In those early adolescent years, do you remember when your body could handle just about any physical activity that you could think of?
Sprints? No problem. A mile in gym class? Ehh, but yeah I can get it done. Basketball practice for three hours? Bring it on.
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Fast forward to college and adulthood and the wear and tear of life just really takes a toll on you. Am I right?
From all the stress we put on our bodies from cramming to study for a test, all-nighters and the stress and anxieties of fitting in or staying involved, to all of the horrible food we put inside our bodies day after day — our ability to be as "in-shape" as we used to be becomes almost a challenge or an obstacle.
As I have been changing my lifestyle choices these past couple of years and training at Orange Theory Fitness this summer, I worked up the confidence (and the crazy mindset) to run a 5K.
Yes, I have started to find a great joy in running since I have really focused in on changing my lifestyle and my mindset.
If you would have asked me last year to run a 5K, let alone run on the treadmill for a long distance — I would have laughed at you. But making these changes in my life has allowed me to grow and be uncomfortable —a way to test my abilities outside of playing basketball and the training that came with that.
This past Saturday was the big day.
The Orange Theory Fitness team put together a group of members who wanted to join in this race — so it was fun to have encouragement and support throughout the race and know that you are all going through it together!
Here are some of the thoughts that went on through my head before, during and after the race.
1. Pre-race.
"I should probably stretch ... maybe?"
"Why does everyone here look like they are cross country runners?"
"I'm not qualified for this. I am going home."
"OK, I have to stay here now; there is a grandma running."
"My car is right there. I could just run there and that would count, right?"
"Ugh. WHY?!"
2. During the race.
"Ah yes! I'm doing it!"
"Mile one — no problem! Wow, this is so easy!"
"Water station ahead — not for me! Water is for losers!"
"OMG, I definitely wish I would have stopped for water."
"What the hell was I thinking ... I should have stayed home and slept in the comfort of my bed, safe and protected and not as sweaty as I am now."
"Why do people do this to themselves?"
"AM I DOING SPORTS?!"
"How is my mind telling my legs to do this?"
"I can't wait to eat."
"Speaking of eating, what am I going to have for lunch and dinner today?"
"Water station ahead — NOPE, SEE YA SUCKERS!"
"WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP FOR WATER YOU IDIOT?!"
"OMG, something smells of pizza."
"A HILL. ARE YOU FFFFFING kidding? CURSE YOU, EARTH!"
"OMG, I'M ALMOST TO THE FINISH LINE! RUN ASHLEY, RUN!"
3. Post-race.
"I did it."
"I'm done."
"Wow, I feel amazing."
"Health!"
"I'm definitely going to keep up with this lifestyle."
"I'm going to grab a banana instead of a bagel because I am 'healthy' and stuff."
"I'm doing a hundred more of these races. I am a rock star."
"Definitely running a marathon because nothing about that was that challenging."
"Where can I get a pizza?"
Funny thing is, even though I had all of these thoughts running through my head, I ended up finishing first in my age group division (18-24 years) for the race along with one of my really good friends who ran the race too!
Whether you have never run a day in your life or even done anything remotely active, it is always interesting to hear the thoughts in your head when it comes to physical activity and pushing your limits!
Try it — you never know what you can accomplish! You might surprise yourself!
