I did run today and I ran yesterday too. Yesterday's speed work was hard due to the cold from the weekend. I went down pretty hard for 2 days, so I am sure I am still a bit fatigued. I just pray for a week that I can get all my workouts done without something getting in the way. I get tired of the constant juggling...work schedule, man's schedule, school functions, community committments, after school sports (which means a need for childcare for T if I isn't home). Oh well...one week at the time.

The man and I went to the Nike and Adidas factory outlet stores this past weekend. Remember how nice those American holidays are for shopping in Germany? Well, we did great. I got 2 new pairs of workout pants, a new sports bra, several tanks and a new jacket. The boys made out as well. It always helps me feel a bit motivated if I have new workout stuff. I am going to miss that place. I'll have to make one more trip before we leave this summer.

Now, my dear friend Christy (and don't think you are alone),
Here is a list of things that motivate, inspire, or kick my ass; as well as some ideas for the things that frustrate you:
-I like to eat. Eating makes you gain weight. I don't want to gain weight.
-I like red wine (and so do you). Wine has sugar. Sugar makes you gain weight. I don't want to gain weight.
-I refuse to give in to the stereotype mom body.
-I love being over 40, I don't want to look like it.
-I like clothes. I may not have the perfect body, but I am in good shape and I can find clothes that look good on me. My shoulders and biceps may be too big for some of those cute little caps sleeves, but I can live with that.
-I like muscles. I could diet and get skinny. I want shape and that comes from exercise.
-Working out makes me feel powerful and strong. I am afraid if I quit, I won't feel that way. That would be bad.
-I like that my kids and husband are proud of me. They see how hard I work and they work hard to accomodate me, my schedule, and my neurosis.
-I like that my boys are growing up with a fit woman that takes time for herself to be even better. I hope it teaches them to expect that in the women they love and honor and support their efforts. Afterall, I am raising husbands.
-OK, that over 40 thing...I want to be healthy. I have many friends dealing with health issues already, like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart issues. I am just loosing my eyes.
-Exercise gives me perspective. There are studies that tells us that exercise helps put off the absent minded age thing (I am not sure, but hey, I'll give it a try). I know that I am calmer and most problems are just not as big a deal after I run.
-Exercise calms me when I am frustrated or mad. That, or maybe it just exhausts me, but banging weights instead of someone's head is a better choice.
-Depression runs in my family and I have chosen a lifestyle that could put me over the edge. Exercise stabalizes me.

You said -
There is only one morning class at the gym each week that fits into my schedule and why go to the gym and run on a treadmill when I could simply go outside.
I don't understand the issue - either go to the class, run outside, or get your ass on the treadmill like everybody else.
My favorite instructors at the gym have all left.
So, you won't find a new favorite unless you give the other instructors a chance. Or, get on the treadmill like everybody else.
I am afraid to run outside by myself in the mornings before the sun is up because I am afraid of the big dogs that may be roaming around to maul me or the bad people who might do bad things to me.
Very reasonable. Then get on the treadmill like everybody else.
I just can't do it. I must face the fact that I will never wear size six jeans and I will never be able to run ten straight miles.
That's crap! You may not wear size 6 jeans. For crying out loud, you are 5'10"! Of course you can run 10 miles straight, you haven't put in the time and the training to get there. Baby steps, my friend.
I don't have time to work out like I want to. If only I could go back to not working, then I would have plenty of time.
I understand the time issue, we all have them. This one cracks me up about you. For the longest time, you got up every morning and ran at 5:30AM! I always said that there was no way that I could do that. I was wrong. When I realized that the only way I was going to manage my workouts was to get my ass out of the bed early, go to the gym and get back before my kids have to get up, you were the first person I thought of. I still think about you when I drag my body out of the house at that hour and remember you telling me how you just got used to it and now couldn't imagine not having that routine.
I'm too tired, I don't want to get up before 0600.
Bullshit.
I only like working out in the morning, by the end of the day I am too tired and it seems like such a hassle to take off my make-up and change and then shower a second time and change again, not to mention having to pack an extra bag.
Either get up early and hit the gym, or resign yourself to a big gym bag. I now do 2 workouts a day because it is easier to find 2 one hour blocks of time than to find a 2 hour chunk. That means I get up rediculously early to run, then after work I hit the gym for a lift. If I do that, I shower in the morning after my run, take a gym bag to work with another workout outfit. I don't sweat too much with a lift, so I just wash my face and put some sweats on to go home for the evening. I hated the big bag and feeling like I was moving out every day (I also pack my lunch), but I am used to it now and I can be out of the gym in 45 minutes in the evening. I do go through a lot of exercise clothes (a great excuse to buy more) and an incredible amount of laundry, but P and I both have found that this is much easier to fit into our schedules. He lifts at lunch and does cardio early. By the way, I found a great bag that keeps my smelly clothes separate from my work clothes and my shoes have their own compartment as well. The front pocket is very well organized for toiletries, jewerly, change, drinks, etc. I can find the link for you if you like. We also use these bags as carry-on overnight bags. Perfect for airplanes and weekends.

We have all been in a funk with exercise. This site was intended to offer a bit of that accountability for us. I know that it is much harder for me to skip a workout, if I feel I have to tell on myself. And, even if I didn't tell on myself, not posting and ignoring the site would worry me to the point that it is worse than just doing the run. Ocotber seems like a long way away. Maybe you need to look for a 5K or 10K near you fairly soon to get you moving.

Hang in there, this too shall pass. Big hugs my friend. If I was there, I would make you run with me and then we would drink a bottel of fabulous Italian Sangiovese.