BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Make the Choice to Do Better to Be Better

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about motivation (after all that's what we do here right?). But first, let's take a look at the meaning of the word as defined by Psychology Today: Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal. It's the crucial element in setting and attaining our objectives. Motivation is one of the driving forces behind human behavior. It fuels competition and sparks social connection. Its absence can lead to mental illnesses such as depression.

Based on that definition, you can see why it's important to not only gain this priceless personality attribute that will get you to the finish line, but to keep it at all costs. This was something that was on my mind as I read a post yesterday put out by my dear friend Nadine Albrecht, who is one of the most motivated and motivating people that I've ever had the blessing of meeting. But even Nadine has her moments as captured in her post... 

"Had zero motivation/desire to get any movement in. I thought about counting the volunteering I did with my husband at the Senior Center today, but my conscience knew better.

I was going to go to the gym this afternoon but instead I sat in the recliner until it was too late. I was gonna just accept that I wasn’t going to do a workout but again…that nagging conscience.

I changed and laced up my running shoes and headed out. It was a little humid and the gnats were obnoxious but as I was on my way back home I came upon the spot that pushed me to get my crap together 4 years ago.

I couldn’t walk a quarter mile before calling my husband to come get me. I was comfortable being uncomfortable and unhealthy. I used to justify being that way because I was always busy doing something and I was able to get things done… but, if I’m being honest, it was a struggle and I paid for it.

I’m grateful for the nagging conscience because I’ve made the decision that I’m not going back to that person. I may have to adapt things at times but I know better now and I will do better!

So 4 miles done…slow and sweaty but I’m grateful for the ability to do it!"

So where did Nadine's seemingly newfound motivation come from? It came from within. It came from remembering where she started from (see the above photo) and the decision she made four years ago (and one she continues to make day after day) to "do better" even if that means having to "adapt things at times." On a side note, did you notice the gratitude that Nadine expressed? She acknowledged that the 4 miles were not completed under ideal circumstances... they were slow and sweaty... BUT, she chose to be grateful for the ability to complete the distance no matter what. This feeling of accomplishment will serve to motivate her the next time she needs some newfound motivation! Amazing how that works isn't it? We do something we don't feel like doing, we then express gratitude for it, and it serve as a springboard to continue doing better!!!

So, with the start of "official" Bass Pro Marathon/Half Training starting this Saturday with the Recycle Run, I hope you’ll make the decision to get motivated and to stay motivated. And remember... there will be times when you'll have to adapt, times when you'll have to complete your workouts in less than ideal conditions, and times when you'd rather be sitting in the recliner. But by making the choice now to "do better" so you can "be better" each and every day (and to be grateful for every step forward), you'll have that springboard that will propel you to complete the training so you'll be ready to step up to the start line this fall. I hope to see you there! Happy Running!