Volume 119 - Rest in Pushing Through

Have you ever listened to Tipsy by J-Kwon at 5 AM???

Would you be shocked to hear that I HAVE???

My new 5 AM playlist includes all the top artists - Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber and Arianna Grande....

You may be asking yourself two questions at this point...

First off, why am I awake at 5 AM??

Second off, why am I listening to such music??

Well, my new found hobby has been sparked... I have drank the koolaid...

I am an Orange Theory member! 

In typical fashion, I set out for the 2025 New Year with fitness goals. I wanted to be able to run 6 miles by November. And I wanted to lose weight. 

The month of January started slow. I was forcing myself to show up at Memorial Park after work and pushed until I could run one mile straight. I was doing it, but boy let me tell you, I was pretty miserable... 

Therefore, when Esther and Margaret mentioned they were going to Orange Theory, I hesitatingly agreed to try my first class... feeling very insecure that I would be the most out of shape person there...

Well, I arrived 30 minutes early, as I was told to, for the paperwork and training and was immediately welcomed with excitement from Fatima, at the front desk. 

I survived the first class and surprised myself by signing up for the full membership right away!

I loved the class - I loved the competitiveness and the accountability it created. 

For so long, I have not worked out or really had any exercise in my life, with the exception of walks. 

After over a month of taking Orange Theory classes, I can tell a difference in my day. It's a great way to start the day! It's helping me to feel more confident! And to push myself. 

"Mind over matter."

"Just 90 more seconds."

"You can do anything for three minutes!"

"Can you increase your speed from the last block? Even if just .1 above?"

Every class, I listen to the coaches, encouraging us and challenging us to push ourselves. 

And it works. Despite my red screen on the TV, I keep on! 

I am relearning the benefits of what's it like to have to push myself, feeling like the good ole days under Coach Kate in soccer practices. 

That even when it's hard or when I feel tired or when I would like to walk, I don't give up! 

Shifting my mindset. 
Not giving into my flesh. 
Overcoming hard. 

All things I want to take into my summer. So often, I listen to staff members tell me they cannot work anymore because they are tired and cannot give 100%. But that they "aren't a quitter."

And in my exercise journey, I often play these conversations through my head... when I want to give up because I am tired... yet know that I still have more to give. May I not be someone who immediately gives up when there seems to be a challenge ahead! Or when something is not easy!

Push through! And have confidence! And have perspective!