I got up at 5:15 this morning, my first night run in many months. What with the ongoing pandemic I can’t run at lunchtime in Belfast so this is really the only time I have to fit some exercise in. I don’t like running first thing but I’ve made a resolution to suck it up, stop whining and just get on with it. Thankfully this morning was dry and mild. But it was dark, very dark. Hence my hi-visibility vest and torchlight on my phone. If nothing else, I was visible to other road users.
The first few steps were hard, they always are, but once I found my stride and established a rhythm I soon forgot about the time and concentrated on my breathing and pace. I knew the route well so could probably have navigated it blindfold but was still grateful for my vest and torch when a few cars sped past. They saw me and I saw them. About half way round I was also rewarded by a beautiful sunrise to my left. It was beautiful and worth the early start.
When the run was over I was tired but glad I’d made the decision to get up and get out there. I now need to ensure it wasn’t a one-off and run regularly. There’s no point starting out with good intentions on a Monday, all laced up and ready to go, when you’re refusing to get out from under the duvet on a cold, wet Wednesday. I need to take the rough with the smooth, the good days with the bad. I must learn to be more consistent.
Consistency isn’t exciting but it’s what make good people, great people. No award winning writer or Olympic winning athlete got where they were on ability alone. They had to do the little things the right way, day after day, over and over again. Small steps. You can’t buy it, you have to earn it and that’s where the hard yards are won. It’s boring, it’s banal but it can lead to spectacular results, if applied to all areas of your life in a positive, constructive manner. Be consistent today.
Black Thoughts 
People only believe us when we are consistent in what we are doing. I love your post. Thanks🌺🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good words. Best to you on adopting a new habit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the motivation 👌🏽
LikeLike
You’re welcome 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I needed this! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Sharon 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for this encouragement, Stephen!
LikeLike
You’re very welcome, Julie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice! Consistency is key to life isn’t it?
LikeLike
I think so. How are you all keeping?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been interesting. I traveled 2,000 miles west for 3 weeks and had no issues. Upon my return we had two Covid virus cases here at the campground. It’s all around me. Other than being in nature I’m keeping my contacts “small”. I hope all is well with you and yours!
LikeLike
That’s concerning. We are much the same. Keeping social interactions to a minimum bar work, school etc. Practising social distancing, washing hands and wearing masks when necessary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes quite so. We’ve kept it to only the 2. No further spread thankfully. Stay safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your run 😚
LikeLike
Thank you Susie 🙂
LikeLike
So true. I think of people in my life who I admire and I must say they are consistent. They are steadfast and reliable; people with strong character.
LikeLike
I agree. Thank you for reading 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome to the early morning running club!! If it gives you any comfort – I am out at 4:30 a.m. – even on the coldest Montana mornings. “Why,” so many people ask incredulously? Because I am consistent and can’t imagine starting my day any other way! The sunrise is always an added bonus – like a kudos from God rewarding me for starting the day right. For some reason, I have a hard time running in the evening or afternoon. Just doesn’t work for me. Keep on being strong, Stephen!!
LikeLike
Thank you Erika. You have motivated me to run again in the coming weeks 😊
LikeLike
So true! You make a good point that it is all well and good having good intentions on the Monday, but you need to be consistent and sustain these good intentions
LikeLike
I agree. Thank you for reading 🙂
LikeLike
Ok. I’ll take your word for it! 😽
LikeLike
😂😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you for “ sucking it up”… running hates me and I hate running but working out outdoors is the best! I love it! And for sure, being consistent is key! I’m with you on that!… as hard as it is at times!
LikeLike
Hi. Did you out this week?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been able to get out a little but we’ve had some rainy days that kept my workout indoors.
LikeLike
Better than nothing 🙂
LikeLike
Amen, you’ve said it again. Reading these posts of yours which have a “kick up the backside” angle helps me take stock of how my week went. Was I good or did let the little things slide too much?
Thank you for sharing your perseverance with us.
LikeLike
You’re very welcome, Hamish 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you. Keep going.
LikeLike
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person