Training Log : Week 4 - Day 25 & 26 - Mind Games

Day 26 Thursday
'The mind is a strange place' .. I'm sure many have observed, lamented and concluded.

For weeks I have been (quite) diligently following The Plan and each time I start to run the mind wonders "Can I do it?". I have said "The first step is the weakest". I know that at the start of any physical activity the body needs to adjust to the rigors of activity, a change is the body's homeostasis (balance), getting out of our comfort zone, etc.etc. but the mind still doubts...

So, I decided to devise "my own Mind Games", a sort of coping mechanism. I'm sure every runner or sports person has their own too. Mine includes:

• Taking a deep breath & literally smelling the roses (or jasmine - my favourite flower). Choose a route that passes by your neighbours garden, but not thru' it! or else run for your life.. Ha ha ha
• "Enjoying" the morning scene & trying to avoid busy drivers sending kids to school, rushing to office, housewives marketing, seniors exercising in the strangest ways (one insist on extending his arms out and clapping his hands as hard as he can sending out loud soundwaves, creating echoes in our little valley). Tip: Learn the garbage man's schedule - you wouldn't want to end up running behind the garbage truck, as I had to do once .. Ha ha ha
• Getting irritated with neighbours who throw out rubbish from their house into the nearby drain, wash their driveway with a hose & detergent leaving soapy suds all over the main road
• People watching - noticed that almost every guy (mainly seniors & middle-aged) I saw wore black or dark grey socks with their white sneakers. And the socks are never folded down!
• Create a rhythm - jangling keys in my pocket is a good metronome, so is counting out loud or soldier jogging chant (like in the army) .. "Only one more lap to go, To-morrow we will do no more" http://www.stockmusicsite.com/stockmusic/summary/play.cfm/sound_iid.316895

Day 25 Wednesday

Have been neglecting my strength training.. So, did some upper body circuit workout, at home with only dumbells (a birthday present from supportive friends) - chest press, flye, deadlift, tricep pullback and door frame push-up - while waiting for my laptop to upload the latest IE8.

But after one set, oh no.... time to get ready for work... DRATS!

Gotta get better time-management....