I'm Here to Finish!

A few weeks ago, a wonderful woman introduced me to a new phrase: "Adult Onset Athlete." Since she spoke those words, I've taken them to heart & have decided that's me...an Adult Onset Athlete.

As one of those women who looks back on P.E. class in school with horror, I remember all the girls with perfect bodies playing volleyball & softball, while the dorky straight-A girl (me) tripped over her own feet. Lanky, uncoordinated & not very attractive I was a painfully shy young lady who was usually picked last. So when it came to P.E. class, I typically found a way to slink around & get out of the exercise.

After escaping high school, I settled nicely into couch-potato mode for most of my adult life (with the notable exception of working hard for my 2nd degree Black Belt in Kung Fu in 1996).

Somehow, over the past months, I've come to love exercise. In my effort to regain my health after a long battle with chronic illness, I knew moving my body was essential to healing. As I got stronger & stronger, a goal was soon necessary for my continued motivation. Always the overachiever, I decided on a triathlon (boy did I have to convince those who've been by my side while I was sick!).

Now, although some may laugh when they see me, I've truly embraced the *athlete* label & yesterday, I proved it. I participated in a real event! I ran (o.k., jogged & walked) my very first 5k race. There was a starter horn, timing chips & even a Finish line!

I know, it was only a 5k & I certainly didn't break any records, but here's the great part: I had FUN! I mean I REALLY had FUN! Like those kids in P.E. class who enjoyed exercise - I was smiling & everything!

You see, it finally hit me... as an *Adult Onset Athlete* I wasn't out there to prove anything to anyone but myself. Yeah, I was a little ticked when the 8 year old passed me on the road, but overall, I really didn't care to impress anyone.

One of my fellow runners said it best, "I'm not here to race, I'm here to finish!"

That WAS my goal!

I was there to finish.

There was power in that statement.

There was freedom.

The power & freedom to decide if I wanted to compete or not changed everything. Suddenly, I could make my own choices & be in charge of my own destiny.

As an Adult Onset Athlete I only had to answer to the starting gun, my own body & the few people to whom I've chosen to report.

Ahhh, freedom...it translated to fun!

You know...I think I'll apply that wisdom to life..."I'm not here to race, I'm here to finish!"

Have a great week! I know I will.

Kim