Exercise – You Can Do It!

Jackie couldn’t swim, didn’t own a bike and hated to run yet agreed to train for a triathlon, which included all three of these.  What made her think at age 35 that she could possibly accomplish such a huge task?  How could she overcome so many obstacles?

What motivated Jackie to try a triathlon? I suggested it to her and she wanted to do what I said, compete in a race.  She wanted a challenge and it sure was.

Jackie tells us, “The question was not about accomplishing this huge task.  The question was about getting started.  I learned how to do each event and, over time, I learned to like them.  During my first triathlon, which was indoors, I realized I could accomplish an outdoor triathlon.  It boosted my confidence. 

“As far as overcoming obstacles, that is all they are…..obstacles. A triathlon was not a brick wall I had to break through; it was a challenge to figure out how to overcome it. I did this by doing each event and then seeing improvement.  There will always be obstacles as I train, but that just means I am getting better.  I go out there each day and try.”

How long did it take her to accomplish the training?  About six months because of her inability to do the three sports: swim, bike and run.

Can anyone over 50 do what she did?  Absolutely.  With determination, anything is possible.  Triathlons have three winners in certain age brackets so a 50-year old would compete overall with Jackie but the 50-year-old might win her age group.   

If Jackie can do it, you can too!  Your triathlon might be a ten minute walk around the block or a bike ride in your neighborhood.  Whatever it is, lace up your sneakers and get moving.

2. Decide if you want to work out with others or by yourself.

3. Based on the answer to #2, working out with others means you need to find a workout buddy or join a gym.  Working out by yourself means you would take walks, cycle or ride a stationary bicycle indoors.

4. Set a realistic goal like working out three times a week for 20-30 minutes, making sure the goal is obtainable to keep you motivated.

5. Buy a new pair of sneakers.

Linda is the owner of a personal training business where they come to your house and bring the equipment.  She has been in the fitness industry for 26 years and is the author of two motivational fitness books, Journey to Fitness – Chronicles of a Working Woman and Journey to Fitness – Chronicles of a New Triathlete (Jackie is the subject).  Please visit www.FitnessLinda.com .