To the Gym . . .

So . . . I did it. I joined the gym. After years and years of purely running (and seeing little results), I decided it was time to "shake it up" and do something very different. So, to the gym I go!!

I REALLY enjoy it. One thing I LOVE to do (despite the pain) is lifting weights. I have not done it in 10 years! I think it will be key in achieving my goals, as well. My body has kind of "adjusted" to running. I would run and run, and my body started laughing at me. It was just not good enough -- not for me. Running is still a part of my routine (I do love running) but not the "core" of it. My routine for now is: 30 minutes on the eliptical, 1 hour of weight lifting, and 30 more minutes of treadmill running. It feels so great, so far. After one week, I can already feel a difference (something I have not felt in 3 years). I love being able to feel the effort I put in (like sore muscles). Plus, I can go anytime, regardless of the weather. I just decided it was time. Time for changes -- real change. Running was not cutting it for me anymore, and it became time for more.

The gym is great because of the people. I see so many different people -- it is awesome! It is fun to be able to get out for part of the day and to be a part of the "land of the living". People from all different walks of life (and ALL different shapes and sizes) come to the gym. It is good to be with them . . . often my interactions with people are limited to church members. It is interesting to see what is really going on in the "world" first-hand. What I love most is watching people working hard, trying to improve themselves, by strengthening their bodies -- it is inspiring!

Today as I was coming towards the close of my workout (running on the treadmill) I was beginning to lose some steam. As I was beginning to weaken (mostly mentally) I looked downstairs to see a lady with crooked knees, two walking sticks, and walking completely hunched over -- climbing up the stairs. I saw this same lady, walking in circles, in the front area yesterday morning. Dressed in her blue and orange (go Broncos!) she was making her way upstairs for her workout. When I saw her come up the stairs, I almost started crying (no one would have noticed since sweat was pouring down my face). It was overwhelming to me . . . watching her determination, despite her very serious physical limitations. So, with new courage, I turned to the dashboard of the treadmill and began pressing the up-level button. I finished my run with a new passion and fervor, heaving my body forward, throwing sweat droplets all over -- struggling not to bawl like a baby. This crinkled, broken, lady had given me POWER. She had given me COURAGE. She had given me HOPE. One of God's angels . . . just for me.

It is so great. I love the gym. I love improving myself, I love finding new strength, and reaching new goals. I am so grateful to have a body that is "whole". Sometimes I can be so hard on myself . . . seeing every little flaw and panicking over them. Despite my extra baggage, my "junk in the trunk", my stretch marks, and other "imperfections" . . . I am WHOLE. Not everyone is. I will NOT take it for granted! I love me. I LOVE MY BODY . . . which is why I am going to the gym! I am giving it my greatest effort to treat kindly the gift that God has given me . . . ME! Maybe, just maybe, through my sweat and determination -- I can inspire someone else to be "powerful" too!