Allow, Release, Let Go

When I decided to journal online about my Tough Mudder self-training, it was with the intention to give myself that extra push to see my experiences in a positive light. So after the morning I had, I knew I'd be writing today.

Let's back-track to yesterday....actually, Sunday. Sunday we had snow...and I don't mean a couple of flurries. No. We had snow. Monday morning I woke up to an inch or two of crunchy snowman snow. Much like the rest of Southern Ontario I was more than a little disappointed at the sight of the fluffy white stuff but I did breathe a little sigh of relief - I wouldn't have to feel too guilty about not running that day. You see, in addition to my 9-5 (which is really 8-4:30...meaning my day starts when my alarm goes off at 6am...) I work Paint Nite events. So I woke up at 6, was out the door with the dog at 6:10 back home to do a quick morning yoga routine and at my desk for 8:30 (because the roads were so bad - did you know most snow plow contracts end March 31st?).Work my desk job then off to Paint Nite.... and home just after 10pm.Now I'm all about motivating myself to get in some physical activity where I can - but the extent of my work out was being on my feet for 5 hours that evening (and the dog walk/yoga in the morning). When I got home I sunk comfortably onto the couch for a little R&R before bed.Not sure why I bothered going to bed last night though. I don't think I slept much. When my alarm went off today I was already awake... and despite leaving on time...was late to work again. Don't you just love morning traffic? Throw a couple dozen transport trucks to slow it down more than usual, on top of the lack of sleep, and you've got a recipe for a very grouchy Marina. And the day was filled with meetings and more information than I knew what to do with - did I mention I just started a new job? I've come on board during a transitional phase so A LOT is happening and before I knew it the clock struck 3pm and I still hadn't eaten my lunch. No sleep + late lunch = headache. And a kink in my neck to top it all off. YAYLet's get to the point of this post shall we? 

When I got home I threw on my workout clothes, lathered on some Tiger Balm, bundled up and headed out for a pre-dinner run. I did it. I ran more, walked less, and came home feeling the burn - literally, I could feel the Tiger Balm working and if you've never experienced the warming, healing sensation of this magical ointment on your neck & shoulder muscles you haven't lived.

So when I look back on today, I'm not even thinking of the morning traffic or lack of sleep. I'm just too proud of myself for being able to get over the negatives and focus on the positives and do what feels good. Definitely a step in the right direction... I doubt Tough Mudder is going to be rainbows and lollipops lol. Tomorrow's another Paint Nite day - but that's ok. My body needs some good rest anyway. I'll embrace the break and jump back in Thursday - can't wait ! 

ANYWAY: I cooled down with a full-body yoga session via youtube (Check out Yoga With Adriene if you're looking for at-home yoga, she's amazing) and I felt AWESOME. I even rewarded myself with a glass of wine at dinner :D