Motivation

We let Huck have the run of the house last night.  It turns out that he is a snuggly cat who likes to sleep with us, so it wasn't the most restful sleep I've ever had.  My night time temperature gauge has been been broken for many years.  Fortunately I'm over the night sweats most of the time, but I really need to have light covers on year round and I wouldn't mind the window open when the weather is mild.   This has led to many marital compromises over the years, especially with regards to use of the ceiling fan.  Unfortunately adding a cuddly kitten to the mix meant that I spent more time than usual overheated.  In addition, every time I got up to cool down Huck followed me out of bed and down the hall, spending as much time as possible underfoot.

 

For all of these reasons, I had a hard time waking up this morning and getting out of bed and pilates was the last thing I was interested in doing.  Since I had missed class last Friday, I knew I really had to go this morning, or the momentum would be broken and then it's too easy to just stop attending class.  Fortunately I've learned how to trick myself into going to classes, by giving myself permission to not be perfect for just this class.  It's better to go and do the best you can, but take a couple of extra breaks when needed, than to stay home.   I always put my yoga pants and top on first thing in the morning because it's difficult to make an excuse to stay home when I'm dressed and read to go.   Of course, no matter how draggy I feel before class, I feel so much better after going.

I think I'm going to change my weightlifting class next session.  I've enjoyed doing it, but it's time to increase both the cardio portion and the type of exercise I'm doing.  The original classes have run from 11 am to noon, which was great in the winter when it was dark in the morning.  The new classes will have a free weight component in addition to cardio, and the instructor will change it up every class.  It's always good to make changes to your routine because otherwise your body gets accustomed to what you're doing.  Classes will run from 8:30 to 9:30 am, which works better in the spring because it's easier to be out and moving in the morning.  Also, I'll be finished a lot earlier so I can accomplish more before noon.

I'm going to go snowshoeing again this afternoon.  My knees are a little stiff after three days in a row but we're supposed to get rain tomorrow, so who knows how much longer the snow will last.  Quite often our showshoeing season ends in February, and this has been such a mild season you just can't predict what's going to happen next.  It's beautiful and peaceful in the park right now and I hate to miss a day.  Soon enough it will be icy and muddy and I'll be back to walking around the neighbourhood, or perhaps around the bay.

Actually I invited our youngest son to come snowshoeing with me this afternoon and we had a great time.  It's always interesting when you spend time with your adult children, because although you're still their mother, they have their own lives and interests now.   My son picked our route so we started in the exact opposite direction to my usual path.  Then we crossed over the stream and clomped up the hill on the other side, someplace I had never explored.  He patiently waited for me on the steeper hills, and we chatted cheerfully about nothing in particular as we went.  I had a great time, and I hope he did too.