Training for the Finish Line

Did you know that runners rarely instinctively run all the way to the finish line? They have to train to run to the finish. They have to be reminded repeatedly and molded into the type of runner who picks up the pace on the way to the finish. Our bodies don't want to run when they see the finish, they want to stop. Our brain sees the checkered flag and says, "Oh thank goodness! I get to rest!" and our feet slow down. When you train to run that can be one of the hardest things to overcome. You have to constantly remind yourself to 'sprint' to the finish. Some runners even avert their eyes from the finish so that they don't fall into the mental trap that slows them down. What I'm finding is that it's not just runners that have a rough time running full bore the whole race. I'm finding it very difficult to keep sprinting toward the finish of my weight loss. This is the first time the end has even seemed realistic, much less achievable, and I find myself stumbling over the simplest things. I've run a marathon when it comes to weight loss over the past year (1 year exactly on February 27th) and the silly mistakes I'm making are akin to turning around when you're 20 yards from the finish. I've commited myself anew and I'm trying to return to the basics. Measure everything. Write it ALL down. Exercise even when you don't feel like it. Snack only when hungry...not just because it's Tuesday!

Finish line....get ready for me....