The online comic "The Oatmeal" describes the arch nemesis "The Blerch" as a fat little cherub who follows the comic author when he runs. It is a wretched lazy beast who tells the runner to slow down. Just stop. Time to walk. Let's just go home. Go home and take a nap, eat some pie, or do something generally non productive. Since seeing the funny illustrations to this topic, it really has made the idea more relateable.
Who doesn't have a bad run now and then? Who doesn't struggle with negative thoughts and self talk now and then?
Anyone?
Everyone struggles with it at some point, and if you honestly think you don't, then pat yourself on the back or push yourself a little bit farther because I'm pretty sure even gold medalist Olympians have interviews where they have struggles in their sport.
I am so struggling.
I struggle with not getting a run in while the sun is still up and the excuses set in to skip out on my run streak and not continue since I don't really have gear for running at night.
I struggle with just wanting to be lazy. There are about a million other things I can think of to do than get in 30 minutes of cardio.
I'm struggling with me and feeling lethargic with the lack of sun and cold weather.
I struggle at times with depression.
Probably nothing in comparison with some of the challenges others face and still get a run in. That frustrates me too. I can run. I have the ability to do it. Some are unable to and would like to. Some have serious challenges and still get it done without complaining!
I have to conquer this laziness. This apathy I am drowning in and rise above it.
A friend of mine gave me an early Christmas gift... and I love it. With my new "Blerch" running shirt, I headed out last night to get the run in that I didn't want to do.
With my flashlight in hand and my sweet family following in the near distance ogling at holiday lights, I went out and pounded the pavement for a ten minute mile.
Life really isn't all that bad. I don't know why I have such a lazy streak lately that is so hard to kick! I hate it! But with the crisp air, beautiful fog and lovely holiday lights, I killed my mile with a pretty fast pace (for me). I got my run in today this morning. Now to just keep my momentum up. (And egg nog consumption down.)
Do you believe in "the blerch"? How do you overcome those negative thoughts?
