normal.
These are a few ways to get on again:
1. Walk with a friend.
2 Ask a friend to call you and remind you to walk.
3. Buy yourself new music or a book tape so that you want to go out and listen.
4. Put up a reward at the end, if you get up and walk (nothing edible, though).
5. Write a journal - it makes you want to write down the good things you are doing for yourself.
Good luck!
Alexa Fleckenstein M.D., physician, author.
To spiceoflife:
Burning feet often come from foods that don't agree with you. Most likely dairy products or gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats). But any of a million food allergies can do it.
Give it a try without for four weeks and see if you will get better.