In Nebraska, and I suspect most other areas of our country, the fall ushers in a real time of beauty. I love the Fall season. The trees, the smell of burning logs in the fireplaces and the new crispness of the morning air.
I also love comfort food. My low-fat chicken orzo soup turns to a hearty chicken stew at the Paradise Bakery.
Foods designed to satisfy that inner itch to relax, snuggle and stay warm. It’s all very nice unless you are one who is battling to keep in strong physical condition. This is hard for me because as the seasons change – and crisp turns to cold – so does my internal motivation level.
I stop thinking like a leopard and living like a bear. My body screams – “It’s hibernation time big guy”.
Lest my waistline expand and the extra 10K energy I have worked so hard to gain becomes a distant memory. Welcoming the season is one thing, listening to my body cry out to slow down and hibernate is another. As I write this post it is a really chilly Nebraska morning – I should be out there running. The fact that I am not has caused me to embark on a different leadership strategy for the Fall season.
Mark’s Top 3 Ways to Stay a little less than fat:
- Change up. The seasons offer us a perfect opportunity to change-up our routine. I’m a runner but running in the cold is not my thing. So, I will need to change my routine to match the movement of the sun. Instead of getting up early and hitting the trail I will sacrifice my lunchtime routine for a gym experience or an afternoon jog outside.
- Gear up. I realize that half of my problem is I do not have the proper gear. I am cold because I have those skimpy running shorts that are really breezy. (Just kidding I do not wear those.) I do need some better fitting warmer jogging gear designed for this type of cold weather running. Looks as if I am heading to the store.
- Sign up. Now is not the time to stop. I have decided that I need to sign up for a race or a half marathon. Something to give me the extra motivation to push through the Nebraska winter which is right around the corner. Which will it be? Any suggestions for Briley and myself.
It doesn’t matter the extent to which you exercise. The changing of the season is a visible reminder that, as leaders, we should prioritize our health. For me, this means changing up, gearing up and signing up…and, please don’t forget to share your experiences with others. Leaders, like me, need to know that we are not alone on the jogging trail of life chasing after summer.
What suggestions would you add to my list?
Your motivation has been great to watch via the blog!
Thank you Pastor Jeff – Let’s just say it is a work in process. However, I think I can really do this.
I am reminded that Change can be good. Especially as the seasons change as they do in life as well!
Thanks Eddy you are so right. I just went out and bought all my fall and winter running gear. I am thinking more and more – we just have to go for it!