*It has taken me almost a MONTH to hit post on this blog ~ While it might not seem like much to you referring to myself as an athlete is major to me*

Something totally amazing has happened.

Somewhere along the line of this crazy journey I became.. wait for it… AN ATHLETE!

Nobody is more shocked than I but when the realization hit I had to take some time and contemplate what it was I discovered about myself.

Really what is an athlete?

The trusty dictionary says: a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength. 

That makes sense.

But, my definition is a touch broader. In my minds eye an athlete is a person who can do stuff. Not always well, but when the crowd says “Let’s go play a game of (insert random sporty thing here)” an athlete can at the very least participate. Someone might be better at it, but an athlete can hold there own and find a way to do what needs to be done and enjoy doing it. Yes, I am an accomplished powerlifter but I still couldn’t wear the athlete title because it was all I could do. I still want excel in powerlifting but I have learned that I want to be able to do more, and for it not to be as difficult as it has been most of my life.

Here is some of the evidence that has lead me to believe that I am an athlete!

Over the last couple of weeks I have;

Worked on this yoga pose thanks to Shauna, it’s amazing where a good attitude and some encouragement can take you!  :

From the Highland Games. This is Lightweight for distance:

With a fairly quick turn around participated on the Q103.1 Triathlon Relay Team doing the swim leg. (Thanks to Caycee I actually managed to get in the water and train for it!)

And along with coaching for the Q103.1 Ladies Wakesurf Nights I will be wake surfing 135K from Vernon to Penticton to raise money for Kids Care, it should take just over 10 hours.

How is this finally happening? Lots of determination and choosing a great attitude on my part and also finding a place and a person that would push me beyond anything I thought I could do and yet at the same time making me feel safe doing it.  Andrew LoCurto at Aspire Health and Performance is leading the charge on not only how I appear physically but how I see myself and what I am capable of.

Turns out it’s a lot of fun. Not easy but immensely satisfying and without a doubt fun.

If you are ready to start the journey to being an athlete I applaud you.  First step make sure your attitude matches your goals, second find someone you trust to help you on your journey!

Good luck!