Finding your Zone…

Lets face it, we all have troubles getting out there and staying active after a few decents runs and/or workout sessions. When I feel sore, a sense of satisfaction occurs because its proof that I have been putting in the work. However, getting back out there and continuing the physical activities can be difficult. Try this method to help find your zone.

• Light, easy and slow movements to listen to what your body is saying.

When running, start out with a focus to just get the muscles moving. Have no goal of the distance or time, just the idea of seeing how your body is reacting to the active movements. If something is hurting, take notes. If something feels strong, take notes. During this time, your mind can adapt to what is happening to your body. Since these movements are slow and easy, you can continue at this pace for as long as needed to understand how your body feels for this particular run. After this process, you can choose to go faster or slower and your mind will know where your body is. The goal to is let your body do the talking and let your mind focus on how your body feels.

• Say to yourself, “Your mind is stronger then your body!”

When we are sore and tired, excuses pour out. The motivation dwindles as we become more comfortable and the opportunity diminishes. Testing and proving to yourself that your mind is stronger then your body through small goals results with finding your zone. After the slow, easy movements and have decided to turn it up a notch, start by setting small goals or small differences that you have not accomplished in the previous days. These goals or differences are usually better when planned out but also very helpful for when in the moment. Your tired legs or sore back is a negative feeling which results with your mind questioning yourself and your actions. Learning to accept and lowering the volume of this negative emotions, and realizing that your mind is stronger, your goals become easier to achieve.

Finding your zone, can be difficult when your sore and tired. However, starting out slow and easy with no goals in mind is a good way to start. During this time, taking notes on your body will focus and balance your mind. Your mind has the time to adapt to all the negative feelings. Small goals can be developed to help turn up the intensity. After accomplishing some goals, you can see and understand that your mind is stronger then your body. This process helps me find my zone. In my zone, progression occurs and I feel a sense of happiness. Getting into the zone can be difficult, but getting there is the reward.