Time-
Time is defined as an indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future. Runners see time as a measurement or goal depending on the distance. Most elite runners complete a marathon in the time that most of us complete a half marathon. For other sports, time is set and competition occurs in that set time frame, a 90 minute soccer match, 60 minute football game, or a 48 minute basketball game. We also look at time during training and that time often with other factors is a measure of our performance. These results, good or bad, have a bearing on future performance. The past & present effecting the progress of future performance and decisions, but that is not only true in athletic performance, but life. If one devotes time to anything, they in essence should improve, adapt, and better the future results. Whether it is eating better, learning more, improving at work, or lowering race times, it’s about putting in the time.
One excuse that is often used is that there is not enough time. Excuses are merely roadblocks to success. Let’s just look at one day, 24 hours. Eight for sleep and nine for work. Saying that most of us have a family, let’s devote four of the remaining seven hours to family. That gives you, three hours everyday. With three hours everyday, could you workout, run, bike or do yoga? That’s 21 hours in a week and let’s be honest, we all have more time on the weekend. What are really doing with that time? Are you on track with your goals?
I, on a personal note, deal and struggle with time like everyone else. Just recently, I have had to travel a lot with a new career, changing time zones, and spending more time focused on getting ahead to then get into a routine with this new career. I try to keep goals and life in prospective. With 3-4 hours a day to train, I always have a couple of backpacks ready in the car. Now I plan out my week and have at least options available to workout during the week. If I’m scheduled to go to the gym or get a run in, I’m prepared for both and get at least one of those training activities in, but really try to get both in. If I’m traveling, I try to get in a run or a bodyweight workout at the hotel. Now, the key is making time for those workouts and I stick to my training schedule, but I’m also prepared for those few times that a curveball is thrown my way. Surprisingly, once you get a morning workout in, you are energized and for me I crave another workout. Success breeds more success. A morning workout, breakfast, work, then typically family time, and another workout of either a run or a swim.
One final way to put time in prospective for yourself is to look at the next year. Since we don’t know what tomorrow may bring, what would you want to accomplish if you only had one year left? How would you want people to see you and talk about you at the end of a year? For me, it’s World’s Toughest Mudder, a couple of half marathons, be successful at home and at work, and take a vacation with someone special. All that in one year, but it starts an hour at a time.
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