Unmotivated to exercise! What to do?

I really wanted to talk about Jill’s comment from yesterday.  PS HUGE congrats on your half marathon Jill!

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I have been working out for so many years now that getting up to work out is no longer a decision for me, it is just part of my routine… I don’t think about whether or not I should get up and run when my alarm clock goes off because I have been doing it for so many years now that it is just how I start my day.  

There is one MAJOR exception to my morning routine of working out——>  AFTER A RACE!!! I feel little to no desire to run for at least a week or two after a race and if I do get up and run right after a race it is just because I have another race coming up to keep training for.  

I think this is 100% normal.  Jill, you are not alone!!!  

I don’t think we realize how draining running is on our bodies.  Even if the race doesn’t feel like it took much out of us physically, I am sure it does mentally and think about all of those months of training… I am sure our bodies must be exhausted after all of that.  

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(I was just a little tired after my first marathon and had to sit down at the finish line)

We aren’t super heroes.  I think running is really good for us but at the same time I know from experience (ummm every time I train for a marathon) that out bodies can only handle SO much work.  We have to be easy on ourselves and let it repair properly so that we will have that desire to race again!  It is hard as women to be easy on ourselves and not expect 100% all of the time but in this circumstance we really need to give ourselves a break.

PS another good reason to keep some sort of training log/journal—>  you can look back over your months of training and see exactly why your body is so tired after a race!

The best things to do when you are unmotivated to exercise after a race/hard training cycle:

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1.  Don’t exercise (or just stick to the really easy stuff).  Allow yourself to sleep in, to rest and rejuvenate.  It may take 3 days and it may take 2 weeks or longer but I think it is so important to take a break after a training cycle to get your body and mind back on track to run again.  And don’t stress if you are worried because you think you will never want to run again if you take a break for a while… you will and you will feel so much better running again after taking that break.  That desire will come back.  

2.  Maybe you don’t really need a physical break but mentally you do—>  still exercise but do something other than running.  There are at least 50 different forms of exercise to try out and I am sure you will enjoy at least one of them.

3.  Focus on your nutrition.  During this injury I have been really studying nutrition again and how much it affects my body and my mood.  It is incredible.  I think that eating more whole foods and cutting back on the quick sugars (that make us exhausted in the first place) can really help us to bounce back to wanting to run again.

4.  Do whatever it takes to speed up your recovery so that mentally and physically you are back to yourself and wanting to exercise again.  Think compression socks, getting a sports massage, sleeping more, taking a ‘mental health’ day or sign up for another race/set new goals (for some mental motivation).

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And a few scenes from my Wednesday night!

Someone found my secret stash of chocolate chips.   Guilty face + a side pony = ultimate cuteness.

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Of course.  I remembered to take a blurry picture half way through my salad.  

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Brooke proves again that she is my daughter… she just ate the frosting off of her cupcake and she didn’t even want the cake part.  Our brains are the same.

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Beautiful night watching softball games with my favorite mountains in the back.  

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Is exercise a decision that you have to make every morning or has it become a part of your day that you just do because it is what you do?

What is your main motivation right now to work out?

-To try to keep my fitness up so that I can bounce back to running after this injury!

Are you a frosting person (some people aren’t.. I know, right?!)  Or do you prefer the cake part?


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123 comments

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Haha I hate frosting, sometimes I just make cake and put nothing on it. We can be friends and I’ll scrape off all my frosting onto your cupcake before we dig in.

Right now my motivation is my fall races, my training plan is starting in a week and so I’m pretty motivated to kick butt in all my training! I definitely take time off after a big race training cycle though, I’ll be taking 1-2 weeks off in the fall after my goal race.

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You hate frosting??? :(

My motivation is not only Chicago Marathon, but to get back in shape so we can do the Philly 1/2 !

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I workout at lunch time, but I love that it breaks up my day and gives me energy! My main motivation to run is a 10 miler I’m running on June 14th..and it will be my last race in Maryland before I move to North Carolina!

I LOVE frosting and usually steal my husband’s when we have cake. I also usually try to take the corner pieces if possible (corner piece = the most frosting).

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Welcome to NC, Kate! It’s a pretty great place to live. :)

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Running is totally routine for me now and I do it without even thinking about it when I wake up. My main motivation is to feel good and work toward all of my current running goals.

You are doing a great job of keeping fit and you will learn so much from this injury to come back even stronger and smarter than before :)

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Working out is part of my daily routine like taking a shower or washing my hair. Although sometimes I don’t work out or wash my hair and then I feel bleh :)

My main motivation is my first marathon this fall (Portland!). I want to feel strong and trust in my training on race day … which means I have to put in hard work now!

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I’m definitely not my mother’s daughter when it comes to the frosting/cake debate. While cake, in general, isn’t my favorite dessert, I scrape the icing off, while she wants ALL THE ICING and so promptly scoops mine from my plate :) Running’s so hard on your body that it’s so smart to take as much time for rest and recovery as your body needs. And that’s where listening to YOUR body’s hugely important. I’d say that goes for any type of physical activity, especially after you’ve been putting in a lot of hard work. I’ve been known to take an entire week off lifting after several heavy weeks.

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Getting up to run in the morning is just part of my routine, and I know if I don’t run in the morning my day will be totally off.

Main motivation is to come back strong from my spring foot injury so I can have some great fall races.

Both!! But my weird quirk is that I only like cold cake…like after its been sitting in the fridge overnight night.

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Nice post Janae, thank you! I have heard that Meb Keflezhigi (sp?) takes 5 weeks off from training every year to recover and mentally rest from training. Look what he still managed to accomplish!
As for training motivation – I am running my first marathon in October but when asked why I run I usually answer “so that my pants fit”.

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I rarely feel unmotivated to exercise and I used to be the person that would force myself out the door. Now, I will reevaluate. I’ll either wait until later in the day to see if I’m in the mood, switch up the workout I had originally planned to do (zumba instead of running), or take a rest day. As long as I’m doing something I enjoy, I never feel a lack of motivation! And I like the total package. There needs to be an equal ratio of icing to cake or else I don’t want it.

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Knowing how good I’ll feel after a run always motivates me to get out the door. Unless, of course, I’m really physically tired or sickish – then I rather skip and rest until the next day.

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The same thing happened to me this month. I ran 4 races in the spring/winter, then after the last one in early May I was so done. I took a full week off with no regrets whatsoever. Aside from that week, working out every day (or almost) is just part of the routine. Right now I’m doing whatever I want in terms of exercise. That still turns out to be mostly running…but I’m just not worrying about distance/speed etc till I start training for my fall half marathon.

ICING ALL DAY! I’m all about it. Speaking of that, I say “icing,” not “frosting.” I think it’s a regional thing!

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My main motivation to work out right now is so I can be prepared for my first 5K next month. Also, I am definitely a frosting person…although I eat the cake too :)

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Working out isn’t a decision I ever have to make….it’s my job!! I teach group exercise full time and begin at 4am. Pre or post race I have to give my clients a work out! I love it! My personal exercise goals/motivation have changed, though. I don’t have a race on the horizon, but I do have twins arriving in the fall. I am trying to remain as healthy and fit as possible during this pregnancy. Icing all day!!!

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I love to work out, but the initial getting up and getting out of bed is the hard part for me. Once I’m there, running or at the gym, it feels like home and I NEVER ever regret getting out there.

My main motivation to work out? It makes me feel good, helps me eat healthier, helps my clothes look better, and above all, it keeps my anxiety at bay. One of the only times I feel worry-free is when I’m working out.

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I am the same way! Exercise keeps me healthy and looking decent in my bikini, but the stress and anxiety relief are the biggest benefits! Once I get past the first or second mile, I am good to go, and almost always end up running more than my goal.

I am not a big cake person, but make a fantastic buttercream frosting for my daughter’s birthday cakes!

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Exercise is definitely a routine for me–I don’t even think about whether or not to do it, it’s just a given that I’m going to. I do often feel a little sick of training going into a big race though, and in that case, I thoroughly enjoy taking some time off afterwards to rest and recover.

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Exercise is so a part of my morning routine that I am lost without it. It is just what I do, just like getting up and brushing my teeth. Rarely do I not feel like it but if that feeling happens for real, I change up the routine or rest….As for cake and frosting, cake is just my excuse to eat chocolate fudge frosting. I totally leave over a plate of cake crumbs and pulled apart cupcakes that show I dug around simply for the frosting and filling.

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This is just what I needed! I ran my first 10 mile race a few weeks ago and it took me a good 3 weeks to really get back in a running routine. At first I was just exhausted, then when I did run it was awful. So I rested a few more days and FINALLY I think I am back on track. The race was hard but I think I needed just as much of a mental break as a physical one. Glad to know I am not alone :)

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Exercising is part of my routine but if I’m feeling unmotivated I usually sign up for another race….. even a 5K race pushes me to workout and train harder.

My main motivation right now is to have a fit/healthy pregnancy. :)

LOVE frosting!!

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All I read was cupcake…. ;-)

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Exercise is just part of my routine…and it has to be because I love nothing more than to eat cream cheese frosting right out of the container! :)

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Working out for me is routine but I also take it easy right after a big race. I won’t run but I’ll go cycling or do something else. I get grumpy if I don’t so anything. Running is my me time and my meditation time. After my last half I was burned out from training but after a few days I asked myself why I run and when I realized I run for more reason than just to train it was easy to run daily again.
My motivation right now is the remaining three half marathons I have his year and my bike relay. I have goal times and I want to reach them .

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Unless we’re talking cream cheese frosting, I am definitely not a frosting person. I always scrape it off the cake! Maybe that’s why I prefer pie to cake any day of the week.

I wish exercise was something I could do every day, but being a single mom of two really puts a damper on that. I exercise three times a week, during my work day, because the kids are in daycare. But they can’t watch themselves, and I can’t afford a babysitter, so that’s that. I take what I can get!

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I have not had to use it for mental sanity for a long time, but it is my #1 motivation right now.

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I’m an equally frosting and cake person. Too much frosting is too sweet and too much cake is too boring. That’s why some brilliant soul brought them together, probably the same person who invented PB&J.

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I’m the same as you. Get up every morning to workout and I’ve be been doing it for so many years now it’s just part of the routine. I do think having other fitness activities you enjoy doing besides running is very important. During my injury, I lifted legs to keep them strong and did flexibility and balance exercises along with spinning.

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Ugh I totally feel that! After my first half marathon I didn’t run for 2 weeks! I still biked and strength trained a little, but I was just not into running. I guess my body knew what it needed, and I just had to listen!

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Right now it is the end of the school-year.. I really want grades done, but I will still have Final Exams (plus a week of school to go)… so exercise helps me keep-going. That being said, I am seeing friends during summer and going-out more–that is keeping me motivated to tone-up.

I only eat frosting. I never eat the cake. Never.

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My main motivation at the moment is my half marathon I’m running in a week and a half. Overall, my main motivation is to be healthy and stronger than I was! When I’m feeling really burnt out, I try to bribe myself a bit with a fun podcast, or I take the day off and give myself some extra rest. I do lots of types of exercise, so I’m always mixing it up every week.

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Running is definitely part of my routine (or working out generally) but it goes in waves. Sometimes I’m not terribly motivated and other times I’m DYING to get out and go. Right now I’m motivated by the desire to run through my pregnancy. With so much changing, going on my run is one of the things that makes me feel like ME!

I think if I had to choose, I’d go for the cake part, but I can’t resist a really good butter cream!

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My main motivation is that my long term goal is coming due! I’ve been saying for about 6 years now that I want to be my fittest yet at 40. Well, that birthday is coming up in October and I’m booking a photo shoot as a gift to myself.

I’m totally a cake person. I like a little frosting with a lot of cake.

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Can I be both a cake and a frosting person? I know it’s greedy, but I like to have it all…with a little ice cream on the side!

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When I am training for something it is just part of my routine. The last two months it has been a decision and it is because I just needed a break. I burned out. I am not working with a trainer and going to a cycling studio and now when I wake up I have somewhere to be every morning at 6am for a work out. I am loving that it is no longer a decision, it is just part of my day. You have to find what makes you want to move!

I’ll eat the whole dang thing, frosting and cake.

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Guilty face + side ponytail+ shirt with a knot is even cuter!!!

I am not as big of a runner as many of the other people who read your blog – I’ve been running for about 15 years but at the most I do two events a year and usually half marathons. And every time I finish the second race I almost always take a couple months off running. I find that after I’ve completed two half or full marathon training plans that I am completely “runned” out. Rather than force myself to keep going, I just take a break and then start up three or four months later. It has never been hard to get my fitness back and then I am super excited about running again. And so far I’ve never been injured so I think my body just needs that extra time off. And honestly, I don’t really do anything during those months. It’s almost always the winter and I don’t have a gym membership and the most I’ll do is walk to the post office. :-)

And I would love to run in the morning but I have to get up at 4:30am for work so there is no time. I usually try to squeeze my runs into my lunch hour at work and then go in the morning on the weekend. It is never “routine” though because sometimes I have lunch meetings or I’m too swamped or my son decides that he wants to play “body stiff as a board” and refuses to go into his stroller (if I’m at home I always have to take him). Pretty much I count each run as a blessing!

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Working out is routine for me. We have a great gym at my work so I go there at lunch with friends. Sometimes we talk eachother out of the gym and into going out for sushi but luckily that isn’t too often!
I like working out because I want to be around for a long time for my three kiddos!I also like that it lets me indulge in things like frosting without feeling super guilty.
I love both the cake and the frosting but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be the frosting!

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Most mornings I don’t have to make the decision to work out. This is my second year of consistently working out each morning, but then I have days where I wake up and feel off (like this morning) and decide that my body needs sleep instead. Tomorrow I’m doing a 26 mile bike ride and 8 mile run on Sat, so rest isn’t a bad idea at this point.
I <3 frosting. One day I will send you Jake's cookies (restaurant) with frosting. Oh my.

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First, I think Brooke is possibly the cutest child I’ve ever seen ha. And second, I don’t know about you but part of my lack of motivation post race to workout is I get the “post race blues”. This month I did back to back marathons (a week in between) and so for awhile there was all this hype about may and so much physical, emotional and mental energy went into preparing and once it’s over I’m like lost ha. I have another marathon in October but since I still have awhile before that I’m just feeling the “what do I train for… Work towards… Look forward to..? Yano. I think you’re so rigt about te mental aspect that is often underestimated. I think resting in that sense is so important.

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Exercise was totally just a routine for me for a really long time. First trimester of my second pregnancy totally screwed me and I didn’t work out for a long time. Now it has to be a conscious decision that honestly doesn’t get made very often. I am really stoked to get my fitness back after I pop this guy out though! I’m already planning my comeback! And I’m 50/50 on frosting, I like it, but not a ton of it. It can become to overwhelming and sweet if there’s too much.

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After running Boston in April I just didn’t want to workout at all for a week – usually when I take off time from running I do some sort of cross training but I was perfectly content sleeping in, eating ice cream and watching lots of TV! Sometimes you just need a little break for your mind and body to get back to the place of craving your runs! :)

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Love the frosting part for sure!!

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Getting up early in the morning, for me, requires doing it every day. One day off and I’m ready to phone it in and drop out so I keep the early morning schedule all week even if it means I’m just getting up and doing chores around the house until the rest of the world wakes up. Someone once described it to me as akin to jetlag and that made sense.

German chocolate cake frosting the cake is just something to hold the frosting. I could eat just the frosting out of a cup or bowl… Other frostings, meh.

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I felt the same way after my first half in March. I kept at it (exercise, that is), but I took it easy and focused more on strength training. Even now, I’m not back to my normal training schedule for runs, but I have kept one long run per week along with short runs on the other days. It’s just not as intense as training.

My daughter loves cake, and I love icing. We’re a good team. :)

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Exercise has become routine for me now, but it took a lot of time and discipline to get that way! Now that it’s a routine, it’s easy to work out on trips and I feel gross if I DON’T do anything. However, recently I found I needed a mental break from running. Every day it felt like my run lasted forever and I just needed to break it up a bit. So, I did Insanity for about 5 weeks and just like that I was ready to run again, and it felt even better!

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I always go for the frosting first, and could go without the rest of the cake!! I don’t really like ice cream cakes all that much (weird, I know) but those have the BEST frosting! I will just eat the frosting and let someone else eat the ice cream!

Exercise is 100% habit for me, just like taking my vitamins and brushing my teeth :) I do feel running burn out sometimes, but I always find some other type of activity to do even if I’m on a running break. I work a desk job, so I always want to get moving during the other hours of the day. I really enjoyed my time post-marathon just going for walks and doing a few crunches and calling it a day. After a week, I was ready to get running again.

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I love this post! Sometimes exercise just becomes a routine for me if I don’t make fitness goals. I need to make goals more often though because they motivate me so much! And I am most definitely a frosting person :)

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Cute, cute picture! Wow.

I am just the cake part person. Even as a kid I didn’t like frosting but was not wanting to tell my mom, so I would manage to choke it down.

Most days workouts come naturally. Thankfully I was raised in a house where we were always doing activities so it has just become part of my day. That said, I have days where I am not very motivated and if it seems too much effort, then I take the time off. I figure extra rest will never hurt. Pushing and injuring myself always will hurt.

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Right now exercise is a daily decision for me but during a different season of my life it was as much of a routine part of my day as brushing my teeth!

Not a frosting person! Who am I, right?? It’s too rich for me. Give me all the cakey parts!

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I don’t even think about it, working out in the morning is just what I do and I love it! I use to be a frosting person, I would ask other people if they were going to eat theirs haha but now I’m more of a cake person. My motivation right now is to keep seeing results, I love seeing result physically on me, and when I’m working out, it is what keeps me going regularly :)

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I struggle to take time OFF of exercise. I absolutely love it!

My main motivation right now is enjoying the beautiful running temps. I just think of all those miserable days over the winter… Appreciating the sun and ability to go out in shorts and a long-sleeve or short-sleeve. Priceless. Another motivation is a fall marathon if all the stars align.

I love ALL parts of the cake equally!! :)

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I’m a frosting girl!!!! ALL THE WAY!! One time, my coworkers got me a jar of frosting for my bday cake instead of a cake. I loved them even MORE after that!!!

The only days i have to really “think” about running or exercising is on the days where I am TRULY exhausted. I typically work out 5-6 days a week.

SO, yesterday, i tried to reply to a response from your 2nd post, but for some reason, my phone took me to your morning one instead so it is confunsing WHAT i was trying to comment on. Darn technology!
Not that my 2 cents matters in the grand scheme of things, but: I think you are a wonderful writer/blogger/runner/mom/inspiration. I love your nonsense posts just as much as I love you die hard running posts, your personal life posts, and even your your posts that are about pool running are STILL awesome. It’s your life, and it is short: march to your own beat and you don’t have to appease anyone except for your baby girl and your family. I hope you never stop blogging-where would i get my running fashion ideas/new food combos/workout ideas from? ;)

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It’s become a routine, still kind of a decision but the default answer is “yes, of course we’re going” instead of “eh, but I have XYZ to do.” Sorry if that doesn’t make sense.
My motivation for working out is to lose weight and get (and stay) healthy.

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On the days I don’t feel like working out, I go anyway and tell myself–just do 20 minutes. Usually after I hit that mark I am ready to go and if not, I stretch and go home.

If it’s cream cheese frosting, then I like equal parts frosting and cake.

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Running is usually automatic in the mornings for me too, but I am totally with Jill right now–I ran a marathon over the weekend and my body feels fully recovered now, but the last thing I want to do is run. I think the motivation will come back after taking a week or 2 to enjoy the lazy mornings.

I like to have a 50/50 ratio of cake to frosting in each bite.

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During the summer (when I don’t have to work), running is routine… I get up get ready and go! Winters and during the school year…. NOT SOOOO MUCH! Only because I work out after work and by then I’m over it… I am contemplating volunteering with the x country team next school year….. just to help keep me motivated.

My motivation right now is my next marathon… it’s not until the fall but just trying to maintain my fitness and stay injury free until then… AND it’s bikini season, ssooooo I want to look fabu!

I’m a frosting girl all the way! I can’t believe all of the people who don’t like it… I almost get offended when I bring cupcakes in for my students and they take the frosting off… I’m like WTF!

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I’ve realized that the days that I DO think about exercising are the days that I most likely need to take as a rest day. So, most of the time, I don’t think much about it and just DO it, but I make sure to take rest days at least 2 days per week (usually one real rest day and the other an active recovery rest day).

I’m currently exercising to get stronger and more fit so that I can get through my Body Pump cert training and then teach it!

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It’s like you and Jill are MIND READERS! I ran my half on 5/17 and PRed by 17 minutes. I have not been in the mood to run because it was so mentally and physically exhausting. I felt like a weirdo for feeling this way, but I’m glad to know I’m not alone. Thanks for posting. It was just what I needed.

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I still have to make a conscious effort to exercise. To me, laying in bed or on the couch is always going to “feel better” than running or sweating it out some other way. But the way I feel AFTER that workout is what beats hanging out on the couch. Some days it’s easier than others, but it is always still a challenge.

My motivation to train right now is to get back to my previous fitness, and also to train for my upcoming 25k!

LOVE CUPCAKES. I love frosting, but only if it’s a good buttercream or cream cheese frosting, none of that cheap stuff!

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These last couple of weeks I have had to make myself exercise/workout. The only reason I’m doing it right now is that there is so much stress from so many sources all hitting at the same time – it’s like the perfect storm – and lifting those weights sure helps shift my mindset and release some of the tension. Last night I had some kind of major mental shift because this morning I can’t wait to get to the gym! Oh – and I don’t really like frosting or cake.

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There is no decision making at all for me to workout. It’s part of my weekly schedule.

If the frosting is cream cheese- yes please!

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Yummmmm frosting!

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Thank you so much for this post! Your blog has been a great resource for me on many different aspects of my life ;) It is helpful to know that others are sharing in similar life experiences.

I will embrace my post-race laziness. As you always tell us…listen to your body. It tells us what it needs.

Thanks, Janae! P.S. I love the pics of you laying/collapsing after hard runs :)

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My main motivation is my first half marathon I have coming up on June 14th. I also started Crossfit today which is something different and challenging, and is motivating me to push myself even more!

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Exercise is just part of my life, but some days I just don’t feel like doing it. I usually feel bad for skipping, but one of my goals this year is to let go of that feeling. Taking a day or 3 off isn’t going to hurt anything. :)

I’m not a frosting person. I will scrape off the frosting and eat the cake/cupcake. You can have my excess frosting!

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I did a running streak in April and it became normal to wake up thinking “I’m going to run today.” This week I’m fasting and have to keep the physical activity low and so I wake up thinking, “Another day I can’t run”
But usually, it’s in between. I gauge how I feel when I wake up if it’s a running day or not. The body usually knows.
BTW. I just recommended your blog to my readers because I love how you keep it real on here. Check out the post at http://runwright.net/2014/05/29/keeping-it-real-on-the-blog/

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I love sweets but don’t like too much frosting. I’ll scrape off at least half of it to eat the cupcake underneath.

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sorry, random question – what do you think about not wearing a bra around in public? do you think it’s acceptable? especially with large nipples.

I have been arguing about this with my sister – that she needs to wear a bra around in public especially in a super thin shirt. Anything you or other ladies have to add to the argument would be greatly appreciated. :)

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So true, Janae! All good tips.

Working out is such a part of my routine that I often can’t remember if I took a rest day or not. I know that’s not good. I’m working out to get stronger so I can recover from my injury and do a pull up (my New Years resolution).

As for cupcakes, we are opposites. It is not uncommon for me to scrape off the frosting to eat the cake. Unless it’s cream cheese frosting on carrot cake, but that’s just a given. :)

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Once I get into an exercise routine then I’m like you and that’s just what I do on those days at those times but if for any reason I get out of that routine then it’s a real struggle to get back into it! Partly because I feel bad when I start back up again after a break that I’m not where I was before it in terms of fitness so my motivation is pretty low! Frosting wise I love both the frosting and the cake part! I’m a big believer you eat the frosting first then the cake – it’s part of the savouring of the cake! :-)

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Oh I am TOTALLY a frosting person!! Don’t get me wrong, I love the cake part too but I definitely prefer a 3:1 frosting:cake ratio :)

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I totally needed to hear this! I ran my first marathon a week and a half ago. I have been totally lazy and done absolutely nothing. The problem is, I ran for the first time yesterday and was so excited to be out running and then a mile into it my knee started hurting. During the marathon my knee started giving out on me and I have never had a problem with my knee before. It has felt absolutely fine since, but the exact same pain came back when I ran. I had to walk home. Now I’m freaking out. I need to exercise again, but I have no desire to do anything but run.

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My motivation is a fall half marathon. It’s still pretty far away so convincing myself to hit the road is difficult some days.

I am a cake girl – I hardly ever eat the icing. When we were little, I would give my frosting to my sister and she would give me her cake. It was a win-win!

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For Jill –

I’m sure it’s already been mentioned, but you may need to check your iron levels! A lot of times that’s my problem when I feel unmotivated!

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Thank you. Yes, took me a week to think of it, but I started iron supplements, vit. C and some Bs. Hope it helps.

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I go into a “slump” after a race, but the motivation comes back. I do think we need breaks.

I tried water running in the pool last night, my daughter came out and said she’d like to come home to me teaching all the old folks in the neighborhood water aerobics. 17 year olds are hilarious.

Icing YUM, all 3 of my kids (when they were still little) licked the icing off. They also called the cake “the bread part”, which cracked me up!

Brooke is so cute!

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I just got a huge PR in the marathon, and though I feel fine and want to run, the Hansons marathon plan says I need to be off for 2 weeks! I’m trying to be off for at least a week from running, but I’m doing all the things I didn’t get to do while training, such as lifting heavy weights and long yoga sessions. It’s been a fun week doing workouts I haven’t done in a long time!

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I stay motivated because I’m training for my first marathon. After injuring myself in training the first two times, I’m raring to go!

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I was also injured twice during marathon training. Haven’t gone for a third try (yet), but the third time’s a charm! Best of luck!!

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Thank you! :-)

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I am in the routine of working out every day. I actually have to plan to take a rest day or I never would. Lately I have been struggling to get started with my workouts but once I’m doing it I’m so happy I did and usually feel great after just a few minutes. I prefer the cake part to the frosting. Sometimes the frosting is just to sweet for me.

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Exercise is a decision I have to make every morning in the middle of the week and on Sundays. For some reason on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturdays I am just ready to go! Weirdo, I know.

I am definitely a frosting person but I need the cake too. I can’t just eat the frosting off the top of a cupcake. That being said, if my frosting to cupcake ratio is 3:1 or even 4:1, I’m still okay with that :)

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I have to conciously make the decision to run, but only because I have such a busy schedule so I have to plan it in. It is hard for me to get out the door, but ususally within ten minutes I love the run!

My motivation is two-fold right now…………I have a half marathon on June 7 (my favorite course!), and I have to keep myself in shape for a wedding! I have only been engaged for 4 days but I am already planning! SO EXCITING! All this running gives me great legs, but I really want to work on the arms and abs………..they are pretty nice right now, but I want to be more toned up!

I like frosting……….and cake………….but certain icings are too sugary……….I prefer the kind that tastes like the stuff you buy in a jar, not the sugary whipped stuff from the bakery cupcakes.

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Hey Janae! I have been reading your blog for two years now..I’ve also read all of your posts since your first one! I love your positive attitude and enthusiasm, and I was a new runner when I started reading. Your posts motivate me daily. And when I think about all you are going through and yet still training hard, I know I can get out the door and work hard no excuses! I am injury prone and always learn from your tips, and you are an incredible runner. I hope I can be as fast as you in 10 years when I’m your age! I’ve never commented before, but I saw some comments about your blog yesterday and thought I’d tell you that I love your blog the way it is. I’ve searched for other blogs, but I have yet to find another one worthy of daily reading.

Oh and I love frosting & broccoli & ice cream…I’ve also been learning that when I eat real food and protein, my runs are a lot easier than when I eat ice cream for dinner..hmmm

Thank you for your incredible blog! And I’m praying for your leg to heal quickly.

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I ran a 5k the other week, and it was one of my worst runs ever. I hadn’t taken care of myself the night before. I had a lot of stress going on, and my runs following that race were awful. I was thinking the same thing. I thought something was wrong with me. That I was losing my endurance.. I couldn’t even stand to run 3.1 which is the lowest mileage I run on a normal day! It’ll all come back. I think we need to listen to our bodies, because worrying about not enjoying running just adds to the stress.

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I think it’s a great idea to let your body rest and rejuvenate. I always think it’s wise to listen to your body. My main motivation to workout is to stay active so that I can continue to live a long healthy life!

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My motivation for working out right now is my upcoming race on the Fourth of July: the bud heat wave run. It’s only five miles, but I run it every year. It’s a tradition down here. It’s interesting that you wrote about taking time off. I unintentionally took a few extra days off last week, and I never let myself hear the end of it. Ironically, when I went to run again I was stronger and faster than before. I learned it is okay to take time away from running, because it only made me a stronger athlete for it. Cheers!

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Exercise has definitely become part of the routine, but it hasn’t always been like that. Right now, my main motivation to workout is to stay healthy and challenge myself with some new goals. Next weekend I will be racing in my first triathlon – IM 70.3 Boise. It wouldn’t be possible without discipline and daily effort. Oh, and I think I might actually celebrate at the finish line with some frosting. MY FAVORITE!

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Thanks for the tips! I agree that it’s best to focus on physical and mental health equally!

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FROSTING!! Who eats cakes…except as a tool to get to the frosting?!

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I happen to be very picky about my frosting…none of that whipped cream crap. I want the real stuff -> buttercream or cream cheese frosting. But otherwise, I always look forward to wedding cake because the cake itself is usually made by a really good baker and usually some sort of awesome pound cake. So yes to both if they’re good quality! But the crappy $1 for a box of mini cupcakes just don’t make the cut.

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Definitely a cake with no frosting girl :)

I struggle constantly to find the motivation to work out. I’ve been injured a couple of times in the past few years, and I feel like I’m always starting from scratch (no gym = no pool, bike, elliptical, etc.).

Races are a super great motivator for me to jump-start my training, because they are so much fun and I can follow a training plan. I’m taking it much easier this time around, but have a race on June 14th with my local running group! After that I plan to just keep up a decent level of fitness throughout the next full year. I really admire everyone who has running/working out as part of their regular routine, and I am making THAT my goal rather than a bunch of races! :)

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I don’t run, but I do lift weights and do other cardio and it’s starting to be a daily routine FINALLY (after 5 months of pushing through.) I can definitely tell the days that I don’t go, I don’t have nearly enough energy and I’m not in the best mood. My main motivation is honestly both equal parts wanting to be healthy, and wanting to look good :)

Even though I don’t run, my little brother does and he just ran his first marathon in April. He took a full month off. He was so physically and mentally exhausted and really needed the break.

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Once I’m in a routine of exercising every day (or almost every day) then it is second nature. I don’t need to drag myself out of bed onto the road or to the gym. I just feel ~wrong~ if I don’t workout. My energy is low. I feel depressed. BUT once I get in a routine of not exercising (read: Christmas vacation) it is disgustingly hard to motivate myself to get back out there. I guess I’m just a person of habit?!

My main motivation to workout right now is to train for my first ever HALF IRONMAN!!! And to complete it injury free (not going well so far). Haha.

And I like frosting and cake…just not mixed. The texture combination weirds me out

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2 things.
1. is that really you in the first picture? That reminded me of me on my first half. I basically cramped up everywhere and decided to just sit there just after I crossed the finish line. I didn’t even know my neck and fingers could cramp, lol…
2. your idea about eating healthier is right on! I like that. I do that every time after a long marathon race. I basically abuse the carb loading aspect of race running. I tell myself to get back on it the following monday.

thanks for sharing!

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I definitely have to work out in the morning — especially running. It is too hot here in the summer to run after work (besides easy runs). I can do some sort of class after work but won’t be motivated to run.

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I really like your blog! Thanks for writing it!
:)

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I feel like when I get in the groove it’s not a decision for me, but when I fall off the wagon it is so so difficult to get myself motivated again.

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I definitely agree with letting yourself rest when you feel unmotivated…. It’s so easy to burn out! I schedule 3 crossfit workouts a week, and on the other days, if I feel like it (which happens on about 3 of the 4), I’ll do a workout just because I want to. It helps me to not burn out, not feeling like I “have to”. It’s allllll mental for me :)

My motivation is just how good I feel after working out. I try to never let myself forget that feeling of accomplishment after a tough wod or a heavy lift.

And I am one of the weird non-frosting people! If it’s on cake or a cupcake, I usually scrape it off or have only a little, I just like the cakey part! BUT, I will eat chocolate frosting out of the can!!!

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Thank you, 100 times over, for this post! I am experiencing similar right now, and I know if I push myself I’ll feel burnt out. I haven’t raced lately, but I’ve been doing really intense workouts, and sometimes go a week without rest and not realize it. So I was off yesterday (and ate some cookies) and I allowed myself to be off today because I was really dreading my workout. I don’t want that to be the norm. It feels good to sleep or paint or cook instead. Balanced is a good word for it. :)

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Yeah, I feel that lack of motivation after a race is a good sign that the body and mind might need a little break from the rigidity of training. Sometimes that is just 48 hrs for me and others it is a week. During this time I try to stay active, but be gentler on my body by doing yoga, going on a bike ride, walking or hiking with a friend, etc. and even just a little bit if extra rest and relaxation!

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Ellie said that doesn’t look like Brooke; she looks too old. You were right about when she got back from Cali. What do they feed her there?!?

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I do NOT like frosting, but I love the cake part. Unless it is a Nothing Bundt Cake. I nom that frosting.

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This was pretty perfect for me right now. Between the hot summer temps adn just coming off a month fitness challenge that had me doing barre every day…I have zero motivation to run/workout. My plan is to get back into it this weekend. Sometimes a break is just what you need :)

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like you exercise has been with me all my life from sports and now to biking/running. Its just a part of my day.

main motivation to workout is to train for my 6th marathon and shooting for a PR and 2nd boston. lots of goals but shoot high and if you miss you lang among the stars…thats how the saying goes, right?

I like cake + frosting #piglet

my sister makes an awesome salted caramel butter cream frosting (with chocolate cake)…so so so so good! here is link

http://www.sistersrunningthekitchen.com/2012/04/my-favorite-chocolate-cake-chocolate-cake-with-salted-caramel-frosting/

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So proud of Jill! Keep pushing through and great tips!

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Ugh the side pony kills me <3
I definitely have gone through running un-motivation – I always need a goal to work towards and now that I am Cross Country training I have one to shoot for anyway :)

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I love the cake part! Fortunately, I have kids who love frosting. Things work out well for all of us. :)

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I have been running for 20 years now and love it but when the cold weather hits and my only time to get to run is 5am because of kiddies and work, but by golly is it hard to get motivated to get up that time of warming when it is sooooooooo cold brrrrrr. I used to just get up and go but lately since i have been working it has gotten more harder, for example i didnt run this morning, too cold and too early and my baby girl didnt sleep last night so i was off half the night with her and now i feel blahhhh haha ha ha i am sure somehow i will survive.

Brooke is so adorable, beautiful like her mummy. And yes i am totally a frosting girl, i love it in any flavour yummo

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I am a brand new runner–currently on W5D2 of C25k–so I have to plan my running and the evenings are best. Hopefully someday it will become routine to me with only running–with these built-in rest days, I have had to fill them with something else or it’s too easy for me to get off track (creature of habit here!). I chose barre, hoping that the core workouts will make me a stronger runner. My goal is either the rock and roll Philly half or the other Philly half in November…hopefully one of those is realistic for a 5weekold runner!

Definitely the cake….unless it’s homemade frosting, then it’s a whole new game. :)

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Thank you for this post! I ran the Snohomish Women’s Half on 5/18 and have been sluggish as I get back to training for June’s half. Only squeezed out 6 miles on my Saturday “long” run, and just have lacked motivation. It’s good to remind yourself that your body needs to rest and recover, and that drive to run longer distances will return. :)

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I break my cupcake in half (frosting/cake on one side and cake on the other) I eat the cake part first and then the frosting/cake part

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Unlike someone’s comment from the othe day, I will stop reading if you stop putting pictures on here of Brookie! Keep doin what your doin chicky!

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Thank you!!!!!!!

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I have always been a runner, but I really intensified my training from last July to this past March, and I ran every single day for 8 months. There were things happening in my life that I couldn’t control, and running became a calming routine. I wasn’t training for a race, but for some reason was able to wake up every morning and go out for a run no matter how tired I was. It was great, but in the end, it was too much. I lost a lot of weight, and I could tell my body was just super exhausted. And then one morning, I just woke up and had zero motivation to run. I didn’t run that day, for that week, and for the whole entire month. It felt very weird, but at the same time my body was exhausted even though I wasn’t running. And at first, I felt very guilty taking this “break” after running everyday for so long, and I didn’t feel too great, but I realized I was just burned out. I have learned my lesson and that going extreme is never good, and in the end it can hurt us. Our bodies and minds needs balance, and a break.

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After a race I definitely take some days off. I haven’t felt burned out yet but I’ve only raced halfs or shorter not a full yet. I don’t always run early morning sometimes I like staying up late with the hubs so I’ll do jogger stroller or run in the evenings when he’s home with our 3 kids. I run for fun and almost always want to run. Other exercises like push ups and strength training not fun for me.
I did a 10k few weeks ago and now have a 5k this weekend which I won’t do again. I was sick running 10k and didn’t pr by 2 seconds! Don’t think I’ll do more than one race in a month again. I need to space them out more it is taxing and I got really sick after 10k. K this is long now..chocolate frosting and chocolate cake plz with milk.

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I have a feeling you must really love cream-filled cupcakes. I had a vanilla cream cupcake (with lots of frosting) at my friends’ wedding the other day, and it was heavenly. And to answer your question: why choose?

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Love the way you think Janae! :)

Exercise is a part of my daily routine!

My main motivation: it just brings me pure joy. The endorphins never get old…. especially in nursing school.

Have a great weekend!!

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My friend taught me to take the bottom of my cupcake off and put it on top of the frosting so you get a kind of cake sandwich. That way you can enjoy frosting in every bite.

Right now, my exercise consists of a lot of walking until I get the goahead from the doc to run again. I’m excited to run again, but just walking around the neighborhood with the baby is pretty fun too right now.

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I totally agree with your advice number 2. After my marathon, I had no motivation to run at all. I decided to keep exercising and so everything but running. It worked, one month later, I fell in love with running again.

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I don’t really have a routine yet because I haven’t been training for a specific run for a while (last one was in March) so I’ve been sporadic with my workouts. I think for me it’s this Florida heat- I hate running on the treadmill (boring!) and outside is just brutal in the summer. I’m starting my training plan for the Run Disney Tower of Terror race next week so I think that’ll get me back on track since I will have specific days I’m doing things.

As for cake- I’ll eat anything as long as it has chocolate in it!

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