We could tell something was going to be different this morning. Paul Lacoste lined us up into two lines. Clark then took over.
The beat-down began.
Honestly, I can’t remember what all we did. I know we ran on the track several laps, did a gaggle of burpees, 80 sit-ups, donkey kicks, six-inches, jumping jacks, shuffles, high knees, quick feet, bicycle, ran on the track several more laps, did sprints with pushups, arm mechanics, inch worms, bear crawls, more burpees, planks and much, much more. We never stopped for the whole hour. Not once. There was no “catch your breath moments.”
I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty much how my life goes. There are no “catch your breath moments” in our crazy world. But I learned a couple of things today that can make a huge difference.
1. Don’t worry about what is next. Focus on what you are doing.
Seriously. Today’s workout was a mental workout as well as a physical one. If I had been worried about “what was next,” I would have been exhausted early on. Instead, I focused on the exercise at hand. That’s a darn smart way to live life. Plan your day and then attack each piece of it with heart and passion.
2. Learn to catch your breath while moving.
Burpees will never be easy for me. I know when I am doing them I am going to suffer and burn energy. Sit-ups are easier. When I’m doing 80 sit-ups, I can breath and regain strength. Mountain climbers hurt. Arm mechanics allow me to be upright and breathe. Bear crawls are tough but I can do jumping jacks easier, so I recharge. I also learned this lesson while running a marathon. If you’re on a downhill stretch, allow your heart rate to lower. I’m still giving 100% — there are just moments when you realize when you are stronger, so your body can recharge. You have to take moments in your life to regain your strength. It allows you to continue for the long haul.
Side note:
I would look down the line and see my son working his butt off. I can’t tell you how proud I am of him for coming out there and challenging himself like he has. He has excelled the last two weeks. I’m inspired by his grit and heart. He’s a great kid.