If my running/workout addiction does not put my family into the poorhouse, my book addiction will certainly be the straw that breaks the camels proverbial back. I love books. If I'm not running, I'm reading. . .and I read very fast. That's not always a good thing, but it really means that I don't like purchasing books, because it feels like I just wasted money since I am finished so fast. I am constantly perusing amazons free title section for decent freebies.
But just recently I learned how to borrow books from the library for my Kindle. Genius! I was finally able to get my hands on a book recommended by Spin Teacher Fitness Guru. . .and it was worth it.
Normally, I love fiction - any fiction. This is non-fiction, and there were a couple dry sections, but overall, I really felt like I understood the material, and the presentation of many concepts were interesting and relevant.
Spin Teacher Fitness Guru recommended the book, The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg. Have you read it? If not, I do recommend it.
I found a lot of information in this book pertains to my life in several ways, but the most prevalent was on my fitness routine. Or should I say, Fitness Habit?
Here are some specific quotes that I noted, while reading:
"Cravings are what drive habits. . .millions put on their jogging shoes to capture an endorphin rush they've learned to crave." (pg. 59)
There is absolute truth to the craving of running, the endorphin rush. Last fall, through totally unplanned circumstances, I ended up running three race weekends in a row - big races.
First was the Davidson Run the Green Half Marathon (13.1), the next weekend was Ragnar Relay Maryland to DC (13.8), and the final weekend was the Charlotte Ramblin' Rose Half Marathon (13.1).
I remember after running a great race for the Ramblin' Rose, the following week I told my Fitness Guru that I already felt ready for another race. . .I craved it. The thought that I had no more races lined up put me into a bit of a depression. This is true! I was in such a funk about not having a race to run, I felt like a crazy woman. . .but it was truly like an addiction, and I craved that rush from racing and running.
"But for many people, exercise is a keystone habit that triggers widespread change. . .There's something about it that makes other good habits easier." (pg. 109)
I can't speak for anyone else, but I know that since taking my running and exercise more seriously, I am almost obsessively (see next quote!) more aware of what I feed my body. Don't get me wrong, I won't turn away from a brownie, and I consider Ben & Jerry a couple of close, personal friends every now and then, but overall, I want to eat healthier. I am not working out like I do to fill my body with junk. Plus, more often than not, I find that I crave healthier foods. I want fruits and veggies.
I think diet and exercise are truly combined.
In reference to Michael Phelps, ". . .a capacity for obsessiveness that made him an ideal athlete. Then again, all elite performers are obsessives." (pg. 111)
I think, at times, my working out is a bit obsessive. I recognize that, but I also believe it is part of my success with the routine and regularity with which I workout. I lay my clothes out the night before, I have a running bag packed by the door for noontime runs with friends. It's why I try to register for at least one race a month - to stay on track and focused.
"Willpower isn't just a skill. It's a muscle, like the muscles in your arms or legs, and it gets tired as it works harder, so there's less power left over for other things." (pg. 137)
I don't have much to add to this quote, other than if you read the book, this whole section was quite fascinating - the experiments conducted and the results concerning willpower. I just had never thought of it as a muscle, that can get tired too. Although, after reading this, it makes a lot of sense!
Finally,
"If you believe you can change - if you make it a habit - the change becomes real. This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be. Once that choice occurs - and becomes automatic - it's not only real, it starts to seem inevitable. . ." (pg. 273)
This, of course, was close to the end of the book, and I found not only applies to my running and fitness, but to any other habit, routine, or even addiction.
It really does boil down to choice.
What do you choose?
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