Have you ever found yourself doing something you never thought possible? or attainable? That is the realization that has settled upon me recently. Years ago I was diagnosed several allergies and asthma was among the list due to: rabbits, deer, horses, and dogs. The news came when I was 21 years old and I found my life altered, mainly in the category of avoiding huge shedding dogs or puppy dander. I also thought that having allergies would limit the amount of heavy cleaning or yard work I’d be able to do as part of life’s chores as a homeowner. Woven into the mix of limitations was the thought or attempts at exercise that caused exertion (isn’t that the idea?)…

Quite a few years have passed since my original diagnosis and with the help of good medicines and improved lifestyle I have found that my tolerance for dog dander has diminished greatly but more so I have become very successful in the exercise department of life! In October of 2011 I began working with a personal trainer for strength conditioning. I’ve pushed my body to limits on various leg presses, arm machines, and ab workouts that have made me cringe under the stress of the weight and yet I have walked out of the training facility feeling victorious. Before hiring my trainer, I had begun my own routine with early morning rotations of walking, riding a bike outside, and to my surprise—jogging, all the while expecting to be limited due to having asthma. Can you imagine the euphoria I felt when I found that I COULD run and breathe without complications? Don’t get me wrong, there are days I’ve had a bit of a struggle but they are far and few between the times as I jog along the roadside enjoying a leisurely pace, or traveling into town to run on the local park’s walking track. Imagine the pride I felt when my trainer once remarked to me ‘you are an athlete…you’re in better shape than some of my younger clients that work with me.’

I’m not out to be the “best”. Rather, I’m “in it” for me. In retrospect and true humility, many ‘tomorrows’ have come and gone. You know what I mean. We’ve all said at lease once “I will begin an exercise program tomorrow…” I like to believe that in 2011 my ‘tomorrow’ arrived and although there have been obstacles along the way, in 2012 I was able to maintain a course of exercise that consisted mostly of weight training. Last summer’s extreme heat and humidity conditions upset my schedule. Happily, 2013 is giving me some beautiful spring days to enjoy being outdoors in between sessions with my trainer.

Beyond the benefits of feeling more physically healthy, is the attitude of my mind. Whether I’m pushing myself during the challenge of a new weight or telling my legs to run a little bit further, it’s my mind that is experiencing a wonderful explosion of satisfaction and accomplishment. I’m winning the battle against the lies that come with living with allergies or the challenges of growing older.

Will you see me in a marathon? Realistically, that isn’t one of my goals. But, you will see me  in July participating in a 5K, a feat I would never have undertaken in recent years. Having good people in my life to encourage me has been key in a changed minset,  the kind of friends I can go to for advice and share ideas.

What is that one thing that has become your ‘tomorrow’? I identified mine, I’ve embraced it and now I’m ‘doing’ instead of merely ‘daydreaming’. Look for me to continue on my personal athletic journey. I will gladly look for you and try not to leave you in my dust as I continue my training program.