Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Tuesday Thoughts

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Low 70s, wind "only" ~15mph. So I was determined all day to find a way to run when I got home.

I found time for 4.1 peaceful miles along the ditch bank. I took it slow-easy, not worrying one bit about pace. With every step, I felt my stress melting away. Ahhhh!

And while I was out there, I thought about the difference between can't and don't want to.

I don't like running in high wind. I don't like running on the treadmill. I don't like riding on the trainer. It's not that I couldn't run last Thursday, It's that I didn't want to. I didn't want to run outside in the wind and I didn't want to run on the treadmill.

It's not that I couldn't cycle on Saturday, It's that I didn't want to. I didnt' want to cycle outside in the wind and I didn't want to put the bike on the trainer.

This doesn't really change anything other than an acknowledgement that I'm responsible for my own actions. Which by the way, is even *more* important in other aspects of my life. While I don't care to go into detail on that, trust me, it's an important lesson.

Here's hoping for nice weather so that I want to run and cycle outside later this week and on the weekend!

22 comments:

  1. I trust you :-) Realizing you don't like it IS the battle. Do it anyways...

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  2. Sounds like you had an enlightened moment!

    Glad you were able to get out for a nice run.

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  3. Sometimes it's important to not do something if for no other reason than you don't want to. Glad you had a peaceful run!

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  4. Yayyy it sounds like your week is better already!

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  5. I think we all have those 'I can't' moments in life. Those of us (like you) strong enough get over it.

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  6. Wind is brutual!!! I will ride in rain, snow, cold, hot, but I really prefer not to ride in the wind.

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  7. We've had some really nice weather here, in the 60's and 70's, for the past couple of weeks and now this week is crappy. Cool, wet, and windy. yuck. However, I am going to try and run outside this afternoon. I haven't been outside yet this year!

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  8. Just want to comment to add a clarification.

    I don't necessarily think there is anything wrong with not wanting to run in wind or on the treadmill. But it's an entirely different mindset to say "I didn't run on Thursday because I didn't want to - I didnt' like the choices presented to me" vs. "Woe is me, I couldn't run on Thursday. Too windy"

    :-)

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  9. So very true!! Glad you had a good run today :)

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  10. Yes, can't and don't want to are important distinctions. I actually have a fairly big "don't want to" list but working with a coach one on one it's not very obvious. I guess that's why I do it. Great thoughts!

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  11. ahh that is a good distinction and probably one we should all learn as kids, but instead we just say we can't!

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  12. So true. I was thinking this on the treadmill today as I held onto the pace while I wanted to lower it.

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  13. That's so true. Sometimes I tell myself I can't do something, when really it's just something I don't want to do.

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  14. Great post, Lisa. You got me to thinking about the "can't" and "don't want to." There's
    PLENTY to think about.

    Enjoy your Tuesday!

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  15. Certainly, everyone has their list of "don't want tos"!

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  16. As always, lots to think about - you're an inspiration Lisa :)

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  17. Glad you had a nice run today. I hear you on the "can't" v. "don't want to". I often find myself in a place where my body can, but my mind doesn't want to.

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  18. It took me a long to realize the difference between "want" and "need" too.

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  19. that sort of differentiation and awareness will benefit you in those moments when U are tryin to decide whetehr or not you're gonna make a deposit into the WANT TO bank...

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  20. Right on. It's a habit to break -- saying/thnking can't when it is really don't want -- but worth it, I'm sure. I still struggle :-)

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  21. I have had 'I can't' moments for sure. But like most things, it passes. Hope you get the good weather.

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  22. Attitude really does make all the difference in the world.

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