Let’s go back in time, shall we?! This Fall will mark twenty years since I started my collegiate softball career at Defiance College. When I walked on to that campus as a freshman, I knew I had to work my tail off to prove that I could not only be a contributing member of that team, but to lead that team to becoming the BEST team! You see, I had that champion mindset through and through! I knew that this little girl from good ole’ Darke County was there to make a difference in the softball team, and that by the time I ended my career, we were going to be CHAMPIONS!
So, do you wanna know how it ended?! I would hope so since you’re still reading this!
Well, let’s see…that little Darke County girl became the starting first baseman by the end of her freshman year, continued to excel and begin to mold the infield (which would soon play a crucial role in the coming years) her sophomore year, had an outstanding junior year, earning Regional NCAA tourney recognition (yep, you read that right…a bid to the NCAA regional tournament, which meant CHAMPIONS of our conference), and finally it ended with back to back conference championships and All-Region recognition my senior year (all because of that strong infield that was built back in the day).
So yea, I came and I conquered with that CHAMPION mindset, and man, did it feel good to accomplish that! That softball team became my family, and when I graduated, a piece of me kind of faded away. Sure, did we stay in touch with one another…of course! Did we go back and visit campus and play in Alumni games….you bet ya! However, that CHAMPION mindset…it was gone. I had accomplished what I set out to do, and since it was over, well, off to retirement I went.
I know, this is a long intro to finally get to what the entire blog post is centered around, but the point is, that fitness & wellness was a part of me that was attached to that time period. I was in the best shape of my life when I was playing softball…increased endurance, crazy arm and leg strength, and abs of steel (yep, had that six pack going). Twenty years later, I decided it was finally time to get back to that CHAMPION mindset and accomplish what I know I’m capable of!
We all know that CHAMPIONS have such a clear mindset, that nothing can stop them…they make NO EXCUSES! Because I was in “retirement” and not thinking like a CHAMPION, I was making every excuse possible! From “I need a break!” to “Why does it matter, I’m not an athlete anymore.” Now, what some of you might not know, is that I was a double major at Defiance…one being in Wellness (I’m covering my face as I write this, because it’s that embarrassing!) So, for years, I did nothing. Every once in awhile, I would go work out on the elliptical, and for awhile, I took up cardio drumming. However, my diet, my water intake, my supplements, and my exercise were never on point together. That is what 2021 is all about for me! Taking back my CHAMPION mindset, making no excuses, and conquering my health and fitness!
I didn’t get to this point on my own. I decided that it was a must for our entire family, so that of course is motivation alone. However, the key to jump starting my fitness routine has been watching those who have inspired me. Others, who have terminal neurological disorders, still getting up and making no excuses each and every day! I realized that if they can do it, when their bodies are struggling to keep up with everyday tasks, then why the heck am I making excuses when I have a very healthy body! I realized that I was sabotaging my own body, and we only get one of them during our time on this Earth, so I wasn’t going to waste it!
So, I got to work and have been working hard over the past month to get back to that college athlete I once was, and perhaps even become stronger and healthier than I ever have before! I am taking my daily vitamin regimen, drinking lots of water, consuming a low-carb diet (with cheat meals…b/c I’m trying to be realistic here people), and exercising/moving 5-6 days a week, and guest what…I feel GREAT!
So, over the coming weeks/months, I’m going to be sharing more about my habits, from my supplements to my diet plan to my workouts, and I hope that I can serve as a resource and an inspiration to many of you!
BONUS: I’m working on a few great projects too (that represent team and accountability), so be sure to stay tuned!!!
Now, if you’ve made it to this final paragraph…why, first off, thank you for your support, and secondly, I’ll leave you with a final piece of advice “Don’t forget to move today!”.