Fitness

When I was little I played (or at least attempted to play) almost every sport under the sun. I sneezed my way through tee-ball (darn allergies), ran alongside the ball during soccer (but never kicked it), suffered through one very long week of golf camp, twirled around the ballet studio, tumbled across the gymnastics floor (until they tried to make me do a back handspring – no thank you), splashed around in the pool for a few summers of swim lessons, and did a brief stint on the middle school tennis team.

Finally, I picked up a field hockey stick. And shortly after, a lacrosse stick. Seven years later, I graduated from high school with two sports and a couple of varsity letters under my belt. Or tucked away in my closet.

Despite a minor knee surgery, I was all in all a healthy, semi-athletic person. And then college happened.

For most of my freshman year, and the first half of my sophomore year, I frequented Vandy’s rec center (the workout facility). But it just wasn’t as fun anymore. And pretty soon, life took over. There were just too many exciting things to be doing around campus – I didn’t have time to workout!

When I studied in Denmark the fall of my junior year, I had a lot more free time on my hand. Because I didn’t know that many people, and often only had one or two classes a day, I needed something to fill my time. So I started to run. When I started I could barely run 100 yards. By the end of my four months, I could run the 3-mile loop down around the two lakes near my dorm with ease.

And then college took back over. Senior year was busier and more fun than ever. Luckily, Vanderbilt is a residential campus, so I was at least walking several miles a day to and from class, and to and from all of my meetings/social engagements/fun college things. But I’m pretty sure my foot didn’t cross the threshold of the student rec center a single time in my last 2 1/2 years of school – yikes.

It was time for a change. So here I am, post-college, and making my way back to loving exercise! For the girl who used to loathe running with a fiery passion, I feel I’ve come a pretty long way.

FITNESS POSTS

How to motivate yourself to work out

Acting like a little child

Road IDs

Fitness equipment/gadgets

Inside/outside debate

Running music