Finding the 'athlete' inside me!

Posts: 704
7/5/12 10:55 A

sounds good, i am starting with a 1 mile walk and that will be a "biggir" for me

current weight: 148.0

148 138.5 129 119.5

110

Posts: 223
7/5/12 8:01 A

Oh, no! What a set back. But you have the "spark" to keep tht fire buring! You can do it!
Wishing you a speedy recovery and back to the gym!

current weight: 171.0

190 180 170 160

150

Posts: 408
7/5/12 4:58 A

Reading so many inspiring messages makes me re-think all of the excuses I've been using for not getting up and get moving. Thanks to everyone for the nudges!

Pounds lost: 10.0

0 3.25 6.5 9.75

13

Posts: 335
7/5/12 2:15 A

I am far from being an athlete, but in me I have a sort of fire burning. I can hardly wait to go to the gym almost daily and get back in shape.....
I was bedridden for about 8 months and I lost almost all my lower muscle tones. I had to relearn how to walk, I am still walking with a limp and I am very insecure on uneven ground. But at the gym I use for example the elliptical trainer and I am already able to "walk" 2 miles within 30 minutes while I still have to hang on the side railing with my dear life.

Maybe a major incident had to happen to see, what I took for granted and did neglect.

Posts: 223
7/4/12 8:13 P

Thank you! It made me feel so good, yet I found myself getting really emotional at the words of support. My kids support me, but I almost have to ask them to say "good job" or "good for you - you can do it". I have never gotten any support without having to ask how I'm doing. Soemtimes its nice to just hear encouragement or praise without asking. Can't remember the last time I heard "you look good", or "you look pretty".

current weight: 171.0

190 180 170 160

150

SparkPoints: (19,502)
Fitness Minutes: (8,818)
Posts: 729
7/4/12 7:16 P

I don't know if I wnat to be an athlete but I want to excel at being fit. I want to look forward to getting sweaty and doing intricate fitness moves instead of all the swearing and cursing and complaining I do now. I enjoy it somewhat but never having to be really active as a child or teen made for a very lazy adulthood. So if the athlete emerges with the fit person then I will embrace it but right now I just want to learn to love not just being fit but getting fit!

Pounds lost: 5.6

0 8 16 24

32

Posts: 66
7/4/12 6:27 P

DAWNLOGA, you are on the right track. You are making goals and looking at ways to start your journey. You will, first of all, surprise yourself how great you feel when you reach your goals. Secondly, your family will be so proud of you not only as your reach your goals, but every step along the way! Cont. to make goals and work hard to reach them! And if you fail along the way, you learn you just have to try a little harder next time! It's all about making more right/healthy choices!!!

May Minutes: 702

0 250 500 750

1000

Posts: 223
7/4/12 5:32 P

I am 54 years old and I can in no way be described as an "athlete". I am no where near "atheltic" unless you count rolling over in bed! I never was. I am the girl who was introduced to people by my dad as "the big one on the family" and who called me "fatty-grub". I was never in sports, as I was always large-busted and I bounced (when I was in school, we didn't have sport bras, and I doubt one would have been purchased for me even if we did). I had 2 kids and 2 divorces. I finally decided to have gastric bypass surgery at age 49 and lost 118 lbs. I feel good, but am still large in the bust, still bounce, still very non-athletic.
You have inspired me to try. I have a daughter who will be a senior this year - she's in softball, volleyball, goes to the weight room - everything I was not. I'm extremely proud of her. Now I want her to be proud of me. First step is getting a good sport bra. Next, trying some of the exercises on SparkPeople. I bought the Spark book and have written down goals for myself. I want to get to a point where I can do the many 5k walks in my town. Maybe some day I will be a runner. I like to bike, and recently rode 10 miles! (Of course, I had to have the bike seat surgically removed from my behind, but still...)
Thank you for the motivation, and for all the comments and stories that there are others out there, my age, trying something they wished they would have done years ago.
My daughter will be off to school and I want to visit her at college and have her friends say how good her mom looks...

current weight: 171.0

190 180 170 160

150

SparkPoints: (27,817)
Fitness Minutes: (18,577)
Posts: 740
7/4/12 1:36 P

She's there. It's just some days her knees hurt.

Pounds lost: 11.0

0 4 8 12

16

Posts: 49
7/4/12 10:10 A

I wonder sometimes if "athlete" is just a state of mind...I never would have applied the label to myself in high school, and I'm not sure it applies now, but I think that is more my past negativity about what my body can do coming forward. When I stop and think about it, my body has taken pretty good care of me for 48 years, even though I didn't pay much attention to it. I hope that someday I'll accept the descriptor athlete like I do mom, wife, sister....

Pounds lost: 16.6

0 4.15000000000001 8.30000000000001 12.45

16.6

SparkPoints: (96,784)
Fitness Minutes: (96,885)
Posts: 1,051
7/4/12 9:08 A

I waited to find the athlete in my until I was 58 and had arthritis in one knee. I recently at age 62 did my first triathlon. Granted it was indoors! I am learning to play golf. I play with women of all ages. One is 88 years old and still plays 9 holes. Remember training for something big. I'm doing that for a walking 5K. Don't give up the athlete. Find ways to move and then get back the rhythm.

May SparkPoints: 3,642

0 625 1250 1875

2500

Posts: 516
7/4/12 1:13 A

The athlete in me has retired. I used to play softball (pick-up style, various sized teams, irregular diamond, lots of fun), basketball, bowling, running, cycling, dancing (anyone who say dancing isn't athletic doesn't dance), tennis. Then arthritis came to live in my knees, hips, shoulders, hands, spine, and I slowed down to a walk, no jumping. Even lots of exercises are painful. My rhythm and balance are shot. I sit on the sidelines now cheering others on and telling lies about the past.

Posts: 324
7/3/12 4:30 P

Like many others, I have taken to cycling to rekindle the athlete inside me :) My longest ride so far this summer has been just over 20 miles. It hasn't been the easiest challenge, but totally worth the efforts I have put in!

Four weeks ago I started spin classes again (after a close to 6 year hiatus from the activity). I enjoyed the workouts enough to take my old racing road bike in for a tune up. Now I ride as often as I can; usually starting before 6am to avoid the heat. By the end of the summer I'd like to be able to ride 50 miles...Next summer's goal is to participate in the Hotter'N Hell Hundred that takes place in Wichita Falls, Texas.

I have also started weaning myself back into running. Just now half-way through week 3 of the Running for Rookies program, I'm feeling pretty good about the interval training and look forward to completing the July 29-August 4 Virtual 5K Run/Walk.

Put it all together, and hopefully when September comes around I'll be ready to participate in the Olympic distance Triathlon our base will be putting on. I'm so excited to be regaining my physical fitness...I feel great and am more motivated than ever...With many thanks going out to all the Sparkers here for helping me determine, meet, and maintain goals!

current weight: 168.2

198 186 174 162

150

Posts: 35
7/2/12 6:50 P

I'm 45 soon and into my fourth year as an athlete. No one is more surprised than I!!

The BEST part about becoming an athlete in old age is this... the others in your club who have been athletes all their lives hit their personal bests when they were young... because you're starting off as a beginner in later years, you will have a good few years ahead of you in which to beat your own personal best yet!! Trust me!!! I know. :)

current weight: 143.2

150 146.25 142.5 138.75

135

Posts: 142
7/2/12 6:12 P

I just started walking with some new friends. My daughter, a long distance runner/cross country is convinced I have an inner athlete! My wonderful exercise bike busted ~ the circuit board only turns on the fan! errrr So I am walking when the team runs. I am using hip muscles that have had a rather long vacation! We shall see!

Posts: 23
7/2/12 1:18 P

I have rekindled my inner athlete through biking. I started off on my exercise bike and have been doing 8-10 miles in 30-40 minutes almost every day. One day, my daughter-in-law invited me to go biking with her on the Katy Trail, as she prepared for an upcoming Bikathon for MS... and I loved it!! I bought a bike and am now trying to get in as many miles as possible... maybe even participate in a short bikathon this fall!!

current weight: 180.0

197 187.75 178.5 169.25

160

SparkPoints: (70,619)
Fitness Minutes: (28,754)
Posts: 1,447
7/2/12 12:53 P

I try to exercise daily.

SparkPoints: (13,902)
Fitness Minutes: (13,911)
Posts: 439
7/2/12 5:01 A

I'm not an athlete, but I've dabbled with baseball/softball/volleyball/soccer/tennis/basketball/football since I was a kid, and added ultimate frisbee to the mix when I was 28 (granted, with the other sports largely falling by the wayside these past 9 years). So I guess I have an athletic bone or two in my body.

That said, that body tends to let me down, by way of injury lately (as I've hit my mid to late 30s), or eternal wind issues (asthma), resulting in a appalling lack of endurance, which has plagued me since youth. It's been a very real excuse on occasion, and a crutch at other times, keeping me from reaching whatever meager peak performance I might have otherwise accomplished. Then again, I wasn't ever going pro in any anything sporting, so...

Still plugging along, although I'm painfully aware that I've been slowing down (not that I was ever a hare out on the court or field) as I've crept towards middle age. Kind of wondering whether I'll be able to continue playing ultimate and basketball, or will be able to pick some of the other sports back up as I get older. I really hope so, since none of my attempts to regularly work out at a gym seem to stick. If the sports become impossible, I fear how round I might become in my latter days.

current weight: 182.4

183 179.25 175.5 171.75

168

SparkPoints: (309)
Fitness Minutes: (30)
Posts: 7
7/2/12 4:56 A

I am a former Marine, but I would NEVER use athlete to describe me:) I woke up one day and decided to join. I loved every minute of my five years to being yelled at for screwing up the coffee (of course, they asked the only one in the office who didn't drink coffee ha!) to puking on a run. Ahhhhh... good times!! When I joined, that was the first day I started to run. I love running, BUT I love food more. I hope to get into better shape than when I came out of bootcamp which should help me find my inner athlete!!

current weight: 205.2

207 191.5 176 160.5

145

SparkPoints: (100,965)
Fitness Minutes: (37,433)
Posts: 4,006
7/1/12 10:08 P

I love that I have discovered what my body can do, and vow to keep doing it!

current weight: 120.0

145 138.75 132.5 126.25

120

Posts: 66
7/1/12 10:01 P

I too never considered myself an "athlete". I despised exercise in the past. I enjoyed walking but that soon got boring. I started a C25K program at the age of 52 and ran my first 5K with my daughter, and then progressed to a 10K! I want to train for my first 1/2 marathon but am finding the heat problematic, so for now I get up an hour early on my work days and work out on the stationary bicycle and bowflex machine. I am starting to feel like an "athlete" and look forward to my workouts/runs and the way I feel after I have completed them! Who knew?

May Minutes: 702

0 250 500 750

1000

Posts: 227
7/1/12 8:28 P

The athlete in me had left me some years ago. I played volleyball on my high school team and later on my office team. I also did a lot of running. But...the kids came along and my time was no longer mine. Now they are older and less dependent on me but I have achy knees and was advised by my doctor not to do any high impact exercise. However, I will not give up, I do some walking and cycling.

SparkPoints: (74,538)
Fitness Minutes: (102,052)
Posts: 3,169
7/1/12 10:00 A

I WAS NEVER AN ATHLETE..ALWAYS THE LAZY, FAT KID THAT TURNED INTO A LAZY, MORBIDLY OBESE ADULT...BUT NOW THAT IM ON THIS JOURNEY TO BE MORE FIT..I CHALLENGE MYSELF AND DO DIFFERENT THINGS...I HIKE, IM DOING THE C25K, DAILY WALKS, LIFTING WEIGHTS AND ETC...LOVING THE ENERGY THAT IS GIVING ME...IM 43, AND I FEEL 23...

Edited by: LOSINGITAGN at: 7/1/2012 (10:02)

Pounds lost: 48.8

0 20.75 41.5 62.25

83

Posts: 2,125
7/1/12 7:15 A

I've always loved to play sports and workout/exercise. I would train and say I was "athletic" but not treat myself like a full "athlete." Now, I do, and I am learning to take care of myself like one, too. It's also about eating, sleeping, allowing the body to recover - it goes beyond just the hours of physical training.

Pounds lost: 16.2

0 7 14 21

28

SparkPoints: (37,645)
Fitness Minutes: (28,392)
Posts: 1,915
6/30/12 7:41 P

I have been involved in athletics since I was a young girl. My claim to fame was our softball team were the provincial champs one year I was in my mid teens and that was so exciting. I played most sports in school, did track, got my senior badge in swimming. I played a little tennis but not much as my children were young. I have curled in the winter....that was fun. For the last 30 years i have been going to the gym pretty regularly doing various things. I like the classes the best as they push me harder than I would push myself. I also golf. Not very good but I love being out on the course, enjoying other people's company and enjoying beautiful scenery. Hopefully one of these days my handicap will come back down. I have had to change the things I do as the result of total knee replacement but certainly has not stopped my from enjoying exercise! There are so many happy people at the gym!

current weight: 145.4

175 166.75 158.5 150.25

142

Posts: 208
6/30/12 3:42 P

I have always seen myself as an athlete although at what has changed from many different sports over my lifetime. I have at one time or another been impassioned for roller and ice skating, bicycling, water skiing, shooting, golf, tennis, and most enduringly running. Running in particular changed my constitution about doing things. Since I completed a marathon, I note that I just don't quit when adversity strikes or I face a tough challenge: health, work, family, etc. I may have to pause to regroup, but I just press on without much thought of throwing in the towel. Probably would have helped to have had a better balance with team sports, but there weren't many of those actually around for gals when I was younger.

current weight: 3.0  over

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

SparkPoints: (4,816)
Fitness Minutes: (6,728)
Posts: 32
6/30/12 9:34 A

I feel like I have tried everything... I've run a half marathon, done p90x, learned to kayak, taken ballet lessons... you name it, I've at least given it a go. I'm able to be competent at any of it, but I've never developed that love for exercise that other people seem to get. Yes, I will go consistently and I will see results. But people talk about how they look forward to their next run or feel lost when there's a day without the gym. That's not me, and seems it never will be. If I could magically be fit without ever stepping foot into workout gear again, I would never look back. I think that qualifies me as a non-athlete. But being thin and fit are important enough to me that I will keep at it. I think I've reached the point that I will never find the activity that is my addiction. Exercise will always be a chore for me, but that's okay. So is doing laundry, but it's worthwhile because I like clean clothes. Like anything, it's all about attitude.

Pounds lost: 38.8

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

Posts: 4,320
6/29/12 10:40 P

I found my inner "athlete" when I started doing strength training with free weights. Prior to that I did mostly cardio and didn't enjoy it much. Now I find that I enjoy both strength and cardio and hardly ever miss a day without some sort of activity.

Pounds lost: 79.0

0 20.75 41.5 62.25

83

Posts: 293
6/29/12 7:44 P

I've never been all that athletic but I have participated in fitness activities over the years. Recently I decided that I would commute to work riding a bicycle (12.6 miles round trip). As a result, I joined a women's riding group and am wanting to improve my fitness so I can be a stronger rider.

current weight: 144.0

169 161 153 145

137

Posts: 74
6/29/12 10:40 A

I used to think being athletic was something you were born with - it's NOT! It's something you DO! And I'm doing it!

current weight: 194.0

218 198.5 179 159.5

140

SparkPoints: (31,767)
Fitness Minutes: (19,414)
Posts: 1,633
6/29/12 9:56 A

Congratulations Sumacaroni on finding your athletic self.

I am still trying. I was never that active, like you, when I was younger.

Edited by: BMCOLLEY at: 6/29/2012 (09:57)

current weight: 173.0

200 186 172 158

144

Posts: 12
6/28/12 11:12 A

Just skimmed through some of the messages here and HAVE to say... some of you are just cracking me up. And to add something of my own substance...

I was always hearing I have an "athletic build" but I think most were trying to nicely say "oh you're tall and have big thighs along with a flat chest." I have a competitive attitude and enjoyed swimming, playing volleyball, and running track events when I was younger. Raising three kids I lacked energy to do my own things followed by going back to college to earn a couple degrees where I mostly sat on my duff reading and studying. Then breast cancer treatment followed by a frozen shoulder last year left me quite a bit overweight and really bummed that I couldn't be active or make my body do even just the most regular of things (like getting dressed or shaving my armpits!). I was so immobile and so sedentary. After months of physical therapy finally freeing my body to move more normally again, I'm back and kicking it into gear. I am actively out there walking, hiking, and swimming - and feel better than I have in decades.

My inner athlete is showing back up and now realize that I really missed her!!

Pounds lost: 23.4

0 9 18 27

36

Posts: 756
6/28/12 9:42 A

Never been an athlete; always the last one picked for a team; never understood team sports. BUT.......I'm trying!!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 2.25 4.5 6.75

9

Posts: 2,624
6/28/12 3:02 A

Loving it! WHY did I wait so long???
Silly Builly

current weight: 165.0

255 226.5 198 169.5

141

Posts: 10
6/27/12 8:16 P

You go, girl!

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 3.5 7 10.5

14

Posts: 147
6/27/12 1:22 P

Yep, I was also an unathletic kid picked last for teams--I had asthma, so I dreaded even running a mile in gym class because I could barely breathe by the end of it. I did do a lot of swimming (slowly, with my asthma inhalers on hand) and ride my bike around my neighborhood.

In the last couple years I've realized I don't have to play a sport or run to be athletic. I took up rock climbing, which is challenging and so much fun, and got back into riding my bike, sometimes 50+ miles. And I go hiking and swimming occasionally since I live in a great place for it.

It just took me a long time to realize I actually do have great balance and flexibility, and I'm a lot more athletic/active than I thought I could be!

current weight: 12.6  over

15 7.5 0 -7.5

-15

Posts: 472
6/27/12 12:07 P

The closest I came to being an athlete was being a swim timer and being on a bowling team. At age 39 after 3 c-sections I needed to get back into shape baaaad. Someone told me about the couch potato to 5K training program. It worked with my schedule - no class times to adhere to and other than running shoes no weekly or monthly cost. I've lost about 45 pounds and have become a runner. I knew I was one when I started to love running at 5am in cold wind & rain. Bring it on. It has motivated me to stretch myself further. Strength training. Maybe a 10K someday. And I'm less self conscious so not afraid to do pick up sports with friends & family.

I love and am inspired by everyone's stories!

Posts: 53
6/27/12 11:49 A

Nice topic. I think we all have something in us that strives to do better, it's just a matter of finding that "thing" that makes you feel your best. It's all unique to the individual. As for me, I was an athlete as a teen. I loved running and did well and then real life interrupted. Now 40, I have realized what's more important. I am retraining my body for health reasons but also to feel good about myself again. I hope to build up my stamina enough to participate in an upcoming 5K walk/run/jog marathon in September. The athlete in me is a runner and I love it!

Pounds lost: 5.0

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

Posts: 517
6/26/12 9:16 P

I started weight training back in 2005 when I joined a gym. I remember that I was concerned I would not attend on a regular basis and throw my money out the window. It never happened! Finding out about the muscles I had and feeling strong and fit has taken me to where I am today. I would not stop for all the money in the world. Running is the latest addition to my athlete self as well as scuba diving. I intend to continue on that route. I am having such a great time being active!

current weight: 116.0

116 115.25 114.5 113.75

113

SparkPoints: (20,569)
Fitness Minutes: (18,507)
Posts: 670
6/26/12 2:37 P

I love the competition with myself. I will never be the fastest person out there, but perhaps I can be faster than last time...

May Minutes: 440

0 125 250 375

500

Posts: 72
6/26/12 10:04 A

I'm the most non-athletic person you will ever meet, however, I started training for my very first 1/2 marathon in Feb. My family even told me that I'd never make it so when I crossed that finish line in 8 minutes less than what I wanted I was so excited. At 40 I've found that I LOVE to run, it's relaxing as weird as that sounds. Our boys are 17 & 15 so they aren't as needy as they used to be and I can leave them home while I take my run so it makes it much easier to get out & go. I've also completed a 10K and a 5K with the 5K being my fastest time ever. I've even managed to talk hubby into running with me now so I have a partner. We try to run at least twice during the week and then Sat we go for a longer run. Last week we even added riding a bike after running so my legs were really sore after but I felt so good.

Congrats to everyone that is finding their inner athlete, no matter how old we are :)

SparkPoints: (74,538)
Fitness Minutes: (102,052)
Posts: 3,169
6/26/12 9:06 A

IM ENJOYING EVERYTHING FROM HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS (CAN'T RIGHT NOW SINCE WE HAVE A FIRE CLOSE TO WHERE WE GO) WALKING LONG DISTANCES, AND WILL START RUNNING AGAIN ON THE TREADMILL...

Pounds lost: 48.8

0 20.75 41.5 62.25

83

SparkPoints: (5,201)
Fitness Minutes: (1,890)
Posts: 198
6/26/12 2:02 A

Kickboxing has found a special place in my soul, although I am SO desperate to be a runner.

Growing up, I have always been the "fat kid".

"She can't run..."
"I don't want her on my team..."

I heard it so much, I believed it.

On top of that my mother NEVER let me play outside because she was worried I would get hurt.

She didn't realize I was already hurt.

I love the workouts that make me feel strong, that make me dig deep inside myself to keep going.

There is an athlete inside me. I can't wait for everyone to meet her...

current weight: 313.4

326 315.75 305.5 295.25

285

Posts: 9
6/25/12 10:38 P

CrossFit has been an incredible workout for over 2 years. I am always excited that the workout is different each and every time I attend. It is tough but I am proud when I finish each workout. The tag line for CrossFit is,"Building Elite Athletes," I don't know how elite I am, but I guess I can be considered an athlete.

Edited by: KFIORI at: 6/25/2012 (22:40)

current weight: 183.0

209 196.5 184 171.5

159

SparkPoints: (9,984)
Fitness Minutes: (3,713)
Posts: 268
6/25/12 6:15 P

I love doing Zumba at my local community center. I also go to the park and jog. I do strength training at the community center as well. I try to do various activities to keep me motivated. So far, it's working. I find myself looking forward to my fitness time. It is a great stress reliever!

current weight: 232.0

253 246.75 240.5 234.25

228

SparkPoints: (432)
Fitness Minutes: (388)
Posts: 5
6/25/12 3:51 P

This is a great thread. I for a long time told myself that I have not a one athletic bone in my body because the word was intimidating, but now I see it differently. I'm trying different activities to find things I like to do to keep my body moving, and I'm learning what works for me and what doesn't and that it's ok if I don't like certain things. Getting to a place of being ok with the fact that everything isn't for me was very freeing. And I always encourage others trying to get motivated to exercise to find something that works for them, just do something and not get discouraged into thinking you have to do one thing in order for it to qualify as exercise.

Now, I want to try some dance classes-jazz, African, etc. It all looks fun and it will be a personal challenge to at least try it instead of sitting on the sidelines!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

Posts: 3,000
6/25/12 1:17 P

I was never an athelete until I discovered running late in life. I started running at about hte age of 42 and have never looked back. I can't believe that I didn't discover it earlier. All my life I said I wasn't a "runner" because... it was boring... i'm too slow... i'm too busy....i'm too fat... i can't run more than 100 yards without gasping for air...

but I never even TRIED.

Once I tried, and I gave myself ample time to work-up the endurance to run my first 5K race, I realized how much I love it. I just finished my 6h half marathon and my inner athelete is nudging me to go for the full!

Edited by: BIGLOSER4 at: 6/25/2012 (13:19)

current weight: 155.0

194 182.25 170.5 158.75

147

Posts: 192
6/25/12 12:55 P

So, I grew up playing sports - thanks in large part to my dad. Before we knew it, my sister and I were signed up for softball, basketball, etc. So I participated in some sort of team sport from when I was about 8 or 9, through high school. Although there were parts of it I didn't love (polyester uniforms and full catcher's gear in July heat - ugh!), I loved being part of a team, cheering on my teammates, making a great play, etc. By high school, I was running cross country in the fall, playing volleyball in the winter, and softball in the spring.

On the myriad of teams that I've been on, I learned something early on: NEVER compare yourself to others. It usually only leads to being hard on yourself. I would see teammates who could run faster, hit harder, throw further, jump higher than I could, and I would get bummed out. I am short, so spiking the volleyball didn't exactly come naturally to me. But being so close to the ground meant that diving to ground for a spiked ball was a piece of cake...

Everyone has their own unique abilities, and there is a sport or activity for everyone. Even people who don't think they're good at anything, or athletic in any way. The trick is not to try and be the best at something, but to find something you love. The more you love it, the more you will want to do it, and then you'll find yourself naturally improving at it.

current weight: 137.4

148 141 134 127

120

SparkPoints: (4,149)
Fitness Minutes: (4,361)
Posts: 57
6/25/12 8:17 A

I have a quote that seems to fit this post about being an athlete....

don't let other people's expectations define who you are...

if you feel you are an athlete, then you are....athleticism comes in many shapes, sizes and colors.

I am back playing softball after a 5 yr hiatus. I am running in 5ks for the first time in my life. I am also 52. I feel you can do anything you set your mind to.... I dont run fast, but I am completing the runs. I dont play like a college softball player but I am contributing to my softball team. I have made Zumba into a contact sport and loving every minute of it..... water aerobics is fun now.
Find something you like and try it out --

and never never never give up....

SparkPoints: (76,310)
Fitness Minutes: (18,611)
Posts: 22,884
6/24/12 9:51 P

Been watching the olympic trials on tv and my heart sores with the desire to be able to run, jump, swim, bike, etc etc. Then I get up from my chair and my knee pain screams at me and reality hit once again.

it is a constant reminder that my heart(mind) clashes with my physical body.

May Minutes: 0

0 250 500 750

1000

Posts: 1,624
6/24/12 5:49 P

I had to exceed my limits to get going again, after a long winter of not walking that is. This month has seen me go from 4 miles a week to 21 miles a week. I don't think I have exceeded my limit now.

May Minutes: 2,243

0 600 1200 1800

2400

Posts: 2,000
6/23/12 4:55 P

I like how you are working to find a definition of athlete for yourself. When I think of the word athlete I think of someone who is trained and is very good at their sport. At the beginning of this year I did not think of myself as an athlete because I was not trained and did not feel good at what I was doing (running, strength training, and playing volleyball) and I've never been gifted at sports. However, I have worked at and improved at these things and while there are obviously many people who are much better than I, I consider myself more of an athlete now because I do these things consistently and I'm better. I'm not afraid to look at myself and say "hey, you are an athlete" even if it doesn't fit someone else's idea because of the work I have put in.

Pounds lost: 22.0

0 7 14 21

28

SparkPoints: (11,517)
Fitness Minutes: (12,857)
Posts: 30
6/23/12 4:19 P

I'm not an athlete but I work with people who are physically fit. So, it's kind of motivational (I want to be able to keep up with them without being winded) and kind of intimidating (I can't keep up with them because I'm winded). But I don't want it to defeat me.

I'm working on the courage to go back to the gym and get past the silly excuse "because I don't have the right shoes" because I do have them.

I felt my best and most confident when I was exercising 3x week. I need to get back to that.

Pounds lost: 17.8

0 31.5 63 94.5

126

SparkPoints: (42,249)
Fitness Minutes: (23,342)
Posts: 694
6/23/12 2:34 P

I am not an athelete. I do exercise though, just not at an atheletic level. I exercise everyday but Sunday. I am now at the point where I feel disappointed if I do not get to exercise, so I have made it an almost everyday thing.

current weight: 182.5

222 204 186 168

150

Posts: 31
6/23/12 10:40 A

I have never been an athlete. I hate cardio and always have. I am in my mid 40's and have found that diet and light exercise is not enough. I was determined to find a cardio activity that did not bore me like the treadmill. I hate running and always have. I live in a mountainous resort area. I kept noticing all the people riding bikes in their spandex and weird shaped helmets. Well I decided to try it 6 weeks ago. I am in love with it!! I bought a cheap bike and not so weird looking helmet. I just ordered my spandex (because believe it or not they serve a function). I get up every other morning and ride along the lake when it is quiet and beautiful. I am already looking to upgrade my bike.

current weight: 161.0

161 154.5 148 141.5

135

Posts: 198
6/23/12 10:21 A

CATMAGNET, I'll take 'adorable' any time !!!!

on your 'graduation' to regular planks and for doing them longer, to boot!!!




Edited by: KINKYCOILY at: 6/23/2012 (10:22)

Pounds lost: 26.0

0 7.25 14.5 21.75

29

SparkPoints: (38,911)
Fitness Minutes: (51,134)
Posts: 1,183
6/22/12 10:06 P

FITNUBIANQUEEN, you are just too adorable for words (OK, probably not the adjective you were looking for)! Keep doing what you're doing, because I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. My inner athlete has been kicking and screaming to come out lately and I LOVE it.

My latest victory? Doing regular planks instead of modified ones and doing them LONGER than modified planks! WOOOT!

Posts: 198
6/22/12 9:48 P

I 'found' my inner athlete 4 years ago and 'lost' her after about 1 year. But guess who refused to be ignored??? She told me in no uncertain terms that she was tired of being relegated to the 'someday file'!!

We're getting to know each other again and I have a confession..... I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH HER!!! We've agreed that this is a lifelong relationship and have vowed to remain committed to each other.





p.s. She 'asked' me to thank all of you for sharing your journeys and to wish you success!

Pounds lost: 26.0

0 7.25 14.5 21.75

29

SparkPoints: (35,245)
Fitness Minutes: (70,596)
Posts: 375
6/22/12 5:30 P

This is a great thread and I am inspired by all of your comments. I like the concept of "functional" fitness, where I don't "exercise" per se, but build lots of exercise into my daily life. I love swimming and it is so refreshing, so it doesn't seem like exercise to me, but at my age (61), I can work harder in the pool than I can on land. In addition, I have lots of walking built into my day, and yoga in the morning because I just gotta stretch when I wake up. Athlete to me is someone who appreciates his/her body, and keeps it tuned up with healthy nutrition and exercise. We are built to "do" not just sit/lie around and watch, so I try to add a lot of doing into my day. It works for me, and I am grateful. May you find your truth.

Ilene

Pounds lost: 109.0

0 48.25 96.5 144.75

193

Posts: 2
6/22/12 4:49 P

This is an awesome thread! Thank you all for sharing your stories. They are inspiring me!!
I found Spark 4 days ago and it has been the "spark" I need to get myself going. (Corny, I know.) I want to find my inner athlete too. My husband and I decided to join the gym and get back to some cardio training. I want to be able to run a 5k. I have at least 80 lbs to lose and I can't wait to be the best me I can be!!

current weight: 221.0

262 241.5 221 200.5

180

SparkPoints: (38,911)
Fitness Minutes: (51,134)
Posts: 1,183
6/22/12 3:58 P

I will have to say that Wednesday was a defining moment in finding my "inner athlete." After losing 60 pounds essentially on my own with a workout program I did at home, I hit a wall and decided to join a gym so that I could add other things to my repertoire that I don't have the space nor money for at home. Wednesday was my orientation at the gym, where I discovered that I can do FULL pushups and that I have more upper body strength than I thought!

With that knowledge, I realized I needed to change my focus from merely weight loss to health and fitness. I want to be the healthiest, fittest, strongest Jane I can be for the long haul. ROAR!

SparkPoints: (8,009)
Fitness Minutes: (4,355)
Posts: 3
6/22/12 6:59 A

"Athlete" has always been an intimidating word for me, but "endorphins" has always been a lovely word and what keeps me moving every day. I love the positive way exercise makes me feel afterwards!

Pounds lost: 20.1

0 12.25 24.5 36.75

49