The What’s Beautiful campaign is sponsored by Under Armour. The thoughts on this program and my spirit are completely my own.
I hit my summer running goal before summer had even really begun. After a morning of alternating tears and goofy grins from pride, the inevitable question emerged:
Now What?
I could have set another goal for myself, like running a 10K. However, a client inspired me to look at things a little differently.
The day after my triumph, she came in for her session anxious to tell me about her weekend. For the first time in decades she had water skied. She used to do it all the time, she said, in her teens and 20s but not since she had kids. Needless to say her daughters were surprised at her request for the skis and more surprised with her skills. My client was surprised that her body could once again do something she had thought was long behind her. She was equally surprised the next day when she awoke with only minimal soreness. She had been worried that she would be so sore the day after that she wouldn’t be able to get out of bed.
She was so proud of her improved strength, as was I. But it was her response; her nonchalance at the prospect of doing it again that impressed me. It was great to do, she shared, but it wasn’t necessarily going to be something she did all the time. She had proven to herself, however, that she was capable of doing it. Because of her consistent work on her fitness for the last four months her limitations were being removed. Instead of worrying about what she couldn’t do, the world was now full of possibility.
That is What’s Beautiful. Being Capable.
Instead of setting a new goal for myself, I am instead going to spend the summer being capable and trying new things. Perhaps I’ll spend more time on my bike. Perhaps I’ll take a TRX class. Perhaps I’ll decide to water ski or hike a new trail. I’ve already started experimenting with new exercises in the gym. I love having the time to play with new techniques and activities when not tied to a specific training plan. I want to enjoy my favorite time of year by celebrating all my body can do.
Setting goals are an important part of change. But for this summer I want to simply BE. Be capable. Be strong. Be me.
What will you be this summer?
