Step out of your comfort zone…at any age

As we make our way through spring, most of us begin to shake off the moth balls and come out of hibernation. And although I did some long distance ski races this winter, I’m also getting that itch to be outside more. This includes my fitness. Despite the fact that I’ve been on the spin bike for 13 years and teaching spin for the last few of those, I do not own a road or mountain bike. I know, shame on me. To quote my mother, “Gosh, Cristy, I would have thought that would just be a tool of the trade!”

So this year, I decided to begin training outside on a “real” bike. I was lucky enough to borrow a road bike and borrow a mountain bike so I could begin training for some races while I saved my money for these expensive toys. I mean, come on, Code Red wouldn’t be Code Red without taking it to the racing level, right? (insert nervous laugh–have you SEEN some of these races???) It’s funny to be now 35 years old and beginning a whole new sport…again…and competing against people who, at my age, have already been doing this for 15 years.

But that doesn’t scare me and it shouldn’t scare you to take the same plunge. My sport since 2003 is boxing and I’ve loved every minute of it. So stepping out of my comfort zone (a.k.a. the ring) and training for a triathlon is quite a stretch for me. Believe me, the only thing I do right in the water is pee in it. So I have a long way to go. And the running? Oh my gosh, let’s talk about 10 minute miles here… I think the only way I’ll win a mountain bike race or triathlon is to beat up the other competitors.

Yeah, I’m trying to make you laugh and to show you that although I will train hard for these upcoming races, I try not to take anything too serious and keep things in perspective. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try a new sport. Get some help from the veterans and do your best. That’s what I’m doing!