While walking the dog this morning, it dawned on me that not only did I get up rather early (4am today), I did so with enthusiasm and WITHOUT any real aches or pains. Now I admit that the “training” schedule so far has been very light, however there’s a few reasons why the lack of aches, pains or lethargy are pleasing and a little surprising.
easily knackered
Going back just a couple of weeks ago, a similar day to the one I had yesterday would have ended with very different results. The work in the heat, cleaning up the back yard, the large amount of walking that was done at the 2 Aussie Day events, and the food and drink consumed – all these things would have combined to create a very different outcome.
Although I would easily have completed any work in the yard, the next day would usually bring tell-tale signs like back ache, sore knees and general aches and pains all over. The walking would have caused sore backs, knees and legs. The large volume of food (and probably more meat, less veg), lower drink quality (would have “refreshed” with fizzy cool drink rather than water), and a couple more beers would have seen a bloated tummy turn into a gas factory, possibly even a mild stomach upset if I had really over-indulged.
What a difference a few minor tweaks can make – and I don’t feel I missed out on anything yesterday – in fact my back and knees would have been aching by mid-afternoon, making the evening more of a drag in some ways.
who invented 4am anyway?
I have to admit, it was an exceptionally muggy, humid night and that probably led to unsettled sleep, which in turned helped ensure an early start. That said, the fact that I went to bed 1 hour earlier, and then woke up about 1 hour earlier, seems to indicate that I’m getting by quite happily on 6 to 7 hours sleep per day. 5 hours at night, 1 to 2 hours all up on the commute in and out of Perth. Practically a version of polyphasic sleep – a subject I’ve been interested in for a while now.
In any case, it looks like the night owl versus early bird issue is rearing its head again, only this time I suspect I am going to have to find better solutions than simply reverting back to night owl mode!
no complaints so far
I’m happy with the way things are panning out overall, and if I can nail the “making better use of time and being more structured/organised” thing too then things are going to pan out very well indeed.
While the notion of “organised” is fairly alien to me, if I can get into the habit of walking each day, and get into the habit of keeping a journal, anything is possible!
Dear NoMoreMrFatGuy,
I am inspired by your efforts to change what you have recognised as poor habits in your life, which extends beyond mere food and drink to include sleep and time management; excellent.
I hope it encourages you to know that I began a similar approach on January 1st this year, coincidentally, not as a “resolution” per sé. I have been rising at 4:15 each morning, and therefore retiring between 8:30 and 9 pm each evening, then running between 4.5 and 9 km. I have two to three days per week as rest days. I also journal each day, not just about my health routine, but other things contemporary and topical.
I like your approach because it is similar to my own and is one I have found to work. I wish you well in your endeavours and will watch your progress with interest.
Hi Jamie – thanks for the comments. Interesting to hear there’s some emerging common ground with your own routines, habits and methods.
I think there’s definitely some major benefits to be had by simply paying attention to what you do, eat, feel etc…
What I’ve also found with journaling is that it somehow creates a positive feedback loop, helping maintain enthusiasm for it all.
Look forward to hearing about your progress over time!