Go further than you've ever thought possible…

Many people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.

Anonymous

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So, I arrived at my personal training appointment with Krista yesterday, it was my normal day but at a different time due to a work commitment during my normal session. My head really hurt and I was struggling to even keep the appointment in the first place because of this, but I did because I knew I should… Anyway, normally I get myself ready and head out to the cardio room or the track and just get started, so I did, I headed for the track figuring I would start with 4 laps or so to "warm up", but I didn't even make it through the 2nd lap before Krista was jogging beside me with the biggest grin. I knew that easily could have spelled disaster for me and I was somewhat right… I reluctantly turned off the iPod and took off my earphones, only to be greeted with "Today we are tackling the stairs”…. Instant dread set in based on Jeremiah's descriptions of what this entails… Then it got worse when she told me the goal was 25 laps on the stairs - Instant defeat set in - the negative self-talk set in and I immediately thought there is no way I could do that. Every part of my body was screaming, looking for a way to convince her that this was absolutely impossible; however, it quickly became clear that I was never going to be able to convince her of this. Therefore, I set my sights on at least trying

Now stairs are something that I must deal with day in and day out, but not usually in terms of lap after lap. Now I should tell you that there were no time constraints on how quickly these laps got done, they just had to get done during the time I had with Krista (usually between 30 and 40 minutes). 3 laps down and I was certain I would NEVER complete 25 - It was really difficult, and apparently it showed because now Krista said, ok your goal for today is now 15 - okay that seems somewhat more attainable, but still a lot. Okay 5 laps down and now I could think of it as 1/3 of the way there — still seemed like it would take eternity, but with short rests after 2 or 3 laps at a time, I was able to eventually make it to 15 without dying — I DID IT !! Another thing I thought I could not do, and I did!! Krista then showed me a couple good stretches and left me with the insight that my hamstrings would hate me - I did some cardio on the elliptical, this has actually become my favorite machine now I think - and then it was off to the locker rooms to prepare for the remainder of the day still in front of me.

I think the worst part of this whole endeavor was attempting to beat the headache throughout it all, but at least I can take pride in the fact that I tried, and while I didn't attain the original goal I did attain more than I ever thought I could. When that self-defeating talk comes to bite - show it who the boss it and do as much as you possibly can, you may just amaze yourself - I know I have many times in the last month or so! Continued success to all of you!!

Until Next Time, Amber