A New Book (about time)
Hi Team. Sorry I’ve been a little scarce lately. I’m writing a new book which doesn’t leave too many hours free in my day. FYI, it’s a personal development book for people who don’t like personal development books. It’s interesting to note that many Australians have something of an aversion to anything that smells like self-help. As a result, trying to create a product that will be well-received (and commercially successful) in this country is both a challenge and an exciting opportunity. The book is written in Craiganese and should be equally captivating, inspiring, amusing and offensive. Well, that’s my goal anyway. It could be complete crap. Let’s hope not. 
I have an exciting new partnership with a fantastic company in Sydney which has decided to support, promote and help grow the work Johnnie and I are doing via a range of personal development products. And no, I’m not selling my soul, so panic not. I’ll fill you in on what’s happening over the next few weeks. It’s pretty cool so stay tuned…
A Reader Question
Yesterday I received a comment on Monday’s post (the one about finding your best exercise program) from Amanda. Like many, she is currently struggling to find her mojo when it comes to exercise. Confusion, lack of motivation and lack of direction are common issues for most of us (at some stage) of our health/fitness journey. Now, I know there will be three groups who read Amanda’s comment/question: (1) the group who don’t give a rat’s about exercise (and that’s okay – we still love you) (2) the group who identify (on some level) with her feelings and situation and also want feedback, direction and advice on the issues she raises and (3) those who feel that they have some advice, feedback and/or insight to share with Amanda and the rest of us.
As usual, I’ll give away some cool stuff to the people who float my boat with their insight, wisdom and direction. Tomorrow I’ll announce the winners of last week’s free stuff (re the marriage post). Sorry, I meant to do it earlier – I forgot. Here’s Amanda’s comment/question as it arrived:
Craig, i love your posts. They are so realistic. At the moment i am sitting on my couch feeling sorry for myself as i have lost all motivation (I know you hate this term but its true). I have never experienced this in my life but i feel i will never get where i want to go – I found my ideal workout when I least expected it (running), fell in love completely. I then got injured weight training (knee), and nothing has been the same since. I tried swimming, walking, bike – and have just lost more and more motivation as none of these has stacked up. I have been an exerciser for years and know all the info to the point i now get so confused as to what will work! I have read your fatitude book (it is beside my bed) and posts and i still feel lost. What will work now when the love has gone!!
Okay… any advice, thoughts, feedback, suggestions or insight for Amanda?
And… If you’re a fitness or health professional, feel free to plug your business. Just this once. 
Yes, you can add a link.
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Amanda, it’s tough on you! Especially since you are one of the few that really likes to exercise! Have you tried taking up dancing? Any kind – hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom. Personally I hate any exercise that doesn’t come with a beat.
I so know how you feel. Have been there before.
Have you ever tried deep water running? I bought a deep water running belt and it is pretty good. For a real runner (that is not me), possibly not quite as good but I understand the workout is as good for you and no pressure on your knee.
Good luck, hope you find the love again. It is a great feeling to re-find it.
cheers
Jen
You say that you have suffered a knee injury. What is the extent of your injury? What you need to know is when will you be likely to run again? Start to put your rehab plan into action.
Finally I can get my husband interested in personal development.
[...] You Turn to Teach: Help for Amanda [...]
I am not a professional but as a fellow exerciser I empathise with your frustration. Nothing replaces running so you need to accept the fact that you will need to find replacement exercises until you can do what you enjoy. As Craig always says sometimes you need to do the things that work not the things you enjoy.
So looking forward to the new book Craig!
Sorry Craig. I am one of the ones that fit into group 1. Exercise sucks but love your site!
Belinda
Have you been training alone? Have you tried outdoor bootcamps? Some people swear by them. Join a cycling club. Train with a swim squad. Running is different as you get into your own zone. But I really love swimming and riding with others. It’s so much fun and the time goes quicker too.
Make it your goal to return to running. Are you seeing a physio about it? It must be disheartening when you have an injury that is stopping you from doing what you love. But don’t give up. All the best, Amanda.
OMG! I can SO RELATE! I started running 2 years ago and FELL IN LOVE WITH IT! I swear, nothing compares. I love the sound of my feet hitting the ground, the smell of the air around me, how my body feels after a hard run. Everything about running motivates me like crazy!
But I also recently injured my knee. I decided to go to an orthopedic doctor instead of my regular general family practice doc and I am so glad I did. He referred me to a Physical Therapist to rehab my knee. My first appointment is Friday. I think the thing that has me so re-energized right now is the fact that the doctor still believes I’ll be able to run my half marathon in 4 weeks. I also like that he gave me a list of other exercises I can be doing in place of running.
On Sunday I went for a 26 mile bike ride and it didn’t bother my knee at all.
Hang in there, Amanda! Maybe meet with a professional trainer, doctor or physical therapist to get some recommendations that are specific to your injury!
hi amanda – are you seeing a physiotherapist to help with rehab on your knee ? meanwhile do what all runners do when injured to maintain your fitness and help strengthen the knee and that is bike riding ! eg mountain bike, spin classes, road bike – will help maintain your motivation and you will meet some great people along the way
Amanda, sorry to hear about your injury….really sucks! I would recommend, if you haven’t already, getting a plan from an expert on how you’re going to be able to get back to running. Then take that plan to a hypnotherapist and watch the magic. I use hypnotherapy professionally and personally. Nothing magic about it, but sometimes it feels like it.
Amanda, check out this website…I came across it after reading your post.
The quote within the blog post was powerful. I read the book as a teen and it had a huge impact on me. Even more so now as an adult. But the quote really kicked it for me today.
I understand the non-running thing, too. I have had two knee surgeries in the last year and have gained thirty pounds. Genetics suck.
I made a pact with a friend—I must do three specific goals everyday this week or I owe $$$ to her. Focus only on this week. You can do it. Hang in there girl! Support from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA to you!
http://www.intent.com/peacecorso/blog/7-deadly-sins-explored-sloth
As a fellow runner and also Personal Trainer who specialises in helping injured runners ( not touting for business – I’m in London!) I I understand exactly how you feel. Once you have the running bug nothing else is quite the same.
If you cant run the next best thing is to do whatever it takes to get be able to run again. You dont mention if the knee injury is a permanent thing or temporary. If it is temporary find a physio/ trainer or other therapist that can help you get back into running. There isn’t too many injuries that will prevent you running permanently but you need to find someone who can truly diagnose , understand and rehab your injury. No offence to any Doctors reading this but I’ve had several clients including myself that when they went to a doctor with knee pain from running were told to give up running. I was told I’d need a knee operation if I continued running, some 15 years later I have completed numerous ironman triathlons, marathons and ultramarathons and no knee operation in sight! In the meantime stay motivated by reading blogs, magazines etc about running and do as much stretching , rehab exercises as you possibly can. You are still a runner – you just happen to be injured.
If you cant run ever again then you need to find acceptance with that. Until you accept that nothing will motivate you.
Hope that helps
Amanda I totally empathise with where you are now as I find myself in the same predicament. I too have spent many hours feeling sorry for myself, now I am no longer able to run. A few weeks ago I decided that although my body is in repair mode & that recovering from injury is tough, it is my attitude that really needs work. Accepting that this is you current situation is the first step. Focus on what you can do, go out there and do it and do it well. Remember that exercise isn’t for entertainment and it can be boring and mundane, but do it anyway. Set yourself some small, but achievable goals and keep these in mind as you approach each workout. Listen to your body and make adjustments – if you are hurting after a workout factor in plenty of rest. Finally, surround yourself with people who are encouraging and supportive of your situation. Negativity breeds negativity. I wish you well in your recovery. I’m not sure if I will ever be able to love the bike or elliptical trainer like I do running, but just being out there, exercising again is better than feeling sorry for myself & my situation on the couch!
Hi Amanda and Craig
Wow, Amanda, its a tough one. Lack of motivation can be even more frustrating when you have always been an ‘exerciser’. I personally, like to mix it up a bit. I got into running (after NEVER running in my life) and LOVED it. Then I too, received an injury that has prevented me from running. The solution for me was to try other things. Swimming, riding etc. I started getting interested in triathlon which of course involves 3 disciplines. I have an aversion to ocean swim (bloody hate it actually) and so set some challenges to concur that. (I’m doing OK, thanks
)
All this talk is leading me to suggest to you to find something to look forward to. And by that I mean, an event, race, pursuit – whatever. Something out of your comfort zone. Something you’ve not done before. Maybe if you have a new spark for it, other forms of training will become more appealing and more enjoyable.
And considering Craig is going to let us plug business, I would very much like to give Jennifer Forster and GOAL POWER TRAINING a plug (www.goalpower.com.au). I work for Jen at Goal Power as a one on one consultant with women to help them create change in their lives. If you need a little extra help in finding your spark… get in touch!!!!
Good luck in finding your mojo again. I believe that once you have it, it never fully goes away. Its just gets interrupted.
xx
Hi Amanda (and Craig)….
I can relate somewhat to what you’ve been saying about motivation. Up until recently, I have never been an exerciser at all, so finding motivation to get fit and lose weight was always really hard. The easy part for me was doing what you are doing–sitting on the couch and feeling sorry for myself.
Here’s a few things that I’ve done to change that for me:
1) Surround myself with a partner and a best friend (and small social circle) that are very connected to me and very encouraging of my weight loss/fitness goals. These also have to be people who are willing (and able!) to hold me accountable, even if that means being tough on me.
2) Taking stock of my current health situation and trying to foresee what could happen (badly) in the future if I didn’t change it. I am 28yrs old and was anywhere from 40-80lbs overweight for my height as a woman. I also have a kidney condition that I was diagnosed with a few years ago that I need to get healthier to stay out of medical situations. Taking stock allowed me to see the bad possibilities: more weight gain, injury, diabetes, kidney failure, transplant, just plan ol’ getting fat and not having energy, etc. YUCK.
3) Devoting financial resources to my own health and wellness instead of buying stuff or spending money on stuff that doesn’t. I’m in the U.S., and I joined Weight Watchers in late January so that I could learn more about proper nutrition, food intake, portion size, eating clean, etc. For $12/week (or less if you buy in a month at a time) I get unlimited meetings with support, similar stories (including people that like you, have gotten injured and fallen off the workout wagon), etc. I also get a lot of online resources at the website for free (and some for pay), and a lot of recognition for my accomplishments. I also was fortunate to have my family invest in a membership at a local gym for me, as well as a personal trainer for the first six weeks so I could learn a lot of safe, good moves as well as some basic routines.
So, what’s the good news now? I’m down 25lbs since the end of January, have burned off a TON of fat and am sculpting some FINE muscles (for a woman, I am really impressed!), and feel great about myself. I haven’t gotten injured at all doing anything lately, which I attribute to being more agile and more in-tune with my body.
What are my thoughts for you? Keep exercising, but use something that doesn’t involve that pesky knee (for now). There are several vets in my gym (as well as older folks) who have significant knee/leg mobility issues, but they have awesome upper bodies/abs since they are able to do a lot of core/upper body exercises while sitting on a bench/machine/stability ball. Also, focus on those “softer” workout implements…instead of machines, maybe look at the bosu balls, medicine balls, bands, etc as opportunities to get yourself back into it and not about running/weightlifting.
Sorry for the long-winded response, but gosh I hope you are able to get back into it! I never was a health/fitness person at all before, but now that I am changing my life I am so motivated to helping others do the same! Best of luck!
mickey
Hi Amanda, I loved your last statement, what will work when the love has gone!! What works for me, is exercising with others. whether it’s in a team sport like basketball, group fitness classes, dancing lessons, anything that involves other people works for me, it gives me the extra energy I need to push through the lack of motivation. Hope this may help mate
Hi Amanda,
I totally relate to your post… I feel in love with running when I was about 20 and at 24 had to stop, I continued to start, stop but then due to injury had to find something else or NOT. My heart was broken! I lost motivation and I felt entirely depressed. I had never understood those people who ‘called walking excercise’. Running use to give me so much, I didn’t understand.
I tried everything like yourself and then one day I entered the SPIN room…No really by choice but rather this women said to me… what is wrong with you? And I instantly said NOTHING.. and went in.
My God running didn’t even compare to this… No I wasn’t instantly good at it, No I wasn’t fast and well inretrospect I didn’t even know what I was doing… but I will tell you NOW the JOY running gave to me doesn’t even compare to what SPIN has brought.
Fast forward 3-4 years I am now a SPIN instructor, every friend of mine is from SPIN, continue to participate in group fitness, it is what I live for and as the ‘professional’ riders said last night… you are never injured Kate… and the truth is IM not today.
Amanda I know how hard it is to just get up and do it and you know what it is NOT the way it is meant to be … alll I can say is sometimes injuries point us in another direction one we may have sort of though of but not sure how it would be produced..
You are probably closer than ever to achieving what you have always wanted its just Not the way you expected. I strongly urge you to go with your gut and give some other work outs a go even if they don’t ‘seem you’ how do you really know you if you have been running your entire life.
Trust me it is not logical, but your heart will tell you with clarity.
I mean no one in there wildest dreams would have though I would be doing what I am today but in retrospect it makes sense, I love team work, I love music, I am intense and I love working out!
If you live in Sydney email me at kathtoms@hotmail.com and we could do a SPIN together – seriously.
PS Craig congrats on your new project.
I too love my running Amanda – and I have recently returned from a lay off of almost two years which was the unfortunate result of an injury I just couldn’t find an answer to. My right hamstring and the tendons attached to it would tear and become inflamed constantly & eventually I just had to stop. I was heartbroken & my motivation dropped in equal proportion to my weight increasing.
I searched tirelessly for an answer – months of physio, a sports doc, a surgeon, another surgeon – all to no avail but I’m sure they’re richer for the experience
I decided a few months into my injury lay off that I would work on my core and the areas I could train & figured it was better than nothing – because doing nothing was sending me into a very dark place. So I joined a local gym & teamed up with a PT who has an advanced knowledge of training with an injury and rehab – he had to give up a career in the NRL because of a groin injury that he couldn’t find a solution for. This made me realise two things: there is always someone worse off than me & there are experienced people who can help you on your way – you just have to keep looking for them.
Do not see this as a death sentence to your running career – see it as an opportunity to strengthen your core (most runners have crappy cores so help your body out and whip it into shape) – that way when it is time to get back into it your body’s building blocks are ready go to.
The romantic end to my tragic story – this PT found a good local masseuse who was a bit of a “House” with soft tissue injuries & I started seeing him in November last year – by December I was back running – by January I was back with my running group – now I’m training for a half marathon at the Gold Coast in July and New York Marathon in November.
There is always someone who can help you get back on your feet. But you do need a plan – continuing with physio that isn’t fixing you is stoopid (yes, I mean me
) – answers to these questions will help with where to go from here:
1. what is the nature of your injury
2. when did it happen
3. what therapy have you had since the injury occurred
4. what other exercise have you been doing since the injury occurred
5. what is the prognosis for your injury treatment – from a physio or sports doc
Depending upon the nature of your injury – your running future is still a possibility – it just needs a bit of work done in the meantime to get you back into it.
Re your lagging motivation – are you a member of Coolrunning website (www.coolrunning.com.au) – if not – get onto it – there are thousands of members all of whom are at various stages in their running journey – racing well, racing average, getting back into it (me!!), injured, niggling issues they’re worried about. Search the forums for information about your injury – I sure you’ll find something on there that has some relevance to you. Also – put a post on about where you’re at right now with your injury and looking for solutions & perhaps a referral to a good physio, sports doc etc – you’ll be flooded with support and answers from an amazing bunch of people who find immense joy in just putting one foot down on the ground in front of the other foot over and over for various periods of time
Don’t let your sadness (& anger – if you’re anything like me) be your catalyst – use this time wisely – stay in touch with running people & focus on the positive steps you’ll be taking to get yourself back on the road and running soon.
I am just kicking off my own personal training business – and distance running is one of my areas of interest – as is injury rehab & getting people the right treatment – my website isn’t up and running yet – but will be any day now. My business is Work It Out Health & Fitness and I’m based in Brisbane. Website will be http://www.workitouthealth.com.au (ta Craig
) My service is personal training with a focus on teaching people tips on how to stay motivated and work through emotional issues rather than reaching for an emotional crutch of some description.
But this isn’t about me – it’s about you Amanda – I’d love to know the answers to those questions – I think we could put together a plan for you to get back on your feet.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass ….. it’s about learning to dance in the rain” – I have no idea who said this but I heard it the other day and love it!!!
Allyson
Gratefully, I imagine many people will come to Amanda’s aid with suggestions re: what physical activities may benefit her.
I’d like to add another component. Since she feels discouraged and not motivated. My new eBook Fall In Love With Your Body Now may help jump start her.
The basic concept is that in order to take action with our body it’s best if we can take inspired action rather than forced action.
“Getting it” how magnificent this body is and all it does for us on a daily basis is a cornerstone, as is the realization that we would not be alive if not for our body!
I propose that loving our bodies is THE foundation for loving ourselves.
So, my offer, send Amanda to my website, send me a message under CONTACT, and I will give her a FREE copy of my eBook. I hope it is helpful on her journey to physical and emotional recovery!
Be well, and may you fall outrageously in love with your body!
Regards,
Lauren
http://bestrelationshipsever.com/blog/
Amanda needs to try again, start with a week at a health retreat, there are a couple of cheap ones. That will give you a renewed vigour. I have been going every year or so to one at Narbethong , or Misty Mountain, both rather austere, vegetarian, but also mingled with early rising, and a long walk. You don’t immediately lose weight, but learn how to live a healthy life. I go again and again, for a renewed motivation,
Now I cycle, walk, and go regularly to Step Into Life, and a gym( where I heard Craig). I didn’t need to hear Craig, as I was already motivated, but took along a friend who needed to hear.
So kick off with a big boost, save the money , maybe go towards the end of the year. You need goals, think specifically about what they might be, not just fat-loss, but also in all other areas of life, write them, review, when you feel low, rethink, revise, live to plans. Realise this flat patch could be just hormonal, too.
Return to the good life!!!!
Hi Guys – great advice. So much effort and care has gone into these comments. Keep up the good work.
Hello Amanda. I’ve been where you are – a lot of times actually. In fact, I think I could even qualify for “Frequent Frustration Miles” when it comes to my personal fitness and weight loss efforts! At the moment, I’m on a good wave with all the right things going for me: time to get out there, exercise I enjoy and the support of my family to let me do it (it took a lot of effort to get my husband to understand how much my exercise means to me – it was either I work out or I come home really cranky: take your pick!!)
Injuries are just horrible when they happen – they can be freaky accidents or whatever and often outside your control. You also can’t control your recovery time (DR’s Orders and all that!) but you can control what you do in that time and how you feel during it. You’re in a rut to be sure – but the only one who can get you out of it is you. I have to give myself a harsh talking to when I get into a rut (“Move your saggy ass!”) because I know it’s my health (physical and emotional) that’s at stake.
So you can’t run? So what?! Swimming etc not your thing? It doesn’t matter. Is walking good? Take a tip from the Lorna Jane ads (I’m thinking of the one that goes something like … “I really enjoy my 3km catch ups” which shows two women walking together). This might be a good chance to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen for a while. Make a date, plan the route and agree to a distance or time for it and then just talk. I do this with my Mum a lot. She’s in her mid 60s and a diabetic and has to use a walking stick due to her bad hips. She loves to walk and look at local gardens so this is what we do. Before you know it, we’ve walked for an hour but loved every minute! It gets us both out of the house, spending time together – just great value all round!
So your exercise doesn’t have to be just one thing. Give yourself permission to enjoy the use of your recovery time and you will. You might enjoy it so much you start a new routine with it!
But make sure that you smile while you’re at it. It’s infectious and habit forming
Hi Amanda
OK – so, the love is gone…
In a relationship, this might be defined as ‘the honeymoon is over baby’. Suddenly, the relationship needs more than just pillow talk to survive! Suddenly, we need to respect and revere the blessed union… Sometimes we need to do some things we don’t like – and heavens forbid – compromise, in order to keep the relationship on solid ground.
Now, let’s look at your running… You’ve established a very powerful relationship – and it’s being challenged!!!! You can sit, forlorn, and defeated, simply ‘going through the motions’ and not much will change. Your knee won’t recover, you’ll be stuck on a spin bike, and running will become a distant, albeit fond, memory.
Or, use this opportunity to regain your strength, and at the same time, your commitment to your running. You see, it is your commitment and desire that is being challenged right now – the love hasn’t gone at all! Dig deep, and embrace the cross-training opportunities because it will make you a stronger, more appreciative runner.
Right now, you’re in ‘relationship counselling’ with your running. You are learning how important it is in your life, and your level of commitment to that relationship will be demonstrated in the approach you take with your cross-training. You’re knee will heal, and you’ll be out there again – iPod, fancy running duds, and clear skies! (you can walk and cycle, so I’m assuming you’ll be able to run again).
This is also a great time to think about what running really means to you – why do you love it so much?
Is it the state of internal competition – pushing yourself a little bit harder; go further, run faster…? Logging your daily runs, reviewing the vital statistics and planning improvements? Preparing for an event, challenging yourself physically and mentally to go beyond your previous achievements?
Is it something less tangible; a personal moment, thinking time, a meditative state with benefits (exercise!), ‘You Time’…?
Is it about sanity?
All of this can be achieved in other forms of exercise… and while they may not be your One True Love, they have earned their place in the Sloppy Seconds Line Up of the exercise dating game… Work out what is the main driver for you with running (ie: further/harder/faster) and set some speed/distance/HR goals whilst on the bike or on a stationery bike at the gym.
If the bike isn’t your scene, try the elliptical trainer… it’s as close to running as you can get without getting wet!
The upside(s) to this – besides of course the recovery of your knee and your triumphant return to running is that;
You now have a fantastic, flexible mindset – ready to do whatever it takes for your One True Love!
You now have a x-training plan to assist in preventing further injury (runners are famous for overuse injuries!)
I had a falling out with my One True Love for a while there – and I’m happy to say that we resolved our differences and we’re right back to iPod and sunny skies!!
Best of luck!
Lenya
Hi Amanda,
Like others in previuos posts, I can relate to your problem.
I am 68 and still running, despite 20 or so years ago having knee surgery and the doctor telling me I would never run again.
Many marathons and 5 Ironman triathlons later I am still going (rather slowly I admit).
Find a good sports doctor, one who works in a contact sport environment, football, netball etc, and someone who will help you on your journey.
Get an understanding of the problem with your knee. Learn about the anatomy of your knee so that YOU understand what’s wrong.
Be diligent with your rehab. Setting golas for rehab can be an interesting and fulfuilling task in itself.
Find something to maintain your strength and aerobic capacity. Look at it as an adjunct to your running, it can only improve it when you start again.
Above all, be positive, visualize your progress towards that first run, and it will happen.
Hi Amanda,
What great recommendations are written above, but as Craig says, knowing and doing are two different things.
Have you heard of Step into Life? http://www.stepintolife.com check out their web-site.
Exercising in a group for me makes a huge difference. Days I don’t feel like exercising I think of the people I’m going to see and my sneakers are on, and we all complain together
I wish you all the best for getting back your mojo – some days the couch is far more appealing.
Hi Amanda
Have you thought of yoga? You can rest your knee and work on the mind stuff at the same time. The hard stuff will give you great muscle strength and tone until you are ready for running again.
BTW there was a 91 year old on tv (Perth) the other night that still runs 1 hour a day
Sue
I haven’t read any of the comments above so I don’t know if someone else has already convered this.
It sounds to me that she feels depressed and is mourning the loss of something she loved doing. That’s why nothing else stacks up to what that was for her.
When the love has gone and the knee is fading, perhaps its time to help someone in the gym less fit and fabulous as Amanda – perhaps someone she can see shows that grit and determination. It may not be as extreme as saying ‘hey fattie, you wanna train with me?” …more so though, saying a mere ‘hello’ or ‘geez you’re getting fitter every time I see you’ type thing. I know it might not sound like much, but sometimes a bit of added encouragement from a stranger may be just what the doctor ordered for that person. Who knows, might just make Amanda feel good too!! Well I’m almost positive it will.
If being encouraging to strangers is not your thing, why not try making up a super circuit on the things you can do – say 5 mins on every machine you love, or love to hate for that matter – then try beat your time and burn more calories each gym session. Why not get your mates in on it to make for a bit of healthy competition. Or if you haven’t tried boxing yet – do that, that is awesome for getting out ya agro for the day.
And if nothing at all floats your boat from here or any of the other emails that come streaming in, well you may as well just stay on that couch, eat those chocolates and look forward to being in that very same spot five years from now, only taking up more cushion space. [Clearly I have been reading Craig’s posts for way to long….I am starting to sound like him!! CRIKEY Craig – I used to be much more diplomatic!!!! haha ;o)]
Seriously though Amanda – I have never met you, but to me you sound like someone who definitely has the motivation, you’ve just had a flat spot – we all get them, we’re human after all! Unless you are secretly superwoman and are just really tired from all the superhuman feats you have had to endure while the rest of us sleep! ;o)
Now go on…go kick some a*se!!
Mwah!
Hi Amanda
I can relate to you wholeheartedly. I used to be a fat obese kid & teenager, smoker and lifestyle abuser. I started exercising at 28 and for the last 7 – 8 yrs I have achieved some awesome personal goals with my fitness, I even became a personal trainer, which is a far cry from my old life! In the last 2 yrs I have been trying to have a child. We haven’t been successful, over this time and doctors told me to slow down my exercise, create less stress in my life and maintain a ‘balanced’ fat percentage. In addition I recently have suffered bursitis in my hip, tore a couple of deep muscles in my pelvic area and have had to find other solutions to exercise to keep my hip happy. This period has been tough but I keep myself motivated in the following way;
- remembering who and what I live for, why I do what I do and the choices I make.
- respect myself, my body, work with what I have got, and not live with the regret of what I don’t have.
- Take one positive motivating thought and allow that to push me through to the next day.
- Set mini fitness goals
– maintain a balanced nutrition program given my reduced exercise routine.
- take up a new hobby, exercise for me reduces my stress!! Currently I am learning how to meditate to relive stress
- Have a pampering every couple of months or so at a day spa, hairdressers etc
- I prepare my mind first for what I want to get out of the exercise activity ie rehab in the pool (I dislike water activities). I walked the pool for 30 mins. Boring really but I kept up conversation with my friend and other walkers in the pool to keep time moving.
What are your key motivators for exercising Amanda? My tips?
1. Write your exercise motivation list so that when the feeling of motivation leaves your conscious mind you have a reminder 2. Identify the things you can do given the injury and do them ie I have trained a lot of upper body over the last 2 months!
3. Give the exercise your full attention, with the attitude that it’s not forever, your body will benefit from the change in training program.
3. Set goals to aid recovery, the stretches and rehab work can be a time to learn more about your body and what you need to do to avoid the injury in the future. A physio may be able to help identify any issues you have to avoid them in future.
4. Finally, mentally push through this by surrounding yourself with positive, motivating people. It’s just a stage you’re going through, perseverance will get you through it!
I won’t wish you good luck, you don’t need it!
Cheers
Hi Amanda,
I remember losing 3kgs and then injuring my right knee and putting back on the 3kgs….plus 2 more. It wasn’t my injured knees that made me put on 5kgs. It was my attitude: Oh I can’t exercise anymore, no point eating healthy, just stuff it all.
I was self-sabotaging, making excuses, making it harder than it is and totally forgetting what my goals were.
If your goals are getting fit or losing weight, it doesn’t have to be achieved through running.
I have since lost the 5kgs and kept them off because nothing can stop me from achieving my goals.
The right attitude will motivate you. Good luck.
Hi Amanda
After a knee injury I joined a team sport. Joining a team sport has afew positives: 1. A coach to yell at you/ not all the time (encourage)
2. Other team members who get cranky if you don’t turn up on time. (motivation)
3. A shared interest with others (social)
4. Competing against other teams (sometimes involves travelling to nice places) And many more positives.
I joined Outrigging canoeing – great for knee injuries and you get to sit down. Not sure where you live but there are clubs in most states now even in Canberra. http://aocra.com.au/
Cheers
Ang
Hi Amanda
I too did enjoy running and a variety of sports until injuring my knee permanently. Surgeon said no more running ever. Also ruled out many other sports.
I now currently cycle a few hundred kms a week and love it.
I know that you have tried cycling, however I am guessing that you may have done this by yourself. If so you should try it with a group and make it one that finishes the ride with a coffee. From there you will meet new, like minded people, have some fun with the post ride banter and be able to ride to as long or fast as you want. It is infectious and generally the groups are very supportive of new riders. It’s great for your confidence.
Try it, what’s the worst that can happen?
There are many wonderful answers here for you, Amanda. I don’t have anything outstanding to say that hasn’t already been said. So all I can contribute is this:
I ended my running passion about 10 years ago due to a hip injury. I was so sad and mourned that part of myself. I grieved for a long time. Then I tried different things for physical activity, but nothing gave me that endorphin rush that I would get from running. A couple of years ago I started using the rowing machine and found a community of thousands of people around the world who row and race each other – last year I flew to another city to race against other rowers, with a line of rowing machines all hooked together. It was really cool. And now I’m training to row 100km – it’s going to take me about 10 hours to complete.
Never give up!
Here is a news article on what I’m doing: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Rowboat+nowhere+helps+youngsters/2756524/story.html
[...] You Turn to Teach: Help for Amanda [...]
Amanda, don’t pay attention to the get on the horse arguement. You do what you can, your best, that is all that can be asked. Good Luck.
Oh Amanda – you have lost your New Best Friend “Endo” I can relate to that !
When you first met Endo – he was a friend who you thought – geez will I ever live up to his expectation of me…. that guy is so powerful, energetic, always happy & so full of real energy. That is who I want to be. …. and then as you stuck out the relationship ( many don’t ) you came to realise that you could cut the mustard and started to feel just like Endo himself. Energy in the morning to get out of bed to exercise, healthy glow people would comment on, dropping weight to feel like the old you again – even had time for your partner in the bedroom to go more than one round – this life is terrific ! All the hard work getting here was worth it and even over time, this lifestyle is just so manageable.
Then Endo left – just like that. No warning. No, “I’ll be gone for a little while on holidays”. No notes, no sweet goodbyes and to make things worse – you could see that he was “seeing” your other friends still. Catch ups with the girls made it too hard to be around his “other besties”. Of course everyone had their advice on how you could win Endo back, but nothing seems to work.
I got a lightbulb for you Amanda ! As when you first started to do exercise – it is tough – no two ways about it. Endo – or more commonly known as the “Endorphins” that race around your body when you start to exercise – are something that over time like a new best friend , becomes addictive. Like an addict – it feels like cold turkey when you first cannot do any exercise – however – here is the news…. you can do something !
Now the ‘something’ may not be what you usually like to do or even are very good at. The key is to persist and just keep on doing it. Get your body moving to a new tune. Take up something completely out of your comfort zone and commit to doing it over several weeks – not just several days. Employ a friend to try it out with you. Take your kids along for the journey if you have some, if not mine are available for hire… joking guys. Mark your progress – even if it is just turning up somewhere, so you can see your progression.
The thing is – what we are least good at , is the very best thing for our body. Keep that mantra in your head. You may not start off liking swimming , yoga, cycling etc – however you are moving your body , getting circulation going and guess what …. Endo may even rear his head to say g’day again.
Invest in a good Personal Trainer ( make sure you search around for someone specialised in the area of exercise you want to begin ), commit to a good length of time and set yourself a goal.
I won’t wish you good luck as luck has nothing to do with it – sheer hard work – but then again – you are know are up for hard work – so just get to it !
p.s. email me your results !
http://www.sandyduxbury.com
Sandy Duxbury
Personal Trainer & Boot Camp Instructor
“Motiviate Invigorate Recreate”
Email: bootcamp@live.com.au
Hi Amanda,
There’s lots of great advice above – especially seeing a physio and getting the knee checked out.
I used to love aerobics – everything from classes to DVD’s – Denise Austin still has a place on my shelves. Unfortunately about 20 years ago I fell down 4 stairs onto my knees on concrete, caused a lot of “chipping” in the knee joints and the years of exercise and life in general has caused more damage. 18 months ago both knees were operated on, then last year I tore the cartilage in one knee and needed another operation. Now I’m only allowed on a bike, elliptical and in the pool. Walking is strictly recreational – the surgeon meant “getting from point A to B – not for exercise”.
I thought I would lose my mind. I hate sitting on a bike – “numb bum”. My husband bought me a wonderful “Precor” elliptical after the first 2 operations, which I love and this past Christmas we bought the family an above ground lap pool. I had really enjoyed walking in the pool during my rehab and I’ve taken to pool exercise like a “duck on water”.
I treated myself to a “Swimman” iPod and waterproof headphones, made up a couple of playlists and work through a program of walking, running, jumping jacks, skipping, hop scotch etc. and some resistance work with foam disks I bought from “Hart Sport Australia” and I’ve been able to get a great workout – I burn heaps of calories. Did you know – you can even do “sit-ups” in the pool with the help of a few “noodles”.
Best yet, about a month ago I decided to just run in the pool for a change just to see how I would go. One playlist later I had jogged my way through 1.2m (chest high) water for 70 minutes. IT FELT WONDERFUL. I had a great workout, burnt heaps of calories – many more than I can on the elliptical and I didn’t hurt my knee at all.
If you have a local gym with a heated pool or a local pool that has a “walking lane” give pool running a go. Your feet still touch the ground so you still feel as if you’re really running but without your body weight to cause pain in the knee. And trust me – the resistance caused by the water makes your legs muscles work hard and it really give a great “butt lift”.
If you do have a go, pick yourself up some hydro shoes from a BFC store (about $20) they can help you not to slip on the bottom of the pool. If you really enjoy it, I would recommend buying some Hydro aerobic shoes – unfortunately, so far, I’ve only found them in the USA. I bought a pair of Ryka ones from “Karen Westfall” water aerobic site (she has water aerobic DVD’s too – I love the Aqua attack – kickboxing in water – lots of fun). The shoes were very reasonably priced for sports shoes even with the postage and they are wonderful.
I may never run on land again but I’m “hell on wheels” in the water.
Worth a try………………..
Hope everything works out well for you
Monica
“Never give in, never give up, never say die”
I NEED A NEW BOOK. I HAVE READ FATTITUDE EIGHT TIMES!
[...] Your Turn to Teach: Help for Amanda [...]
I’m really not sure if this will help. But if it does, then great.
Craig says (and you know it) “It’s not about the motivation…”
Craig also says that it’s all about attitude. Maybe you need to change your attitude about exercise? What would it take for you to enjoy swimming or walking? All it would take is a shift in your attitude, that’s what. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO, NOT ON WHAT YOU CAN’T.
But, what if you were to go to the doctor tomorrow and after a bunch of tests YOU were diagnosed with cancer? What then?
I’m not pointing the finger just at you, Amanda. It could serve as a wake up call for everyone struggling right now. With finding the ‘motivation’ or finding the ‘time’ or the ‘energy’ to exercise. Or to change your career. Or to make things right with your kids. Or to fix up your finances. Or do whatever they need to do to start to create their best life and contribute to this world in a meaningful way.
I’m a not-so-frequent commenter here anymore, but some of Craig’s readers know I recently completed my first ironman triathlon in New Zealand last month – a 3.8 km swim, 180 km on the bike, and a full 42.2 km marathon. There is an official cutoff of 17 hrs. I crossed the line in 16:12:00. I am a frequent reader of a triathlon forum and recently found out one of the members (‘Fezza’) is battling cancer. I have not yet met her but she sounds like a fighter. And I want to meet her. She has entered Ironman Western Australia which is on the Dec 5 and I’d say that is one of her key ‘motivators’ right now. A lot of people would just give up. She is not going to be one of those. (Here is the thread if you need ‘inspiration’ to battle on with your own stuff: http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showtopic=42938) A lot of us are changing our avatars to an image of Elmo to show our support to ‘Fezza.’
I shared that little story with you because I don’t want you to give up. I don’t know anything more about you other than what you have shared so far. I just think you (and everyone else struggling) needs to find a REASON to do what it is you know you need to do. Accept facts. Move on. I don’t know the extent of your injury and if you’ll ever be able to return to running. From memory, Craig wrote a post titled something along the lines of ‘the why behind the what.’ I’ll try and find it. Found it. December 2008. http://www.craigharper.com.au/psychology/the-why-behind-the-what/ I’d highly suggest you read it. It doesn’t matter what your reason is, but you need to have one. Then I believe you’ll find it easier to move on from the point that you now find yourself.
Again, take care and believe in yourself. Flood your world with positive people. No one is telling you to qualify for the nex Olympic Games are they?
Cdn Friend – I loved that article about you too.
Amanda – there is a perfect example of a REASON to do something. Raising money to build a school in a third world country. Very inspiring, Michelle – you rock!
Hey Craig? What would it take for a bunch of us here on you-dot-com to come up with a project bigger than ourselves and fundraise for a greater cause – like what Michelle in Canada is doing with her rowing 100km event? Who here would be keen?
The Craig Harper Foundation? “Jules – I already have enough on my plate, thanks.” Err, sorry – but this is a REALLY GOOD CAUSE.
LOL – thanks Jules. You rock too
Michelle
Thought I’d jot down a short story which may or may not help Amanda.
Amanda, grab a cup of tea and bear with my whilst I tell you a story.
In a land not so far away from here and at a time not too long ago.
There lived a tenacious, energetic supremely fit women. She hadn’t always been that way and had spent years learning properly how to move her body on land and water and wind. My god she loved it so much that she wanted everyone around her to feel and do the same so she began training people from sloth to active showing them the correct way, the lasting way to excellent health and fitness. She was in her element.
Then one day whilst doing the one thing she loved so much an accident occurred. Not her fault, though she would blame herself.
No longer able to exercise for a time, her fitness began to decline, dejected, so too did her inspiration. She made a choice. A decision was made – “it’s all too hard, why even bother” and from that day she began to decline towards decay.
All of the energy she used to put into her health and well being she pushed toward self destruct. Chocolate was her drug of choice all 25k of it. Her body bloated became stiff and immobile and so too did her mind atrophied on one speed, Stop. She sunk into a depression and gave up caring, wallowing in self pity and self loathing. She did her job well.
Fortunately however for this woman deep inside her was a memory a flicker of a reminder of what she used to be capable of and every now and again she would glance at a lithe body or her rusting bike and question “will that ever be me”.. Most of the time however she didn’t really care anymore.
Then one day she started hearing some words negative words coming from her once positive mouth. They struck her as awful she did not like them.
“How destructive,” she thought. Do i really want to be like that. People dont want to hear those thoughts so she became more mindful of her words. Slowly one day her mind began to follow.
A woman she knew began to lose some weight and it was becoming increasingly noticeable. Wow, what a difference and in a relatively short space of time. How was she doing it, she had to know as it was obviously working… Meal replacement and exercise,,,hmmm.
The woman continued to watch the other womans progress. As they were both discussing this fabulous shift it occurred to her that if the other woman could do it then so could she. She just wasn’t ready I mean what about her chocolate addiction, her obese body could barely move. She’d literally moved and was no longer able to do the same kind of training she was used to. Excuse after excuse emitted from her mouth whilst she stood talking with the shrinking woman before her. Right there and then it was like a light switch had turned on.
It is all a matter of choice.
She could stay stuck in her story wallowing in self or she could do something about it. Oh my God she had a choice. She was in control of how all this worked out. It wasn’t complicted, it was easy. Yes easy.
Simply decide your going to do it. That’s it.
Boom decision made. She decided she was going to do something about her weight and lack of fitness there and then. The next choice was how.
Standing in front of her the lady taking the meal replacement suppliment would she do that. She nearly said yes, until another switch turned on in her brain. Hadn’t she learned that fad diets were not a lasting way to optimal health, didn’t she used to teach that to others in the past.
Was she going to go against her integrity to get what she wanted.
Absolutely catagorigally NO. No way ,she was going to do it this the way she knew how with healthy eating and exercise.
The very next morning was as though a cloud had lifted with a clear mind and a good intention she took her first steps moving her body. She cold no longer run or feel the wind quite how she had in the past nor could she quicken her step for very long, but that walk that inhalation of fresh air ,oxygen life and movement was like a song of joy for her mind, body and sole.
And so she began her journey back to health and wellness. She was out there the next day and the next until it was so familiar she couldn’t imagine not doing it ever again.
I guess the moral to this story Amanda is we all have one simple choice Yes or No. We can make excuses of how we can no longer do something the way we used to or we can change the way we do things. If you cant run then swim or walk or ride it won’t feel the same but you’ll soon get used to it. Walk, stretch do yoga soon it will become as familiar to you as though it is all you have ever done.
Do whatever it is that you can do now, right now today, the rest will come as you progress. Don’t be me and wait until you have gained 25k.
Start now. You’ll be glad you did
Enjoy the journey.
Oh Amanda – you have lost your New Best Friend “Endo” I can relate to that !
When you first met Endo – he was a friend who you thought – geez will I ever live up to his expectation of me…. that guy is so powerful, energetic, always happy & so full of real energy. That is who I want to be. …. and then as you stuck out the relationship ( many don’t ) you came to realise that you could cut the mustard and started to feel just like Endo himself. Energy in the morning to get out of bed to exercise, healthy glow people would comment on, dropping weight to feel like the old you again – even had time for your partner in the bedroom to go more than one round – this life is terrific ! All the hard work getting here was worth it and even over time, this lifestyle is just so manageable.
Then Endo left – just like that. No warning. No, “I’ll be gone for a little while on holidays”. No notes, no sweet goodbyes and to make things worse – you could see that he was “seeing” your other friends still. Catch ups with the girls made it too hard to be around his “other besties”. Of course everyone had their advice on how you could win Endo back, but nothing seems to work.
I got a lightbulb for you Amanda ! As when you first started to do exercise – it is tough – no two ways about it. Endo – or more commonly known as the “Endorphins” that race around your body when you start to exercise – are something that over time like a new best friend , becomes addictive. Like an addict – it feels like cold turkey when you first cannot do any exercise – however – here is the news…. you can do something !
Now the ‘something’ may not be what you usually like to do or even are very good at. The key is to persist and just keep on doing it. Get your body moving to a new tune. Take up something completely out of your comfort zone and commit to doing it over several weeks – not just several days. Employ a friend to try it out with you. Take your kids along for the journey if you have some, if not mine are available for hire… joking guys. Mark your progress – even if it is just turning up somewhere, so you can see your progression.
The thing is – what we are least good at , is the very best thing for our body. Keep that mantra in your head. You may not start off liking swimming , yoga, cycling etc – however you are moving your body , getting circulation going and guess what …. Endo may even rear his head to say g’day again.
Invest in a good Personal Trainer ( make sure you search around for someone specialised in the area of exercise you want to begin ), commit to a good length of time and set yourself a goal.
I won’t wish you good luck as luck has nothing to do with it – sheer hard work – but then again – you are know are up for hard work – so just get to it !
p.s. email me your results !
Dear Amanda,
The only true advice for you is never to lose hope and don’t stop trying, you will find your solution. Please take my word to the heart. I used to do weight training and aerobics consistently for 2 years, until a medical condition in my left knee resulted in surgery in 2004 which was repeated for my right knee in 2006. For many reasons – mostly psychological and a slow recovery after the 1st surgery – I let my self go and took on 30 kilos in 3 years. Since 2006 I have been on and off exercise programs, fad diets, etc., always falling back, as I delt poorly with divorce, coping with my lovely child who however has ADHD/dyslexia, and many other problems. In general, nothing in my life was running smoothly. Nothing. And I always put me as last in my priority list. Always. Then in the beginning of 2010, I realized that life is full of problems that needed my attention to be solved and that I could not always pay attention to the external environment and neglect me. “Me” matters. Because if I am not well, the people I love are not well. My future will not be well. And that is my motivation. If I keep doing the same things, I will produce the same results. You know it, we all do… Thus, about 2 months ago I started weight training & doing aerobics gradually at first and then almost with the same intensity that I used to in the past. My body remembered very easily how to shift back to the level of exercise I was used to. Thus, I succeded in losing 6 kgr in 5 weeks. That was remarkable for me, considering my age (I just turned 40) and poor physical condition (98kgr). So, I was excited and hopeful for a very promising future, aiming to lose 30 more kilos. However, to my disbelief, the first roadblock appeared 3 weeks ago. You see, I live in Greece and I guess you possibly heard all the turmoil that is taking place here. What can I tell you. I have to face an uncertain future, a possible hardship, who knows what will happen, and I am a single mother of a 12 year-old, who does not get alimony and does not have any other source of income other than my job (I am a bank-auditor). So, what do you think? Will I stop taking care of myself? Will my life stop because of the uncertainty and potential hardship that the future may have in store for me? NO WAY. I refuse to surrender. I refuse to fall back again. YOU MUST FIND THE WILL TO CONTINUE TRYING. You will exercise again. Don’t stop trying. And to conclude, I will use a cliche which however, is absolutely true. WHEN THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY. Find your ‘will’ and never forget it. Ever…
Hi all, I have not been near my email for a while as have been so busy (i am a mum of two and work fulltime) but suddenly today i see there “help for Amanda”. Can i just say I have never been soo touched by sooo many people, it is actually quite overwhelming that such a response could come from a little post which I never thought anyone would really consider to respond too. There have been so many awesome suggestions – and i think i still need to take a bit more time to read them all again in depth. I think the post that stood out to me most is regarding being depressed and mourning my running. I think that is an accurate assessment of my condition. In terms of motivation, yes i know the chapters of Craigs book re this and all the other relevant chapters – i have read them over and over, and you know before I experienced my injury i agreed with Craig about pushing past it. But you know, agree with me or not, there is something about your body breaking down when you don’t expect it that can really rock you to your core. Its not always an just an excuse but the fundamental psychology about “well this was my thing, can i be good at something else?”. I used to have a personal trainer (can’t afford one at moment) and really understand about pushing ones limits (I once did 404 pushups in an evening to prove “as a girl” I could). So I get it and never thought i’d be “that” person. However here I am, someone humanly grappling with the limits now imposed on me. Although I was also good at my training, swimming and I could still walk, I think part of it was that I trusted running. Running gave me the body i could feel “ok” in. I haven’t been sure about everything else – will it ultimately work!! I have read that much about health and fitness that it has become almost a cathartic confusion. But good news, I am moving forward. I am seeing a dietican next week to tell me the truth behind all the advice surrounding food, i am also going to see a psych to help with some of the mental side. I am going to start exercising in a variety of ways – hoping that it will count (bike, walk, video, basic strength training) at home here in brissy. I am making a little start with a mourning heart (rhymes!!) and hoping that may be the difference. Btw my injury was checked over by a doctor who said that my knee basically had a bone scraping along the inner area affecting the cartilidge. I have considered surgery but am a little daunted by cost etc with a young family. However i will take peoples suggestions on board and investigate other possibilities for heaing it. Again can I just say thank you to everyone who responded to the post. Like i said i am overwhelmed. And Craig … I don’t think words can express the gratitude I feel at your kindness and compassion – in the fact that you (excuse the term) “give a shit”. Manda
Amanda, glad to hear you are moving forward with your life.
All the best xx