Just Do It!

OK, so it's a little cliche'. And probably copyrighted. But, it works. I've had several people ask me, "How do I get started?" That is a hard question to answer. We all have our own reasons for starting (or stopping) an exercise program. My reasons won't be your reasons. We may have similar inspirations, but when it comes down to it, it is a personal choice.

Why did I start? I wanted this year to be a year of change for me. I set out all gung-ho and was doing my "Shred" quite often. I was starting to see and feel a difference. Then, I got hurt. (No, not doing Shred.) When I wanted to start back up, I got sick. Pretty soon I was out of the habit and finding a hard time getting into the groove. Finally, I decided it was time. Then, I end up in the hospital with emergency surgery and 6-8 weeks of recovery. I just couldn't catch a break. I was hitting a low and having a hard time finding my way out. (Self pity will do that to you. It's kind of like weight, easy to put on and not so easy to get rid of.) But, I was hit with a wake-up call. A long-time friend and fellow dispatcher sent around an email that made me realize my troubles were nothing. a dispatcher's young wife had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She is in her late 20's with two young children. She'd already gone through a double mastectomy. They were facing very large medical bills and didn't have a way to pay them. There was to be a 3K walk/run which proceeds went to help. How could I say no? So, I took my shorts and tennis shoes to work one night and hit the track on my lunch. Boy, was I slow. When I finished, I was red-faced and sweaty and looking like maybe I was due for another ambulance ride. But you know what? I survived. And I went out the next night. Pretty soon, I wasn't so red and winded. I didn't feel like dying every time I climbed back into my car. So, I started adding in some jogging. I couldn't do much, but I kept trying. And, I was starting to enjoy it. (Weird, especially for me.) Soon after the 3K walk I did a 4 mile walk. Then I did my first 5K, then a few more. I am still working on lots of things, though. Consistency is a HUGE thing I need to work on. Outside the race for Casey Albers, I needed to get fit. I was developing health problems that needed nipped in the bud. Casey just gave me the start I needed.

My point is, this is my story. It isn't everyone's story. I was never a runner growing up. I was an athlete. However,there isn't a large calling for middle-age, overweight gymnasts. Well, there might be but it probably has to do with some crazy fetish stuff that I'm just not in to. (Now, ask me this 14 months from now when I am out of a job and I may sing a different tune.)

If you want to go out and do this, do it. What is it going to hurt? Take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. Hit the track at the football field. Don't do it just once and think it isn't for you. Be willing to go a little out of your comfort zone. You can always go back in. If you decide it might be for you, look into one of the "Couch Potato to 5K" programs. You can search them on line and find one that works for you. Or, join Team in Training and commit to a race. Have a mentor guide you through. As adults, we don't have to be pigeon-holed to just being a mall-walker or an occassional golfer. Show your kids and yourself that you can be a late-in-life athlete. Find your reason, your insiration and DO IT!!!!