Finding a way

November 26th I broke my left foot. I broke it bad. In fact, I broke two bones in the foot, and tore both a muscle and ligament. When I do it, I do it right I guess. Sentenced to crutches for 10 weeks, I was given a grand opportunity to practice what I preach. Being Miss. Fitzness Trainer, I'm constantly telling others to 'find a way' to make it happen. Stop making excuses I say. Now it was my turn to find a way.

Going 10 weeks without working out was not an option. Sure I could lift weights, but cardiovascular workouts are a definite must for me. Now what? I absolutely could not partake in my favorite workouts; kickboxing, running, jumping rope. I couldn't even swim! So I had to search around the local gym. Fortunately I am a member of the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center which is probably one of the most beautiful and complete gyms in the country. If it weren't.....I would have been screwed. GH&FC has two kayak machines. Whoopee! I mean that both seriously and sarcastically. Grateful to have something to do to make me huff & puff without putting pressure on my boo boo, and annoyed because it's one of the most boring and tedious things I've done in my life.

First day I lasted 10 minutes and cursed like a sailor. Second day I begrudgingly conquered 20 minutes. Argh! Of course it was also the ONLY machine in this monstrous gym with no television attached. It was awful! Nonetheless. Because I felt obligated to all those nice folks I told to find a way, I stuck it out....and cursed a lot. I'm glad I did.

Within two weeks, I overheard my husband telling his friend how amazing my abs were looking. After four I found my arms to be harder than they had in a very long time. Near the end of my foot crisis I actually started to enjoy my 45 minute kayaking sessions. My grand finale achievement of 10 weeks on crutches, was that I was still extremely fit and I hadn't gained one single pound. I'm not weight obsessed, but boy did I worry that not being able to kickbox or jog for 10 weeks would be a detriment to my waistline.

My foot is improving, though it's not perfect just yet. I'm still being forced to be creative. But that leads me to the purpose of this whole thing. I didn't make excuses. I followed my own advice and I found a way. Desperation breeds creativity. Perseverance leads to success. If you're dealing with some sort of injury today, there still may be a way for you to accomplish your fitness goals. Find a way!