Go to martial arts I mean. And I really struggle with it sometimes.
I am VERY good at sticking with my workout routine. I work out at least four times a week and honestly, I don’t think even major illnesses have kept me from hitting that number most of the time. Exercise makes me feel good, both mentally and physically, so while there are nights I don’t want to do it, I only skip a planned workout if I know I can fit it in elsewhere.
Martial arts is different. First of all it requires about 30 minutes of travel time on either side. It’s not that far, but I need to take the bus (parking in that area is a nightmare) and by the time I walk to the stop, ride the bus, and change into my Ki at the dojo, I need a solid 30 minutes. I actually really like the bus ride – I can actually read or play games on my phone! – but that adds an hour to any time I’m actually there training, which can lead to some long, late nights.
Martial arts is also pretty hard, mentally. It doesn’t usually get my heart rate up to a point where I feel great afterward, but it does require a fair amount of mental fortitude to get through a class. If I’m trying to make it two classes? That is really a lot.
So when it comes time to head to the dojo, and I can find a reason not to go, it’s really hard not to take it. Today I was supposed to be there, but my trip to Costco took longer than expected and I got home right when I needed to leave. I don’t regret the run to Costco because it will only get more crazy there in the lead up to Thanksgiving and I’ve learned the hard way that there is no day a week before the big meal where it won’t be a zoo.
I was waffling on what to do, but ultimately I remembered I needed to have a document ready with a ton of links for my student teacher, who starts her two solo weeks right after the break. I promised her I’d have it by Thursday and I have other work to do tonight, so I decided to stay home. The fact that no one else was here, and I could get the work done on the elliptical, definitely sealed the deal.
But I still feel like I copped out of a promise I made to myself. I struggle with showing up at the dojo when I’m not preparing for a test. I’m a blue belt now and there is an expectation that it will take a long while for me to test again (at least a year, probably longer) which makes it easy to say, oh it can wait.
But I also really love practicing martial arts, it’s just a more complicated, longer term love. It doesn’t provide me with the immediate endorphin rush of a workout, so it’s easier to switch a class for a run or strength training or the elliptical. Especially when I can write blog posts (hey there!) and get work done on the elliptical.
Speaking of which, my time on the machine is up, and my husband and daughter are home. I’m glad I didn’t go to the dojo, because that document required more time than I expected and I’m relieved to have it done. Did I mention I scored the last two classes’ tests last night?! Just in time for Thursday, my no-prep marathon of a teaching day. I really hate Thursdays.
How do you decide when to show up for your own interests, and when to let them go? Are some things harder to show up for than others?
Honestly, if it takes me longer than ten minutes to get to the place for exercise (a park for a run, a gym for lifting, a studio for yoga, etc.), I’m MUCH less likely to do it. If I’ve spent money on it, I will probably do it, though, because I’m frugal. LOL. I think it really depends on how much money I will *lose* by not going, though. I’m not sure what my bright line is, but…probably $10.
Sometimes pragmatic realities call for plan changes. Guilt is an incorrect response to making a rational fact-based change in plans to meet other obligations. (This is easy to say and hard to do, but reminding yourself of it can slowly change your response.)
You got your student teacher material they needed and also slept last night.
Much better idea.
Curious: You need not respond: How late at night are you comfortable riding muni by yourself and then walking from bus stop (I am assuming at least 1 block) home? Are you live on your phone (talking to someone) when doing the last part of the walk? Do you feel your neighborhood is significantly safer than other parts of the city? Thanks.
To be honest I’m not sure I would ever get myself to go to martial arts under these circumstances! First of all, by the time work is done I just want to sit on the couch in my pajamas. I really don’t want to go anywhere. Plus this sounds inconvenient and difficult! Like you, i wouldn’t skip a workout because I know I wouldn’t feel good. But I’m impressed that you’re able to do this at all, even if you’re not 100% consistent.
Btw I also hate Thursdays! For various reasons it’s my least favorite day of the week.
A 30-minute commute is a lot, especially when you’re short on time a lot. I love your commitment to it but yeah, I can see how it’s pretty easy to talk yourself out of going when that much planning and time is involved. If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way to fit it in… even if today was not that day.