New Routines

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I think I fall in the category of the majority over the holidays in that I’ve strayed quite far from my usual routine. More social get-togethers have meant more late nights. Kids are out of school so my days have few kid-free windows. Work continues; all the time for my husband, and for me where I can fit it in. I do love the holidays for the extra time I get to spend with people I want to see (yes – including my monsters!) but being outside of a dependable routine has definitely made running and working out more of a challenge.

Fortunately this is not part of my usual workout routine.

Fortunately this is not part of my usual workout routine.

This shakeup has gotten me thinking about the role that routine plays in running – and in life. The word ‘routine’ can easily conjure up the associations of ‘boring’, ‘rut’, ‘stagnation’. But I am a lover of routine. I can rely on my routine to move me forward and do difficult things without too much thought or effort. It takes some tinkering to find a routine which fits my life and workout needs, and every now and then something changes and I add or delete elements, but I find the consistency of a good routine can move me along nicely and get me where I want to go.

I can’t stay in the same routine for too long though. If I want to grow, change and adapt I have to shake things up a bit. One thing I’ve learned about routines is that when I do start a new one, it’s always tough. But at least I know I’ll adapt. I just have to force it at first and have faith that it will get easier. I recently added a weekly tempo run to my workout routine. I find tempos one of the most challenging workouts, so I normally avoid them. The first few were very hard. but 5 weeks in I can now get them done without too much mental effort. I’ve adapted as they’ve become a known quantity. The same thing happened when I started running at 5 a.m. I’ve learned that’s something I can’t do every day, but I’ve found a comfortable number of days that work well in my routine.

We all show up every Wednesday at 5:30 a.m. There is no arguing with the routine!

We all show up every Wednesday at 5:30 a.m. There is no arguing with the routine!

That’s how I think of my ‘routine’ in other areas of life as well. My family and I are facing some changes to our routines in the new year. Nothing ground shaking, but enough to slightly push us out of our usual comfortable schedules. It won’t be easy at first, I know. But, like the added tempos and 5 a.m. runs, we will adapt. What at first seems too difficult will become natural as we make changes and push ourselves in different directions. Our newly created routines will take us there, one foot in front of the other.

 

 

 

Saying YES

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Is it too early for New Year’s resolutions? Because I have one which I’m trying out. But maybe it’s not so much a resolution as a philosophy. It’s not an “all or nothing” philosophy, but more of a changed approach to how I view opportunities, invitations and experiences.

Have I mentioned I’m now 40? (Actually I think I’ve mentioned it in every post I’ve written since turning 40 in July.) Turning 40 hasn’t changed me overnight, but there’s no denying it’s a milestone age which has brought with it a little self-reflection and called up the questions of what I am doing with my life. What am I seeking or striving for? When will I know when I’m there? What does “success” mean? What is the meaning of it all? (heavy, I know!)

I think the biggest insight I’ve gleaned from this milestone is that I am living my life NOW. In my teens, 20’s and 30’s, most of my goals, aspirations and dreams were all based in the future. One day I could train hard and run fast if I wanted to. One day I would carve out some time write a book. One day I’d slow down and enjoy people’s company more. Meanwhile for the past few years at least, I had been living my life on fast-forward automatic pilot, doing what needed to get done, putting new experiences on hold, rarely stopping to talk or have coffee with a friend or acquaintance, not taking risks with veering outside my comfortable routine.

But suddenly, at 40, there was a shift. If I was going to do something or be someone, I needed to be doing it now. Instead of seeing my future self as an almost fictional person to whom I could indefinitely forward my “to-do” list, I’ve suddenly caught up and am now that person.

So what does this mean? To me it means I’m making an effort to say “yes” to opportunities and experiences. It definitely takes more effort to go to every holiday party, make running and lunch dates, sign up for out of town races, plan new family adventures, try a new sport, take on new work projects, etc… But if I’m not doing these things another year will pass me by in another unremarkable blur. When I have new experiences, I feel alive. I feel I’m at a pinnacle where there are two choices: growth or decay. There is no standing still.

Here is what happens when I say ‘Yes’:

  • This past summer as I cheered on my husband as he competed in dozens of paddling races I thought “why am I watching and not doing?” So I jumped into a new sport, competed in numerous races, and have loved the experiences and community around it.
My first ever 10K paddle race.

My first ever 10K paddle race.

  • I recently ran Nationals X-Country in Kingston Ontario. Not because I was in great shape or because I love cross-country. I did it because I got to see people whose company I enjoy, challenge myself, and create a new experience. I’m so glad I did it.
So great to reunite with this crazy crew.

So great to reunite with this crazy crew.

  • I’ve been working this season on being more social and going to more holiday gatherings and informal get-togethers. It’s an effort for me, for sure which usually involves planning and scheduling, not to mention actually getting off the couch and out the door! But talking to people and engaging in ideas is interesting. Sharing a laugh is energizing. Meeting someone new with a different world view is enlightening. And reconnecting with old friends is some of the best fun you can have.
Hanging out with some good friends.

Hanging out with some good friends.

So going forward, when a new opportunity comes up, unless I have a very good reason to say ‘no’, I’m going to take a chance on saying ‘yes’. This is me living my life at 40.