Thursday, November 4, 2010

Mental toughness

Two posts in one day. This can't wait until tomorrow.

I will admit that for most of my life I've been a skinny weakling. Sometimes stronger than others but never really STRONG. And my weakest "muscle" has always been my mental toughness muscle. Or is that a tendon? I forget. Anyway, a few days ago I did two of the four 60-second planks without taking a break, but couldn't do the other two without putting my knees down "just for a second".

Today, I did the first 60-second plank without needing a break. Then I thought, "Fuck you, planks! You can't beat me today!" I did all four without breaking form. I kept thinking "what's the worst thing that will happen to me if I hold it for all 60 seconds? It will hurt?"

I feel like I broke through a mental barrier. For today anyway. I decided after the first one that I would do them ALL no matter what, just so I could tell you all that I did them. And if I can, we all can.

9 comments:

  1. Congratulations! I think that is one of the most important steps we go through in life on a regular basis.

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  2. The hardest body part to strengthen is the brain. But once you do, it stays tough! Good work.

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  3. that is a great breakthrough erin. I will keep this in mind next time we do planks, as i haven't sniffed 60 sec yet.

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  4. Awesome post. Pain is weakness leaving the body. I will learn to embrace the pain.

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  5. Go you! I read this post right before doing my abs and channeled you the whole time. Leg lifts - no problem, and the plank? I said fuck you to them too and 60 secs went by in no time.

    I'm sure next time will be another challenge, but this post was my magic elixir:) Thanks!

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  6. Very nice, planks are tough, especially if they follow another ab exercise, don't think I have made it thru all 4 sets of 60 yet. Did you actually say "fuck you planks!" out loud? I'm gonna try yelling that at the gym next time.

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  7. Great job! I was actually surprised by the planks yesterday when my timer went off and I felt okay. Maybe something is getting stronger?

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  8. Jason - yes I did but I was in my living room! Don't be unruly and get kicked out of the gym!

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  9. Way to go Erin! I hope to channel some of your mental toughness on the next set of planks I do.

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