When the phone alerted me that the morning had arrived and it was time to go I set off to the track. The plan was 20 laps and between each one I was going to perform burpees, squats, pushups and crunches. I have to admit it was much harder than I envisioned, and there were times in the first mile that I thought about giving up. However, I pushed ahead and completed most of the goal I set out to achieve. Around 4 miles my knees were done, and I had to stop. It was still a better workout than my normal Saturday routine, and I gained a lot from the experience.
Sometimes people have told me that these workouts are extreme, unnecessary or just insane. The former version of me would have definitely thought I was nuts. However, I learn and grow from each one.
I feel humbled by these routines for their ability to represent how far I have come and how much further I can still grow in my physical abilities. This body was sedentary for many, many years, and I have made some pretty impressive progress. I also appreciate the abilities of others so much more when I read about things they have accomplished because I have experienced a piece of it first hand.
Pushing myself is something that I have come to enjoy. It is that moment when I reach that edge and keep going that I grow. I might not always accomplish what I set out to achieve, but I attempt things that some never even try.
Sometimes the journey is not about where the destination lies. Instead it is about the trip and what is gained along the way.
