POLL: What are you proudest of, fitness wise?

[mandarin2j]

m4star said (on the secret fitness-related desire thread)
"I love the fact that my body can get me through a really tough workout. I love my body for all the great things it can do, it's just that society has enforced some really crazy ideals for women to live up to."

Kinda got me thinking. Yesterday, I was thinking how, even though I'm not remotely close to where I want to be, my yoga workout the night before was easier than when I started. And that positive focus my progress, on what I can do, rather than on what I "should" be able to do had I been taking better care of myself all along, kept my attitude pretty positive all day. So positive, in fact, that I couldn't wait to go on my walk last night and feel good about my progress THERE. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

So...what fitness milestone are you proudest of from your current efforts?

[lindrusso]

mandarin2j - great question! I love the questions that help us focus on the positives!!

Hmmmm....I guess I'm proudest of the fact that I'm finally sticking to a fitness program. Since September, I don't think I've gone more then 8 or 9 days (and those times were due to illnesses and vacations)without hitting the gym. For me, that's a huge accomplishment. Some weeks I maybe only made it 2 times, but at least I made it. And this week will be the second week in a row that I will have made it 5 times http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif .

I'm also proud of the fact that I'm starting to seem some tone and I'm starting to need slightly heavier weights than when I began. I've never stuck with any weight lifting program long enough to see this much progress.



[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 02-15-2001).]

[emilycat]

What is this, an excuse to brag? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

No, really, it's a wonderful question.
Hmm...I would have to say that I'm quite proud of my running abilities. I've always had a lot of athletic ability and talent (okay, how arrogant did that really sound?), but never had any confidence pertaining to running until I picked it up after my high school graduation when I quit dancing 5-6 days a week.

When I think about how far I've come -- the feelings of pure elation the first time I ran 5 miles around the track, then 12 miles around the roads near my house, running my first race -- and now qualifying for Boston -- it just amazes me. Giving myself running goals, one after the other, just brings so much focus, pride and excitement into my life, and I'm so thrilled that I brought it all upon myself by myself.

I think that's enough self-centered thinking for me today http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Emily

[Kristilyn1]

Mine would have to be running the Dublin Marathon in October. I've NEVER been athletic, and it was soooo hard for me to do. But now I have this great feeling of: I can do anything I want!

Now, I have to start back running again--I've taken the last month off--bad, bad, Kristi.

Kristi

[donleyk]

I have always been athletic, and sports in general have been easy for me. My problem is change.... As an example, spinning has become really popular here at work. To the point where they remodeled a conference room to put the bikes and the sessions in there. Two years I held out, then finally tried it. Those first 2 sessions were killer, and now, (probably 3 months) I can really get up for it and push myself. It's a nice break from the typical aerobics classes that I do 4 times a week.

Congrats to you marathoners! Wow!

[hhcowgirl]

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I come from a pretty non-athletic family (golf and tennis are their mainstays, but we are not talking Tiger Woods or Martina Hengis here) and I grew up riding and showing horses very seriously but engaging in no other real physical exercise/activity (aside from the occasional relaxed golf/tennis match as well). I am proudest that, all on my own, I picked up a running routine in college and have stuck with it and am now in better shape than anyone in my family has ever been. I am extremely proud of the fact that I had to educate myself and develop all of my own skills and really feel now like a true athlete.

[Lynn B]

Great thread, thanks!

I am proudest of the fact that in the last year I have been DILIGENT about exercise and healthy eating. I reached my goal weight and have successfully maintained. I feel better and stronger than I have in YEARS! And most of all, I feel healthy and "in shape"... and it is a wonderful feeling!

Lynn

[McSix]

I appreciate the opportunity to share how good I feel...my family is great about supporting me, but at work I notice that it's not a good idea to "brag..." Anyhow, in the year 2000 I only missed 33 days; I worked out at least 20 minutes on 332 days last year. My usual routine is 45 minutes of cardio one day and 90 minutes of cardio/weight training the next. I have to get up at 4:15 to manage it, but I enjoy mornings. My favorite achievement is that after never being the least bit athletic in my life and coming from a family of solid couch potatoes, at 46 I can do 30 "proper form" pushups on my toes. My son, who is in the Navy, came home and critiqued my form big time, so I'm building back up to the 40 I thought I was doing. Congratulations to all you runners and everyone else who knows what a difference working out makes in your life!

[m4star]

I am most proud of the fact that after coming from a "couch potato" family and eating nothing but junk food, I am now healthy,happy and more fit than I've ever been. I like the fact that I can work out each morning and be energized for the day instead of so exhausted that I need to go back to sleep. Even my strength training routine has eased up and doesn't tire me out as much as it used to. I am proud of the distance I have come. And I am even more proud that I look forward to exercise as a part of my day (something I NEVER thought I'd be thinking).

[This message has been edited by m4star (edited 02-20-2001).]