Who else wants a feeling of accomplishment?
Build self-confidence through success .
Photo: Augusto Arantes CC-By-2.0
When I was in my late teens, and even early twenties, I had aspirations of competing in bodybuilding. I had no intentions of taking “performance enhancing” drugs. I did, however, admire the hard work, dedication, and results of what bodybuilders can accomplish. It definitely wasn’t a goal-it was more of a “I’d kind of like to do that someday”.
I never followed through with it. Life just tends to get in the way. That idea drove me for many years though.
A few years ago, my lovely bride decided that she was going to run in a 5k. To many runners, a three mile run is just a workout. It was for her. To put one’s self out there against others is something entirely different.
She worried about how she would stack up against the other runners. That’s normal; after all, it is a race. Your first time out, this shouldn’t be your focus. If you’ve competed before, that is a horse of another color.
Beck ended up turning in a time right around 30 minutes. There have been many times in our marriage that I have been proud of her accomplishments. That one is right up there.
Since I have returned to my fitness lifestyle, I haven’t had a performance goal. I’ve had weight goals, which I don’t think is very healthy. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’m no runner-never have been. While the thought of running a 5k has crossed my mind, it has left almost as quickly. I’m not saying it will never happen… but I’m not saying that it will either.
What kind of performance event can i do? What can I work towards? These questions have loomed for a few years with no answers. That is until recently.
Power forward
A date hasn’t been set at this time, but I have decided that I will compete in a powerlifting meet this year. There are a few this summer that look promising. I already train using squats, benchpress, and deadlifts weekly. Adding in the element of competition gives incentive to increase how much weight I use in these workouts.
Have you ever wanted to compete in something like this? Would you consider running a 5k, 10k, or even a marathon just to say that you’ve done it? Do you have any interest in competing in a bodybuilding or figure event? What about training to compete in a track & field event? Or participating in a co-ed softball or soccer league?
I would be interested in hearing about your fitness aspirations. I will keep you posted on mine.
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Todd, that’s awesome. Good luck. Will you be keeping us informed of your progress?
Oh ya, that’s badass. Go, Todd!
I’ve been thinking about doing a 5K. Like you said, I pretty much do that every other day anyway. I would like to be able to say that I ran a marathon. I think that’s what I will train for.
Todd congrats on all this! the website, your dedication (and Becky’s) Good luck with your powerlifting goals, that sounds like something you will really excel at! After Chemo and slowly getting back into shape…I am still searching for my goal, except for the just doing it part…
@Tim Yes, I intend to use this as an opportunity for writing posts.
@Anne I’ve thought about doing the 5K thing, but there is no way I would run 26 miles just to say that I’ve run a marathon. With that said, I encourage you to do so. Go get after it, and write about your experiences. We’d love to have you guest post.
@Scott Thanks brother. I appreciate that. It’ll take you awhile to work your way back from the chemo, but you’ll get there. Just stick with it. I’ll bet you’ll be out playing softball next season.
I decided to run a marathon…I started running or I should say jogging so I can get ready and It’s really hard and Not my favorite activity. I’m doing it just to say I lived through it! I second guess myself everyday because I’m not a runner and I don’t want to fail but I wont let myself back out on it either!! AHHH! I pray I don’t die doing it! Hee hee..
Amy, that’s awesome. I know that you can do it, because you’re tenacious like that.
bro do your thing…this is true to a T