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Note from Stacey: Every Thursday we’re thrilled to offer Laura’s Mileposts in the Distance column.
And so, we came home from the sunny warmth of Florida to winter in North Carolina. Not that I’m complaining, far from it. For me, it was past time to wrap up in sweaters and scarves and drink tea. It was time for a steady diet of soups and stews and warming from within.
I’m not sure if having a goal like a half marathon so early in the year counts as an accomplishment for 2013 or the last of the 2012 to-do list, but I do know that it left a small hole in the fabric of what to do next. I was going to write about lying low for a little while, letting the next milestone of the journey find its way toward me.
But in the way of the way things go in my life I found inspiration in physical movement. At my regular workout with Becca I was doing forward jump squats with a weighted physio ball. When I landed I had to put the ball down, keep my hands on the ball, jump out, do a push-up and jump back in. Ok, to be fair I walked my feet out and walked them back in, in deference to knee pain.
Becca watched my form, gave notes and then idly said, “Wouldn’t it be great if you got your chest all the way down to the ball and then pushed up?” Now, I was pretty pleased with how far down my push-up was, but I’ll admit I could go further. And our girl knows me pretty well, I’m a sucker for a dare.
I immediately did a lower push-up with lousy form, a few muttered words about “hate” and “this.” Then I did it again. And there it was, small and neat and in front of me: I’ll spend these cold days perfecting a push-up. It’s extremely personal to me, but it’s there.
I’m so glad the wait is over.
Laura Reeth lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with the man of her dreams. With kids off at college, she no longer plays the role of active, day-to-day parent, and has moved into the complex understanding-parent-of-nearly-adult-children role. The main difference is she gets more sleep now.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You Go Girlfriend! I love this goal!
Colleen,
Thank you! I’m aiming to have some arms to show off come spring!
Laura
I’ve always wanted to master push ups. Very inspiring, Laura. Small goals are the stepping stones. It’s the best way to success for the larger ones, but I always want to get there now, which is my challenge. Thanks for another great blog.
Deb,
I was so proud when I started doing push ups on my toes, only to realize that the next step was to go deeper into the movement. And when I take that realization and apply it to goals in general, I come out stronger on so many levels.
Laura
Back in the day when I was in the Army there was a well-endowed young woman in my company. She had to dig a small trench for her boobs in order to do a correct push up! I was never so grateful in my life for my itty bitty titties.
Kim,
Some days I feel like my breasts just get in the way. Then I strap them in and move on. Thanks for posting!
Laura
It’s always the “little” things that seem to become insurmountable things to me. I can barley bend my elbows for a push-up these days. I have to gently remind myself that six months ago I couldn’t tolerate my own “weight” in the push-up position. Progress is motivating!
Yea for spending the time, energy and focusing on the details of perfecting your push-up. One small push-up…one GIANT leap for Laura’s confidence! Wahoo!!