A few weeks ago, I lost a 50K ultramarathon. I know because a guy named Brian Dibetta won, and I have a different name from his. To add insult to injury, he finished a whopping 78 places ahead of me. I was so disappointed to finish 79th, but it was even more disheartening to miss out on 78th place by a mere minute or two. It still haunts me.
This is me today at the Y.
This may be a far cry from the out of shape slob I was a couple of years ago, but I'm still slow and a plodder. However, I'm an excellent reader, and one thing I know from the research is that the first step toward lifelong running is simple: the way you overcome your doubts and fears is one step at a time. With each step forward, it becomes more and more difficult NOT to become an athlete. The same applies to gym workouts. Until you exorcise the demons screaming at you, "Why bother?" there's no point in even trying.
We Christians talk a lot about faith. Well, staying active is an act of faith. You don't find the answers just by thinking about something. Little by little, day by day, you'll find the answers by action. And, since it's impossible merely to trade your body in for a new and improved model, you have to accept the natural weaknesses and limitations of the body you have. My left arm is shorter and weaker than my right arm. Complaining about it does you no good. You can, however, exercise your left arm, as I'm doing here, in the hope that it can play catch up.
And here's a pull up I did today.
I use pull ups as finishers -- I end my workouts with them. Today I did 6 sets of one rep each. It took me two years to do my first pull up. Which reminds me: the key to running or lifting for the rest of your life is not talent -- it's dedication. Weight training won't always get you what you want, but if you pay attention, it will usually give you what you need.
You see, exercise isn't a goal or destination. It's a way of living, a state of affairs. Focus on where you are instead of on where you want to be. Keep track instead of keeping score. You may never win a race, but the years ahead can be filled with victory after victory. In fact, next year you might even finish the race in 78th place. And that would be something to celebrate.