It starts with feeling the need or urge to move, change…just do something. It starts with putting on a pair of running shoes or a swimsuit.
It starts with running for as long as possible which most likely is not that long. It starts with pushing to run an actual half mile or mile. It starts with working out for 20 minutes a few days a week. It starts with setting a goal of exercising consistently. It starts with signing up for a 5K or finding a workout buddy. It starts with reading nutrition articles or asking for cycling advice.
It starts with feeling good after a hard workout. It starts with looking forward to that yoga session or kickboxing class. It starts with feeling “off” when a workout is missed. It starts with missing the sweating or hard breathing.
It starts with picking a bigger, more challenging goal than before and then immediately breaking it down into smaller, manageable milestones. It starts with celebrating swimming 10 laps more than a month ago. It starts with passing another runner or crossing the finish line for the first time.
For me, it started way back in high school as a rower who barely made the team. It started again when I joined a dragon boat team during the few years I lived in Hong Kong. It started again about 11 years ago when I trained for a marathon but couldn’t complete it because my left leg tightened up so much it couldn’t move. It started again when I decided to try half marathons. It started again when I signed up for my very first triathlon after failing (once again) to complete a marathon. And it started one more time when I desperately needed some way to deal with the biggest blow to my life – losing Noah. And this is my start or I should say starts.
We each have to start somewhere. It starts with starting after all.
What was your start? Or what will be your start?
I Tri 4 You 