I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

I currently feel like I was run over by a semi. As we're getting closer and closer to the date of the Cleveland Half, I'm starting to panic more and more.  At this point last year, it had already been nice outside for at least a month and a half.  Ipso-facto, I was much farther along on my training.  So, still slightly hungover, yesterday after my class I decided I couldn't waste the beautiful day and went for a run (plus, I would have felt bad cancelling on my friend who's been my running buddy this year).  We went just under 6 miles and looking back, I'm very glad I pushed myself to go forward with the run.  However, my body is more than a little angry with me today.  The run itself wouldn't have been as much of a big deal on its own, but after a full hour of Dance Jam, my legs were already screaming at me, and the hangover wasn't helping my motivation at all... (although the exercise helped cure the hangover quite a bit). 

Yesterday brought me to a huge realization about myself: I am so much more successful, and can do so much more in general, if I have someone along with me for the ride.  For example, had I not promised my friend Kathy I would run with her, there's a good chance I would have waved my white flag and my run would have ended after a mile...tops.   I generally think of myself as an extremely self-motivated person, and compared to the general population, I am.  But the addition of someone else to hold me accountable is my secret weapon to success.   I don't like to disappoint people. In fact, I'm having trouble thinking of anything (other than spiders) that I like less than disappointing people (going to the dentist is a close third).  

I think this is the main reason I'm such a proponent of group fitness classes, you're surrounded by others and, if the atmosphere is how it should be, surrounded by motivation.  I'm a people person though.  I like playing on teams and working in groups.  I know this buddy system and accountability approach isn't for everyone.  Some people are completely turned off by things like this and that's great too.  At the end of the day, we all just need to find what's best for ourselves. There's no magic formula that will work for 100% of the population.  However, I think the buddy/group motivation approach is worth a shot for everyone. It's harder to cheat.  End of story.  If you're ever struggling at accomplishing a goal, any goal, get someone to go after it with you, or just keep someone else in the loop on your progress. You'll be amazed at how much easier will power becomes. At least I am. Thanks friends. Keep me going strong. 

Take away points: 6 miles down, just about 5 weeks to go before the half, friends are awesome, disappointing people sucks, I hate spiders and the dentist.