I don't work nine to five, Monday through Friday. I work concierge at a day spa, and while there are a lot of awesome perks to my job (see also free massage), working at 7:30 on Saturday morning doesn't always feel like one. Getting up at 5:30 when it appears that everyone else in the world is asleep can be tiresome, but generally, I love it.
My walk to work is a quick two miles and includes a half-mile bridge that overlooks the entire Boston skyline. Normally I love the walk because I get to listen to a podcast and catch the sun rise peeking through the buildings. The streets are deserted and I seemingly have my city to myself. This morning I noticed something new. People were out running, and speed walking, and there was even a man rowing in the Charles. It was about forty degrees this morning, unseasonably warm, and it was great to see people out enjoying the mild winter. Thinking about it, I'm sure these runners are always out on Saturday mornings but I haven't ever really thought about how incredible it is to see people out exercising during times I've generally reserved for sleep.
These runners were a nice little reminder of the goals I've set since joining the 2FNs community. Sometimes my motivation wavers between reading posts and going to the gym, like when I get home and remember that I have a really comfortable couch, or when I'm sitting at work getting paid to cater to the needs of the entitled. But the inspiration really is everywhere, and seeing people out exercising and enjoying it is awesome encouragement.
I’m a big fan of Saturday morning exercising. I never used to be a morning person, and it was tough to get into a routine. Once I did, though, I noticed almost immediate benefits. Kicking off the weekend with a little sweat seemed to put me in a better mood, and I found that the I was in a much better and happier mood through the Saturdays. I never realized how many other people were doing it, either, until I stopped to look around and smell the proverbial roses.
It’s true! I know I stress all weekend long hoping that I’ll get to work out when I could just get up a little (or a lot, depending) earlier and spend some time outside or at the gym.
Seeing the crazy joggers trucking it through the snow flurries or torrential downpours is definitely motivation. If they can get out there, so can Rara and I.