What have you achieved today?

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
Henry Ford

My goggles broke the other day at swim practice. Inexperienced as I am, I did not have a second pair in my swim bag, nor did I even know how to fix my goggles. I climbed out of the water, only after 15 minutes, grab my towel and sat down in a chair, and unfortunately, though you all know that I am emotional, began to cry deep in my chlorine scented towel. I wanted to swim badly that day. I am beginning to enjoy it actually more than running. Yes, I said that, and I truly mean it. I miss the ocean, especially in this heat, and I miss Key West Sunday Fundays, all day nautical bliss celebrations. Since I have been training for Triathlon, swimming has become my time, and this I look forward to.

My coach, who is just beginning to get to know me, did an excellent job encouraging me, praising my improvement, and she understood my frustration and made sure that I knew that I was not alone in the process of learning triathlon. Triathlon is a humbling sport for me. Though I have ran my whole life, I have not had my legs since I began training. I do not know anything about my expensive bike, and the first time I jumped into the pool to swim, 400m seemed like an impossible feat. I was an above average athlete my entire life. Now, as I have adventured into a new sport with unfamiliar disciplines, strategies, and equipment, most days I feel just like I did the first day I tried out for the league travel soccer team. I was entirely out of my element, my skill did not compare to those whom were born with a soccer ball attached to their feet, and I struggled just to understand if my socks went over my shin guards or under them.

My coach told me one thing as I dried off the tears of defeat from my sunburned face. She said, "Remember to have fun."

Fun. I think I forgot about that concept. Maybe my ego stood in the way, or the many unrealistic expectations I have set for myself. Yes, that's it.

Just 6 weeks ago, I stood with crippling fear at the edge of the pool. Now I can complete a 2800m workout. Maybe I am the last one to leave the pool, but now I can actually finish the workouts. What an achievement!

6 weeks ago, I struggled with setting time aside for me and my training. I had a difficult time blocking off a few hours a day to make sure that I got a chance to exercise. Now I train 6 days a week, 9 hours a week, and I have actually been able to sleep in on a few days. Another great achievement!

6 weeks ago, I struggled with being homesick, wrestled with the fact that my passion can sometimes be my burden, and I had a hard time finding joy in the little things. Now, it's the little improvements and changes that I am experiencing that are lifting me high and far through out the week. Completeing a spin session on the bike invigorates me. Track workouts, though still ridiculously hot and a bit scary, make me smile, for great friends have been made through mile repeats and ankle exercises.

Take a moment today to make a list of your achievements! Hey, don't roll your eyes and stop that snickering. I mean it. Familiar throughout my client roster is this overwhelming pressure to persistently be great, superhuman, unwaivering, and absolutely consistent. This is my number one battle as well my friends. I would like to break the habit right now.

Maybe you are not in that size that you would like to be in. And there have been those days you have had to cancel our session because work is the priority at the moment. You struggle with consistency. You have been sick. Fatigue is a common hindrance to your day. You feel defeated, overwhelmed, or just confused as to why the scale has not budged. Frustrating, isn't it? I completely understand.

However, make a list of the things that you have accomplished recently, both inside and outside of the gym. I will point out a few.....

1. Each and everyone of you are becoming stronger! And this strength will persist as you increase in age :), it will aid in prevention of injury, and it will enable you to continue exercising far into the future.

2. Most of you are now working out at least 3 days a week. Remember the days when you did not exercise, or you only made it to the gym every once in a while.

3. Most of you are beginning to understand that making fitness a lifestyle is a lifelong process and long term results derive from consistent focus and consistent action.

Today, make a list of your achievements, reassess your goals and fitness game plan, and together let's stop beating ourselves up about all of the things that we are not doing, and focus our attention on the things that we are doing.

See you in the gym.