Tag: Flexibility

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Staying Positive on My Running Journey: Celebrating Small Wins

Written September 4, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Sometimes, reaching a target requires more effort than expected. Recently, I’ve been working diligently to increase my running pace, aiming to hit my 5km goal. I do not set unrealistic expectations for myself, but I believe in challenging my limits with monthly targets. I strive to improve each month, even by a small margin. Progress keeps me motivated and focused on my goals, no matter how incremental.

Today, I came within 5 seconds of my target pace, but I’m still falling short of where I want to be. Part of the struggle may be that I haven’t fully recovered from last weekend’s intense deck-building project. That physical exertion and my running routine have taken a toll on my body. Perhaps I’m pushing too hard. With compromised kidneys, my energy levels tend to dip quickly, and it doesn’t help that I’ve been struggling to maintain my protein intake. This lack of proper nutrition impacts my stamina and overall performance.

My wife often reminds me to ease up on myself and not let the numbers be a source of frustration. She’s right when she says that getting hung up on disappointing results can trigger people to lose motivation and give up. It’s easy to fall into the trap of obsessing over numbers and feeling like you’re not progressing fast enough. But I try not to rely on motivation alone, as it can be fleeting. I choose to look at it differently: being just 5 seconds off means I’m close, and with a little more effort, I can achieve that target on my next run.

Chasing after goals can be challenging, especially when progress feels slow or stagnant. There are moments when doubt creeps in, and I start questioning how long it will take to see the improvements I want. How much longer will my slow improvement continue? When those thoughts arise, I remind myself to shift my perspective and review my progress over a longer timeframe. In doing so, I can see that my pace is gradually improving. Although it’s not happening as quickly as I’d like, the improvement is there, and that’s what matters.

I’ve learned there’s no need for drastic course corrections. What I need is patience and persistence. My wife calls that discipline—and I couldn’t agree more. Discipline keeps me lacing up my shoes and heading out the door, even when the numbers aren’t where I want them to be. It’s about trusting the process and believing that consistent effort will eventually yield the results I’m aiming for.

While my running hasn’t been as smooth lately, I’m noticing improvements in other areas of my fitness journey. I’ve started incorporating daily stretching into my routine, and the results have been remarkable. My flexibility has increased dramatically compared to a month ago. I’m now able to perform stretches that were previously challenging for me. It’s a reminder that progress comes in many forms, even if it’s not always where we expect it.

Ultimately, it’s not just about reaching a specific pace or achieving a particular milestone. It’s about the overall journey of self-improvement, pushing through setbacks, and celebrating the small victories. Whether it’s a faster run or greater flexibility, every step forward counts. And with that mindset, I’ll keep moving forward, one run at a time.

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Adapting to Life’s Unexpected Twists: Postponing a Friend’s Visit Due to COVID-19

Today was supposed to mark the beginning of my friend’s long-awaited visit, a day we had all been eagerly anticipating. However, life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and this time, it came in the form of my wife contracting COVID-19. It’s a situation that none of us could have foreseen, but we’re doing our best to adapt to the circumstances.

 

Thankfully, we discovered my wife’s infection before my friend embarked on his journey to visit us. It was a close call, and it left us with a difficult decision to make. After careful consideration and a heartfelt conversation with my friend, we came to the difficult but necessary conclusion that it would be best to postpone his visit for the time being. It wasn’t an easy choice, as we were all looking forward to spending time together, but safety had to come first.

 

In these trying times, flexibility has become a paramount virtue. The world we live in today is vastly different from what we once knew, and the unpredictability of the ongoing pandemic has taught us that we must be prepared to adapt our plans at a moment’s notice. It’s a lesson in resilience and the understanding that external factors beyond our control can swiftly intervene, altering the course of our lives.

 

While it’s disheartening to cancel my friend’s visit, I find solace that we still have much to be grateful for. My wife’s early diagnosis and isolation are crucial steps in her recovery, and we hope for her well-being. We are also thankful that we notified my friend before he began his journey, sparing him from potential exposure.

 

Moreover, there’s a silver lining even in these challenging circumstances. The prospect of my friend’s visit motivated us to embark on a thorough cleaning spree throughout our home. Neglected corners and dusty shelves received much-needed attention, resulting in a cleaner, more organized living space. It’s a reminder that even when plans don’t unfold as expected, there are still ways to find value and productivity.

 

As we navigate this new normal, we must focus on the positives and the opportunities that arise amidst adversity. My friend and I may not share the same physical space today. However, we can still connect through technology until a safer time for a visit presents itself. Maintaining our connections with loved ones has become more critical in a world that often feels uncertain.

 

In conclusion, today’s turn of events has reminded me of the importance of flexibility and adaptability in our lives. We must be prepared to pivot when necessary, and our ability to do so is a testament to our resilience. While we may be disappointed by the cancellation of my friend’s visit, we remain hopeful for my wife’s recovery and thankful for our precautions. In the end, the bonds we share and the moments we cherish genuinely matter, and those are worth waiting for, no matter the circumstances. So, for now, we’ll savor our tiramisu and look forward to a future when we can all be together once more.