Mental Toughness

I have always found it interesting that the things I feel like I need to devote more attention too, but somehow don’t, still find a way of coming around again and again until I finally start paying attention. Why is it always so hard to dedicate yourself to things that you know in your heart will improve your life?

For me, exercise has been an on and off habit my entire life. The health benefits are well documented of course, which had nothing to do at all for why I’d slip away from regular exercise. It’s not even logical! I have always enjoyed sports & exercise; from ballet, track and softball as a kid, to those aerobic classes in my 20’s, to all The Firm, Abs of Steel & Reebok Step videos in my 30’s. Now in my 40’s, I find myself branching out with bootcamps and jogging (maybe a little running). I only did my first 5k a couple of years ago and now in 2013 I’ve already got 6 under belt, with more on the horizon.

The interesting thing is that since turning 40, all sorts of mostly-minor medical issues keep popping up. What I find incredibly annoying is that in MY head, I think I’m pretty healthy no matter how long of a break I’ve had from regular exercise. Oddly enough, whatever stupid medical thing throws itself at me, I seem to recover strong. I’m extremely sensitive to it all, after watching my mother live in a wheelchair for some 30+ years. She was still the strongest person I have ever known in my life…but she couldn’t walk. Mental toughness is a phrase my Dad uses a lot and I like to think he has instilled that in me. At the same time, I still fight for a healthy physical self. I accept my age and my basic body-type; in addition I am well aware I will never be one of those tiny little women. This does not stop me from knowing I can still be strong, fit and healthy.

My mental toughness is not just a product of my awesome parents, it also stems from a strong faith instilled in me having been raised Catholic. My Mother and Grandmother were very devout Catholics. Unfortunately, when my mother was paralyzed at the young age of 30 with 2 little girls to raise, we got away from regular church attendance. As the years passed my mom used to worry about that, but she had no need. Our family had built a strong foundation. So even throughout my adulthood, I’m still pretty erratic in attending church. I’m kind of a Holidays & Lent person, but I have my faith and my beliefs that she taught me and I know they are incorporated in my daily life. However, I recently took a new step; I joined a bible study group with some incredible women I have attended bootcamp classes with. As far as I can tell, they attend different churches, be it Baptist, Catholic, Methodist—honestly I don’t know. But they all seem to be warm and loving people, who just want to live, learn and love in faith.

I have been struggling with my spiritual life and I have been trying to find ways embrace it more. I think I have struck gold with this group and I am so looking forward to what we can learn and share with each other.

Time flies

I have no idea where the last 3 weeks disappeared too! While I still love this time of year, boy has it kept me busy, busy, busy! One long holiday weekend, football season started, one awesome Jason Aldean/Jake Owen concert, and one “fun” 5K, and oh yea, work and bootcamp! Whew! No wonder time is speeding by!

‘Tis the season for races, and I started with The Color Run 5K! This was the first time it’s come to Tallahassee, and from the huge turnout and positive feedback I’ve heard, it was a smashing success! A great time for sure! The wonderful thing about an untimed course involving hills & high heat: no guilt when you slow to a total walk! Heck, it was practically a stroll on some parts! At the same time, after 6 weeks of Tabata Bootcamp, I could tell my endurance was high, despite the fact I have not really been running lately.  I am adding it back in though, as I’ve let a friend convince me I can do a half-marathon in early February—stay tuned, this should be interesting!

I cannot say enough good things about my bootcamp with Badass Fitness.  Our fearless leader, Shannon Colavecchio provides constant reinforcement and motivation. The class is still tough, especially since I strained my shoulder, but I am so much stronger than I have been in years! I admit, I was hoping I'd be just a wee bit farther along, but I'm getting there. There are still 2 more weeks to this particular session, but I have already committed to another round that starts in October! While there are still dietary changes I am struggling to make, for the most part I’m eating better than I can ever remember. I have lost quite a few inches, definitely feeling and seeing some muscles, but have not really lost a lot of weight. Perception however, is different, apparently I LOOK like I have lost a lot!  Seeing people I haven’t seen in months commenting on it—YES it’s still an ego boost and YES it definitely keeps me motivated! Muscle might weigh more than fat, but it definitely looks leaner!

Tailgating season is here, the holidays are right around the corner, and I have multiple 5K’s lined up to keep me on track. My personal perception is that I’m feeling like an athlete, and I haven’t felt like that since my 20’s! Sure, the body is definitely recovering slower, but I am so much more in tune to it now and noticing the difference between a hard workout that may leave me a little sore, versus more serious tweaks, like straining my shoulder.

Positive progress has been my theme all year, and I will continue to embrace it!