Welcome to Wednesday Word, a monthly linkup for everyone, not just health and fitness bloggers. On the first Wednesday of every month you will have a single word prompt to write about. Let your imagination run free and share with your readers your interpretation of that word, or simply use it as inspiration for your post. Today’s word is discipline… I’d love to have you link up, and if you do, please remember to follow my six simple rules.
Discipline
Control gained by enforcing obedience or order;
Orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior;
Self-control
~ Merriam-Webster
As much as I love going on relaxing and chatty runs with friends, I know the importance of being disciplined and pushing myself on quality runs if I expect to see results when I race. No matter what training plan I follow, self discipline is the key to staying on track.
Reporting my weekly workouts here on the blog for the world to see, I have little problem staying disciplined, and for that, I thank you for holding me accountable. That wasn’t always the case, though. At one point when my motto was, “run all the marathons,” I wasn’t very disciplined because at that time I focused more on running races for fun than running for a specific time. If you were to look at my race results from about 2006 to 2009, you’d see that my performance suffered from a lack of focus and discipline.
In 2014 I changed my focus and set new running goals. Because of an injury in 2012 I could no longer run marathons and with the switch to shorter races, I focused on getting faster. I knew that maintaining discipline would be an important factor in finding success and set up a plan to help me reach my new goals. My plan can be broken down into the six following tips…
My tips for maintaining discipline when training for a race:
1. Find a training plan that works with your schedule and amount of time you’re able to commit.
2. Make your training a priority by putting your runs on your calendar at a time you’ll be most likely to get them done.
3. Find a training partner who will help hold you accountable and vice versa.
3. Get enough rest so your body can stay healthy and support the new demands you’re putting on it.
4. Make healthy food choices and focus on getting the proper macronutrients to support the energy you’re expending.
5. Make adjustments as necessary to your daily routine so that your training continues to be fun.
6. Reward yourself periodically for a job well done. Rewards can be as simple as sleeping in on a non training day, or as extravagant as a new running outfit.
If you’re looking for a new disciplined approach to training, and implement my tips, please let me know how it goes. Good luck!
Now, about the leftover Halloween candy… What are your tips for me to stay disciplined and not eat it all? 😉
How disciplined are you?
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Next Month’s Wednesday Word: Beauty
I agree with all of these-For me, discipline has become a way of life a habit and I feel more balanced when I stick to my schedule. Thanks for the linkup
I think you (and I) are lucky that we’re so disciplined. I don’t think it’s the case with everyone and I suspect that the longer you work toward living a disciplined life, the easier it becomes to stay that way.
Yes to everything listed above. Discipline is a cornerstone for success, not just with running, but with life in general.Great Wednesday Word!
Perfectly said!
I am disciplined with my routine but not so much with the execution. That leads to frustration when I try to run fast and crash and burn. It’s been my theme forever. After Sunday’s race, I once again learned my lesson. Too bad I have such a short memory!
It’s tough when the brain wants to do what the body doesn’t. Good luck figuring it all out!
We no longer give out Halloween candy — so that makes it easy. When we did, it went in the next day with Mr. Judy to work.
For things that really motivate me (running, walking the dogs, maintaining my weight), I tend to be very disciplined. Let’s just not talk about the house . . .
LOL, it certainly is easier to do the things we like.
Truth!
When I’m training for a race I am very disciplined. I’m diligent about getting in all of my workouts because I want a strong training cycle.
I agree. Being in a training cycle keeps me much more focused and disciplined.
I confess.
I am disciplined. I am not disciplined.
I was and still am disciplined when I decided to stop smoking. I smoke for 29 years and last October, 21st, I completed 10 years without smoke.
I was disciplined when I decided to go to highschool at 49 years old, and completed the degree.
I was and still am disciplined when I decided to start running at 55 years and keep running every week since that. 2 years and 2 months so far.
I am not disciplined with my food. I’m running ~20kms/week but I’m not loosing weight, because I like to eat.
I am not disciplined with my sleep time. It is 6 am and here I am checking Twitter, Instagram reading and writing, since 5am…
I am not disciplined in my driving. Many times I got angry with myself because I tend to be influenced by other’s driving.
So, ‘Discipline’ is a mix of feelings word for me.
Maybe I’m not the only one who is disciplined in some subjects and is not in other ones.
Because we are humans.
That’s such a good point, we are all more disciplined in some areas than others. I suspect we’re ore disciplined in doing the things we enjoy.
Great tips! I love that you mention how important sleep is with reaching our goals! I easily forget this one!
Not getting enough sleep is a big issue for me, too. Actually, that’s the main reason I got a Fitbit… so I could track my sleep and work on improving getting more each night.