My Fitness Journey

My Fitness Journey
By: Lindsey Richardson, Director of Marketing, Fitness Quest 10

It all started with a boy. Hard to admit, but truth be told, that is how my fitness journey began. Fitness and I have always had a love-hate relationship. I dated a lot of studios and gyms, I tried everything from karate to yoga, but I couldn’t quite find a routine that I was able to commit to. But 5 years ago, our relationship changed, and fitness and I fell in love and started our committed relationship!

The boy I was dating had a pretty regimented workout routine. I did not. I was doing marketing consulting at the time and one of my clients was a Pole Dancing Workout Company (and yes that was a great workout). I tried the classes there, but I still couldn’t get myself to commit. My boyfriend would always run 3 miles around his neighborhood. I was so determined to run those three miles to show him I could, but about half way through my first mile, I would be winded, and I would end up walking in frustration or quitting.

When we broke up, I was even more determined to run. Someone once told me, “the best revenge is living well,” oh man that was great advice and boy did I decide to take it. I knew what my revenge was, those 3 miles were chump change, I was going to run a half marathon! Some and most thought I was crazy, in fact I am pretty sure my parents had 911 on speed dial the day of my race just in case. First of all, I had never run more than a mile in a row in my life. Secondly, when I tried to run a mile, I would get winded and quit half way through. Lastly, I have never been the super competitive type, but this lit a fire under me that I had never experienced before.

When I signed up for my half, they asked you to estimate your time, my initial mindset was that I just wanted to finish, so I estimated 3 hours and 20 minutes! When I began training, I could barely make it around the block, but I wasn’t about to give up. Every week, I noticed I could gradually do more because I was consistently running. Then, one day I ran 3 miles and I finished! The next week I ran 5. Suddenly, it was fun and I wanted more. And at that point, my fate was sealed, I was addicted.

My confidence began to improve, after training for a little over a month, I realized, I could actually do it. It was mind over matter. I share this because it is the same for everyone, I don’t care what anyone says, if you invest the time and effort, you will achieve your goals, BUT you must be willing to work for it.

The day of my race I was inspired, pumped, and overrun with emotions. The race began and I was almost in tears, I had made it. I was so moved by all of the people around me, they were all there for different reasons, some in honor of those who had passed, some for the camaraderie, some to win it. Everyone had a different motivator that ignited their flame, each equally as important.

As I began running, I felt it, that feeling as if you could run for miles and miles. My energy was through the roof, I was on fire! It was one of my best memories in my life. And in the end, I finished in 2 hours and 30 minutes, for me a huge accomplishment. But more importantly, this moment, this accomplishment, reintroduced me to a passion and a love I will have forever: Fitness.

Fitness means many things to many people. And I write this because fitness actually IS for everyone. The key is to find out which type of movement makes you come alive. The minute I hit the streets with my iPod and running shoes, my energy ignites. I get this high, and although sometimes it is challenging to get out the door, I remind myself of that high, the energy I will have after I run, and that is what makes me come alive.

So I hope you take the time to explore what type of fitness makes you come alive. Don’t wait for a break-up or health issue, the time is now. And remember, find what ignites your fire, don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, worry about what is going to be the best fit for you, what you can commit to, whether it is yoga or karate, what matters is that you are consistently doing it and moving. And yes, it was a boy who ignited my fire, but he is not who keeps this fire alive in me. What keeps this fire alive? I have found the type of workout routine that is right for me. And as with anything in life, relationships, fitness, jobs, when you find the right fit, you will know it.