Alert: Fitness post! (Those of you who know me personally just shot coffee out of your nose.) That’s right, folks. I turned 35 recently, and stuff is sagging and new stuff is jiggling, and my daughter asked the other day why there are so many lines in my forehead, and I had my make-up done for an event last week and the make-up artist gave me “tips” on covering up those “blemishes” that women get as they age…??!!
So I have decided to get after it. Sort of. Because, truth: I am 0% athlete. Not an exaggeration. Did I “play sports” as a kid? Yes. My name often appeared on rosters, and I was granted an over-sized t-shirt and matching mesh hat. I was reeeeeeally good at hanging on the fence and/or doing cartwheels in the grass. I played field hockey in high school and wore the kilt to school and attended the pasta dinners the nights before games. I may have accidentally knocked the ball into the goal a time or two, mostly because I was in the way. Bottom line: At no point in my life have I been a valuable asset to an athletic event. Sports + me = not friends.
But over the past few years, I have started running, throwing a few Jillian Michaels videos into my weekly schedule, and participated in a couple of 5k races. Last year, I completed my first mud-obstacle race, called Lozilu. It was fun and very manageable, as it is designed for “all ability levels” (the exact wording on the website). I climbed some ropes, swam through mud, and slid down a bounce house slide while also running a 5k. Not too shabby for 0% athlete. “Okay, just-turned-35-Karen,” I said this year. “Let’s up the ante.” I suggested to my husband (who is an uber-athletic, competitive Cross Fit extraordinaire) that we run the Warrior Dash together. WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. ME.
He immediately jumped on board, and 2 of his also uber-athletic, competitive, Cross Fit-like sisters are joining us. That’s right — count ’em: 3 of them. 1 of me. This is exactly the kick in the pants I needed. Out of fear of sheer embarrassment, I am in “training.” What does this mean? It means some days I work my tail off and sweat and push muscles to the point of feeling that good sore, the kind that tells you your body is angry at you. Some a lot of days my work out clothes don’t make it out of the drawer. (And occasionally, I do change into my work out clothes, but because of… well, life, the work out never happens. Those are the saddest days of all.)
So there it is. If you are also a sort-of / not-really / would-like-to-be-an-athlete, join me on my journey! I promise to blog about the mud-obstacle race results in a few weeks. And I vow to be honest! (This will be me… is she smiling or in pain?)
(As for the wrinkles and “blemishes” which we all know are fricking LIVER SPOTS waiting to emerge… that’s for another fight. One thing at a time.)
image credit: pixabay.com
Running the Warrior Dash with your husband is a terrific idea – great way to get motivated & do something good for yourself and as a couple. Way to go!
As someone who wishes they were 35 again, I’m with you in spirit. You can do it, and when you’re my age you’ll be oh-so-glad you did.
Can’t wait to hear more.
Thank you so much, Teresa, for your kindness and support! I will definitely let you know how it goes! Went running today. Tired after chasing the 3 monsters all day… but did it!