ALL or Nothing = NOTHING

February 15, 2009

by Lisa Anderson-Wall

Several years back (eight to be exact), I was a pretty good runner.  I pride myself and others in knowing that I ran the Big Sur Marathon in 3 hours and 53 minutes.  I love to boast about the gnarly Hurricane Hill that I conquered during the Marathon or reflect back to finishing my best 10K while having to make a stop at the bathroom mid-race.  Over confidence is a killer...lol  Well, since those glory days, I've had three kids. 

Over the past seven years my husband or my dad or my brother in law will from time to time ask..."how is your running?"  And, I've been known to say "well, if I can't get out and run at least four miles...what's the point?"  I guess you could say, I am an all or nothing type of person... In my mind I'm thinking...ok, if I'm going to go to all the trouble of putting on my running clothes and lace up my Nikes, then, simply going around the block for 10 minutes is not worth my time! 

This "bad attitude" has been with me for senen and a half years and in that time this All or Nothing mentality has gotten me exactly that...NOTHING!  So, you might think..."Lisa, what's the point?"... the point is, don't waste the time thinking that a walk around the block is not good enough...or, a mile run on a busy day is not worth your time...because IT IS!  Anything and everything you can give is worth it...but, you've got to at least give something.  My bad attitude got me NOTHING. 

I thought I was too good of a runner to jog a little here and there.  Last Spring we went down to the Carlsbad 5000.  My family convinced me to lace up my shoes and jump in the race (remember...I've literally done nothing)...well, I did finish but, it was painful and humbling...my over 9:30 pace and my bodies aches and pains during what felt like eternity was hard.  I was frustrated during the race because I knew that I should be in better shape...that at 35 I should not feel like this! 

I KNOW, it's not easy and I KNOW there are lots of reasons, excuses o! r circumstances that can make it difficult to get out the door and do something to get your heart going...but, what's the alternative?  Make it a priority, make it a point of everyday or every other day...just make it a point, you'll feel great, look great, sleep better and have less stress...and, remember ALL or Nothing = NOTHING!  

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