We took a little break for last week’s Global Running Day post, but we are back with the Wednesday Word! We will be linking up with Deb Runs for the fun and you can be part of the action, by checking out her page and linking up, too!
The word of the week is…
For me, being consistent is the name of my fitness game.
As I have mentioned, I am not particularly athletic. I am not genetically predisposed to hardcore physical activity and I feel like working towards my goals is always an uphill climb. It’s quite possible that everyone feels similarly, regardless of their skills and abilities, which gives us a point of solidarity. But what I do know, for an absolute fact, is that I work hard to make my journey as seamless as possible.
The key to that is consistency.
The more I run, the better it gets. Not that it’s ever easy, but my body and mind become accustomed to the expectations to which I subject them. My brain has learned that we run three days a week, and sometimes four, if I’m feeling froggy. That schedule has just become the norm, and I do my best to stick to it, because adhering to same form is what makes me stronger.
I have also learned that running isn’t enough. I have become consistent with cross-training, too. The benefits of this have become even more clear to me since getting injured earlier this year, and I have made it a point to ensure that body circuit, cycling and yoga make regular appearances in my weekly workout schedule. Again, the consistency with which I participate in these activities yields a pretty nice payoff: I’m stronger, more flexible, and less prone to aches and pains.
The gains I make in my cross-training translate nicely to my running. The core strength, cardio endurance and build-up of muscles I wouldn’t usually use help improve my pace, my running form and decrease my chance of injury.
While it is going to take me some time to get back to where I was before the start of this year, I am pretty confident that my consistency in training is going to be a huge help.
How does consistency fit into your fitness plans?
You are so right, running is not enough! I keep trying to spread that message as well.
Your king dancer picture is beautiful!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Steady As She Goes: Pacing Yourself to a Strong Finish
Thanks!
It becomes so hard to add things to the schedule, especially when it feels like you’re running all. the. time. But the proof is in the pudding, and it’s really hard to deny the benefits.
Consistency has been so important to me this year. This is the first year I’ve been consistently following my training plan and doing strength training and I’ve been crushing some new PRS.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half-Marathon Recap
I have been consistent with my body circuit since summer of last year, and it’s in the last few months that I got serious about adding in some other options, like swimming, yoga and cycling. I’ve been on point with the cycling, but have to get better about the others. Sometimes, schedules just don’t work out. I hope I get to see some new PRs soon.
For me, it’s basically running. I can’t seem to motivate myself to do much more Working full-time is so time-consuming.
I try to play tennis but you are correct, running is not enough but it’s better than nothing.
Darlene recently posted…Wednesday Word: Consistent
You’re right. It can be almost impossible. There are only so many hours in the day and it’s important to sleep and have a life outside of training. When I was pushing for my goal race last year, I felt like all I was doing was training and it was exhausting.
Running is absolutely better than nothing! I hope you’re able to get in some more tennis this summer.
Consistency yes please yes please! I am most inconsistent with my strength training (though I used to be most consistent with it!). I’ve also lost some other consistency points of late, need to get that dealt with and fixed!
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…The Five R’s Of Post Run Recovery (Giveaway)
It makes such a difference, and it’s also so easy to fall out of practice. I haven’t been to body circuit in a week and a half, just because of scheduling conflicts, and I feel so lazy. I need to fix that.
Being consistent has been one of my biggest challenges as a new mom. Fitting everything in, and doing so consistently, is so hard when your life revolve around a little baby’s schedule. I’m definitely trying my hardest, and hopefully life, and training, will be more consistent as he gets older.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2016 Ringing in Hope Recap
The game changes when you’re a parent. Not in a bad way, but in a different way. There will be activities, parties, recitals, belt tests, performances, sicknesses. There will be mornings, when you are all set to head out and a little being climbs into bed with you and says “Mommy, don’t go running, let’s snuggle” and you joyfully stay put because how do you turn down that request? And so it goes. But I wouldn’t change it for the world 🙂
After months of struggling with my fitness routine, I feel like I’m finally getting back into a consistent grove, which is good because marathon training starts soon!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…NOW Foods Immersion Recap + GIVEAWAY!
Yay! That’s great news! You are going to rock your training!
runswithpugs recently posted…wednesday word: consistent
Consistency is something I constantly have to work on. While I love being active, I also love curling up on the couch with a book, so they always seem to be at odds with one another.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs recently posted…How Barre Has Made Me a Stronger Runner
Books are my downfall. Right now, I am so immersed in Hamilton, and it’s really screwing up my bedtime
runswithpugs recently posted…wednesday word: consistent
You’re right, running is not enough. I find that planning my workouts out for the week – even if I’m not in training – helps bring some consistency for me. Life happens of course and you do have to adjust but writing it out into a schedule is so helpful.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Race Recap: Newport 10 Miler
Consistency is totally the name of the game. Working out isn’t usually where I fall off, but nutrition is. It’s so easy to slip into bad habits and tada there are five extra pounds that I swear weren’t there last week.
Definitely agree that consistency is the key and running alone is not enough. I really count on my strength training to keep me healthy and strong as I age.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Reston Sprint Triathlon-Swim, Bike, Run, Fun
Consistency is such a huge part of running! You can’t improve if you don’t make running a habit! I agree that consistent cross training is also important to stay strong and prevent injuries!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…2016 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon Recap
Complete. Total. Agreement. I believe that good runners run; great runners do even more 😉
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Dam to Dam 2016!
Well, I do a lot more, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be great. It’s nice to dream, though 🙂
runswithpugs recently posted…wednesday word: consistent
Being injured – and not wanting to be injured – taught me the importance of consistency with cross-training and strength training. I used to not enjoy them as much as running, but now I like the variety and definitely notice the benefits!
Coco recently posted…Consistency Is Key
I never used to be consistent w my runs. But I recently moved and my roommate is always training for something so he holds me accountable for my runs.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Finding Balance
I am getting better with the exercise consistency now that I am on summer vacation. My key will be to keep it up when school starts.
Abby @BackatSquareZero recently posted…Race the Landing 5K Series 2016 – Race 3
Great word and it is key/ If you want to do anything well and see gains then you must be consistent. I am working on this in all aspects of my life.
Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted…On The Mend Plus Tips On What Not To Do When Injured
Absolutely. Consistency is important in all facets of life. It sets us up for success across the board.
I struggle with consistency as well. Running lately has been good but whenever I start marathon training I really struggle with lifting, abs, yoga, cross training etc. I REALLY am going to try this time around though!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…31 Running Tips For Runners Of All Levels
You look pretty athletic in that yoga pose, and it just shows that consistently practicing has made you successful!
As always, thanks so much for linking up!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…A Little R And R