Stop Talking About It, and Do It!

Wow, two weeks since my last(first) blog post. Not off to a good start, Lindsay! I have been busy, and a little bit under the weather...but mostly, I've just been contemplating what I want to write about...and, finally, my quest to become more active came to mind, and it is something I can continue to elaborate on...

It is hard, if not impossible, to find someone who is 100% happy with their body. Some want to lose a few pounds or inches, some even want to gain a few...and there are those who just want to be "fit". That is me. I constantly find myself saying I want to "tone-up" or I want to "get in shape", be..."fit". My boyfriend, Derek, and I talk about this subject on a semi-regular basis; although, it's more in the sense of being healthy and having the body and stamina needed to do what we want...backpack, climb, run, martial arts, etc...

Derek reads a good bit about Dean Karnazes, the Ultramarathon Man, and I always enjoy hearing about the encouragement Mr. Karnazes' life and philosophies can provide. Just the other day, Derek was talking about Mr. Karnazes' book, and how Mr. Karnazes explains how his body got the way that it is. He didn't, and doesn't, set out to be fit, he set out to do what he enjoyed. Once you practice and train enough for whatever it is you want, having a fit and healthy body is just an added bonus.
Wow...this definitely boosts my motivation!

I've always enjoyed hiking and camping, but it wasn't until this past summer that I got into backpacking...and absolutely loved it. I have set huge goals for myself in this arena, but I have confidence. Reaching summit on most, if not all, 14ers in the Colorado Rockies and, one day, the Tour du Mont Blanc...goals that I could not reach today, but ones that I am already gearing my body up for. In the mindset of Dean Karnazes, I am just doing what I enjoy, and will eventually have what is needed to reach those goals...and get fit in the process.

Another activity I have, for some time, been wanting to start is kickboxing/self-defense technique - and not to be confused with aerobic kickboxing (which is a great activity in itself). I want that kind of workout, endurance, confidence...to know I can defend myself (I am a girl, you know...) and to know that I could totally bring someone down if I needed to :) So, naturally, I talk to Derek about this. His response? "Just do it. Quit talking about doing it or wanting to do it...get on the phone, find out what you can about it, and do it." I have to admit, that was a little hard to hear. This whole time, I hadn't felt like I was being a slacker, but after Derek said that, I realized I was, in some sense. No one can expect to get things without working for them. Yes, it is only week 2 now, but I am having a blast with my classes. My muscles have never felt this kind of pain, but they will recover, and be stronger for it. I'm doing Krav Maga (Israeli hand fighting), Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I really do recommend them all for everyone, especially girls.

This might be an abrupt end to a post, but that is all I have to say on this subject...right now. So...

Cheers.