I tell myself I’m highly motivated and extremely disciplined. I’m going to run a half-marathon in March. Let’s not get too excited here, that’s not a very great distance. In fact, it isn’t even the distance I cover in an average day of commuting. I prefer to see it in the wider context – a stepping stone on a journey to fitness, perhaps even a first baby step in a new sport. Whatever: it’s an achievable goal in an achievable time, with enough pain and effort involved to ensure it feels worthwhile with hindsight, and with a bunch of positive by-products.
It’s a motivational and intellectual support from which I can hang a number of other positive adjustments : doing more exercise, maintaining my weight, toning up, spending more time outdoors, eating more healthily and drinking less alcohol.
Stop laughing.
It’s not funny.
Ok, maybe I can see why you might think it’s funny, but just you wait…
