Stop and Smell The Roses

Today something remarkable happened.

I found myself participating in a CrossFit workout that consisted of a fair bit of running and, I was running.

For the past six months, I have avoided running like the plague while I recovered from a bad ankle sprain as well patellar tendinosis. During this time life has consisted of lots of physio exercises, ice, and a significant decrease in performance. I was not able to participate in our group CrossFit classes nor could I train or compete at the level I wish to attain. I was a bit of a sad panda at times.

This brings us back to today.

As I found myself running on our 200m stretch of road in the same workout as my Aunt, euphoria came over me. I began to realize what was happening. After months there I was running! All of the down days and times where I felt sorry for myself washed away and I experienced the feeling of victory. No, I didn’t compete in the Open and place high or PR my lifts like I would like to but I took a step forward and celebrated it.

Celebrating victories or accomplishments for me has never been easy. I achieve something and almost immediately move to the next challenge or obstacle, some call it obsessive behavior others call it drive. Regardless, I began to realize through some encouragement from loved ones that I simply never stop to admire and enjoy the many milestones in my life. To “stop and smell the roses” if you will.

I wanted to share this with you as I can’t be the only person who feels this way. CrossFit is such a great example of this story. It provides a means to strive for successes and failures, it’s a great teaching tool for life. When I see you PR a lift, run for the first time in months, or squat to full depth for the first time I celebrate that victory as much possible because it really means something. I hope you celebrate it too!

Whether you are looking at life or fitness both require us to set goals and take the many steps to achieve them. The bigger the goal the longer the journey.

Fitness is a very long and arguably unending saga that is meant to be enjoyed. Celebrate every freakin’ victory you can along the way to your bigger goals. Enjoy even what appear to be the smallest wins. Savor the moment and hold on to the feeling before you begin moving forward again.

I really think this hiatus in training has given me a renewed appreciation for maintaining a healthy body and taking the time to enjoy every victory no matter the size.

The next time you achieve something put your hands in the air like Rocky Balboa and soak that moment in like the champion you are.

Seriously, try it.

All the best,

Tyler