Turning 35

I turn 35 tomorrow. I am glad. It feels 'just right' to me at this time in my life. And, my summer of training and doing triathlons are probably a significant part of that excitement to be this age.

I didn't grow up as an athletic person. I never did sports as a kid, got picked last for all the games in PE, couldn't fathom running for fun. I've been 'curvy' or 'heavy' most of my adult life, and that has shaped a lot of how I viewed my body. I did dance. I danced a lot. But that to me felt different then being 'athletic'.

What a delight to surprise myself with who I am the summer I turn 35!

My commitment to maintain a healthy weight and a fit body only grow stronger each year that goes by. The seniors I work with certainly inspire me. Many of them keep at it, coming to exercise class, lifting weights...One woman, who has significant balance issues and chronic pain, everyday walks around our mezzanine. She has found something that works for her and her health issues, and she sticks with it.

When I go to triathlons, I am also inspired. I see many (most!) competitors who are older than me. It is so inspiring to be around all that fitness, all those people who have decided to make their health a priority in their lives. Whole families turn out. Heck, the husband of one of my seniors competed in the same Issaquah Triathlon I did - he's in his 70s!

My desire for myself is that I keep finding fresh enthusiasm and excitement around having an active life. The picture above is me and my family finding a way to exercise on a multi-day train ride by running up and down the tiny stairs. This winter, I was super-jazzed about lifting heavy free weights. This summer it is triathlons. Who knows what next year will bring, but I'm determined it will be something!

What do you do to keep inspired about fitness and health?