Greetings on a very Fall like day in New York City. The weather has been overcast and brisk today, the winds dusting the city with fallen leaves and reminding locals that winter isn’t far away.
I welcomed Fall with a vibrant pop of orange and my favorite tall boots. (Necklace, blouse (similar and similar) , skirt, and similar tall boots)
After a day that seemed to include one stressful email after another, I actually made it home by 7:15. I had a craving to jump in the kitchen as soon as I walked through the door. For the next hour I cooked and baked, the stress melting away from my shoulders as I listened to the new Mumford & Sons cd, Babel, in the background.
Now that I’ve given you a run down of my day, let me share with you this month’s mantra. I’ve thought long and heart about this over the past few days and during my training session today with Lauren, the topic finally reared it’s head as we talked about the next month of marathon training.
I’ve always been the type person who likes to stay busy. I’ve also been the type person who likes to please people and follow through on commitments.
According to my mom, that often leads to someone who a daughter who causes her own stress due to saying yes too often.
Therefore, my October mantra is a bit unexpected.
Just Say No!
This month is about taking a step back, focusing on my biggest goals and making sure that I don’t allow anything to block the way.
Right now, my biggest goals both personally and professionally are as follows:
- Begin to onboard to my new role at work while still managing and delivering the business for my current role.
- Finish the NYC Marathon in under 4:45 on November 4th while smiling and feeling strong.
In order to push my body during workouts for each of the next four weeks, especially the next 2 weeks before taper, I need to fuel my body with quality fuel and get plenty of rest. In order to balance marathon training with my new work demands due to my promotion, I need to have the time to stay at the office late when I need to and be mentally alert and focused. While balancing these two goals I also want to continue to focus on being a better wife, daughter, friend, and sister. This means making time for phone calls, Skype sessions, evening sofa sessions watching Homeland with Bo, long walks in the city, and nights out with friends.
So there you have it. The person who always says yes may get caught saying no this month.
Question: Do you have a mantra this month? If not, what are your goals for the month?
Love this! You’ve got some awesome goals ahead of you and this is a perfect time to sit back and focus on the prize. 🙂
Amen to your mantra! I think that saying No is so much harder than saying yes … but it must be done. You have great things in store for the marathon, I commend you for keeping your eye on the prize 🙂
I made them my same mantra a few years ago when I said yes to every request and suddenly found myself the head of every meeting/group at work. Glad to know you are working on saying no. I promise them more you do it the easier it gets.
How I wish I’d read this post a month ago! I said yes to a few too many things and they’re starting to catch up with (and overtake) me! Next month is my month to just say no!
I just stumbled on your blog after searching for a half marathon taper schedule. Our stories regarding running are quite similar! I look forward to reading more! Thanks for sharing!
You seem to balance everything so well Ashley, I am in awe!! Do you have any tips for staying on top of it all- work/friends/relationship/working out/eating well AND marathon training?? x
Love the mantra! I think that is one everyone can use from time to time. My mantra for October is Just Slow Down. I’m using this both for my training, and just life in general to remind me to take things one day at a time.
i like it!! I had to go through that choice last year and it was one of the best choices ever! I didn’t feel cheated out of doing things, but was able to more fully enjoy what i did
I also tend to spread myself too thin by saying yes too often! I just drove 700 miles home to KY from AL to throw my BFF from high school a baby shower, while also training for the NYC marathon next month! Good call on perfect time to take a step back & re-focus by saying no a little more…
YES! I said no all summer and honestly, I’ve found that the things I have said yes to have been more fulfilling and fun, and my life overall is less stressed.
I totally could get on board with this mantra! I’ve got a “yes” personality and always am committing myself to 100 different things, spreading myself thin, and wearing myself out… Thankfully, but slowly, I’m learning to take some time for myself and doing exactly what *I* want to do- which often involves going to the gym, getting my nails done, or watching a trashy reality show 😛
My goal is to not skip out on the speedwork that is scheduled on my marathon training plan (last year, I totally skipped anything that has to do with running at a faster/uncomfortable pace).
My October (or through October 28) mantra has been EYE ON THE PRIZE. I have my marathon goal, a big work goal and Junior League stuff I need to focus on. That’s it.