Consistency is Key

I recently finished a book called Younger Next Year for Women, by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D.  This book was amazing in it's ability to really drive home the importance of taking care of yourself today to affect the tomorrow, and if you start with anything now, next year your body would be healthier.  The biggest take home message that was imbedded in my mind while reading was that consistency is what makes long term changes.  It does not state you have to intensely do anything, you don't have to go balls to the walls with every workout, it states that you must make a commitment to yourself to do something almost everyday.
I have been one of these people and I'm sure you might fall into the category as well, where we get motivated, invest in 3 weeks of great training, fall off the wagon for 2, on for 1, off for 3, on again.... you get the drift.  The problem with this is that the body starts to reverse it's training effect within 7-10 days without stimulation!!  Everytime we get back into our workouts we are technically starting all over again!  This doesn't allow our bodies to move forward towards any goal we might achieve.  In truth it takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks of consistent training for the body to even begin to respond to the stimulus we put on it. 
This week I have had to really remember this valuable point of information.  Last Sunday my day and my training was caught off gaurd when I was hit with a migraine.  I spent the entire day in bed, unable to move, talk or open my eyes.  I thought I was dieing, it sucked so bad!!  When Monday rolled around I knew I was set to increase my run by 2 kms from the previous week, so feeling weak, shaky and still slightly achy I set out to train.  It was hard.  My legs were heavy, my breath was harder to catch and my head ached slightly by the end.... but I did it.  I knew that in order to continue with my half marathon training, my 3 planned workouts this week were important.  It took me 44 mins to complete the 7.23 kms but I was happy I did it (not during, just after!).  Wednesday I hit the pavement to do the same route and feeling better I was able to complete the same distance in 36 mins... a 6 minute difference... I felt awesome!!!
Every time I worked out and ran this week the mantra "it's not about intensity, it's about consistency" played in my head.  There are going to be days, weeks or moments in our lives that are going to try to drag us away from our goals. It is so important that no matter the circumstances, we make ourselves a priority.  Even if you can get in only half of your workout, it matters.  Make consistency your word of the day.  Say it over and over until it is imprinted into your mind.  Now it's time to take action.  Begin today, see what next year feels like, younger, fitter and healthier!!!