Workout Buddy

I know I know... this blog is a great source of strength, inspiration, and support. But a warm human sweating nearby can, at times, provide a little extra something.

I love having a workout buddy. This has been going on a little more than a month. We push each other to do better. We are accountable to show up at the gym. We keep each other honest. We compete - just a little bit. We build each other up. We jabber about whatever to help the minutes and miles pass.

For instance... I have been keeping that eliptical machine above 6.0 on my speed. She pushes me to level up and to stay on the machine for 60 minutes. She also goes backwards, which is harder, and which I have to do, too. I can't be wimpy. So now she has to keep it above a 6.0, too. I never said she had to; but she seems to think that she has to keep up with me.

See? We help each other out. I mean, she's got me on a treadmill, of all things.

I'm doing worlds better since we started working out together.

Startup

Yesterday my health care provider approved me for starting up an exercise routine. Today I paid my opening gym fees and got on an elliptical machine for the first time in more than a year. I know what I have been capable of; and today was hard. I went at about 2/3 of the pace that was once my "easy" pace. I was really whooped after 20 minutes and pushed myself to go for 30.

It is hard to start a new good habit. It is hard to change lifestyle, and it is hard to take the first step in a good, worthy, change-making goal.

For me, anyway, it's hard.
You?
What successes have you had in making new changes? Feel free to brag and congratulate yourself.
What helps push you through from "hard" to "habit?" Feel free to share.

I draw on my healthy supply of stubborn.
I reflect often on my motivation.
And I turn to my support. I love having a workout buddy in the gym with me; but right now I go alone... so in lieu of an on site workout buddy, I'm calling to all you.

Pat me on the back, brag about your own work - whatever the goal, and pass around the encouragement.

Inspiration

I saw a different version of this on Facebook, but it inspired me.

Derek Redmond couldn't compete in the 1988 Seoul Olympics due to an Achilles tendon injury. He underwent five surgeries and couldn't wait to compete in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He was favored to win the 400 meter (he had shattered the British 400-m record at age 19).




Sometimes we're the son -- in dire need to finish but unable to do it alone.

Sometimes we're the father -- in dire need to help, no matter how many people try to stop us.

Thank you, everyone, for you support. And thank you, Mom and Dad and Josh, for always encouraging me. No matter what.

Thank you, Derek Redmond, for inspiring me to never give up.