I’m a believer in the principle that exercise counts twice as much if you don’t want to do it than it does when you do.  As a result, I almost look forward to days when I lack motivation because you get so much more satisfaction after your work out.

Today was one of those days.  Work was busy.  The weather was grim; cold, wet and windy. I arrived home from work a little late, feeling a jaded.

I’ve got into a good exercise routine over the past couple of weeks:

• I swim first thing on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday
• I cycle Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Wednesday alternates between swimming lessons and a visit to the gym
• On Monday’s I rest.

So far, I’ve had no trouble getting up and out in the mornings.  I don’t have much time to think about it, I just grab a quick bite to eat and head out the door.  I’m finding a swim a good way to start the day.  It makes me feel different… good different.

I’m not the only one to enjoy an early morning swim!

Depending on the day I’ve had, the evenings are more difficult.  Fortunately, once I’ve started, it only takes a few minutes for the fatigue of the day to dissipate and for me to get into my exercise.  I generally feel great afterwards too – clean, healthy and relaxed.

The overall routine is definitely doing me good.  I’m getting stronger and fitter all the time.  I have the continual challenge of staying within the safe working range of my Heart, but it’s satisfying to see my work rate slowly increasing over time… twice as satisfying after a hard day in the office!