Notes from the Lake

I must admit that over the past month or so, I have not been as disciplined with my exercise program as usual. Sometimes life intervenes and priorities change in an instant. It happens to all of us at some point in our life and it takes some dedication and effort to get back on track to consistently exercising. Two events I enjoyed tremendously this past month gave me the motivation I needed to get active again. I encourage you to find a bit of motivation wherever you can. Finding the joy in moving is well worth the effort.

The Olympics are over and I, for one, am sad. I have been very motivated watching these amazing, young athletes ski, skate, shoot, and yes, even curl. In some of the events, I felt like I was skiing around that tight curve, skating like the wind, or jumping down the mountainside. At times, I found myself standing up and leaning or jumping to “help” them go farther, faster, and stronger. Each time I enjoyed these tremendous feats of speed, strength and endurance, it motivated me to get up early and get to the gym!

The second event I enjoyed was the Austin Half Marathon and Marathon. Four members of my family and countless friends participated this year running either the 13.1 mile Half Marathon or the 26.2 mile Marathon. If you need motivation to get off the couch and out the door, go stand at the finish line of a fun run or race! It is inspiring. I watched the winning wheelchair racer cross the finish line of the 26.2 mile marathon in a bit over two hours and 13 minutes. The winning runner completed the marathon course in approximately 2:23 minutes. But it was not these elite athletes that served to motivate me, instead it was the ordinary man and woman who ran and/or walked the long course and reached a personal goal of finishing. It was fun to watch the excitement as they turned the corner, saw the finish line and sprinted across the line and into the arms of supportive family and friends. If seeing that kind of joy at the finish doesn’t motivate you to get up and move, I don’t know what will! It was AWESOME!

Share with us by commenting below and telling us what you do to stay motivated and exercising consistently. In the meantime, check out your local races and go cheer the runners and walkers on!

One last note – if you would like to try a fun run or walk and would like to join us, a group from Lake Austin Spa Resort will be participating in the Austin Capitol 10K race on April 11, 2010. Come join us! Email me for details.

Be Well!

E-mail Tracy at tyork@lakeaustin.com.