A lot of people ask me how I have the time for training. Some people ask me why I make the time for training. I think time is meant to be spent. What is time if it’s unused or sitting still? Sometimes we all need a little peace, but most of all, don’t we want to spend our time doing the things we love?
A snapshot of me sneaking out of the apt at 5:30am for a team workout.
When I block out my schedule, it’s apparent that work consumes at least 10 hours a day. My "business lady hours" are extremely important to me because I am using my skills and resources to aid in my company’s success. But what’s made the biggest difference in my life and in my work over the last decade or so, is my time spent on ME.
Did that sounds selfish? Because I believe it to be anything but.
I've grown to love my solo swims!
You see, we are creatures that thrive off anything that gives us a sense of positive self-awareness. When I wake up at 5am, I’m amped to get myself on a bike, in the pool or on the road. Teammates and friends always make the journey so exciting, but spending that time on me and my health is more fulfilling than I can begin to explain. Let me try.
I was speaking to my friend Ian the other day about those times in our life where we get caught up in work and play and forget or can’t find the time to get back to our happiest of places. If I miss a day or even two of exercise, my mind shifts out of focus, my body weighs me down and my attitude is…well, ask my husband :)
A night out drinking with friends sure sounds fun but getting a good night’s rest before an early workout sometimes seems better. (Still love my girls!)
This is not an unhealthy obsession - it’s simply my passion. And taking me away from it is a slight break of the heart, a missing piece that can’t wait to be filled.
Shoutout to my husband Jason. Supportive partners are key in helping each other succeed and find true happiness.
So that question about finding the time. Well, if it’s a priority, then it’s already scheduled in. My life right now is train, work, eat, sleep, repeat…and I love it. I don’t find this cycle to be a chore in any way; I’m excited to wake up every day and do something really positive for myself before I step into the office. Aside from the wet hair and the chlorine smell oozing from my skin, I think my colleagues can sense I’ve had a productive morning making health a priority and I’m appreciated for it. I am a better person by activating that passion, so why take that away or encourage me to tone it down?
What’s your happy YOU time? Do you love to curl up and read a book? Cook up some recipes? Take a walk in the park? I’m sure there is something that drives you and calls at you when you’re looking to come back to the middle again. Whatever it is, (as long as it’s legal!) find the time and hold onto it because what is life without a little bit of self-love?
P.S. Don't forget to spread that message on to your loved ones as well. Encouragement to find and follow new passions is one of the best gifts you can give to someone.
Self-respectively,
-BForge
*YESTERDAY'S WORKOUT (1/27): 5-mile run, 1200yd swim
*TODAY'S WORKOUT (1/28): 75-minute computrainer ride
*TOMORROW'S WORKOUT (1/29): 30-minute strength training, 4,000yd swim