It is no secret that in the past few years I have not just aged in years, but also physically. In our city life we had access to a variety of affordable fitness centres, recreation spots and hours of on site child care.
My thirties were about fighting the baby weight, and regaining my fitness levels. It was a social activity that we “at home moms” did to fill the days, and fight the flab.
I ran, hiked, waterskied and hauled rocks. I was “active”, “fit” and I never questioned my ability to participate in an activity. I never considered that my body wouldn’t be able to accomplish something.
Now, 40, and living on a farm, things have gotten harder. The ability to “get into shape” isn’t as easy as it was before, and there are more aches, pains and weaknesses than I know what to do with.
Work fills my days, and chores my afternoons, with little time to hit the gym like before, and no ultimate “goal” ahead of me to work for. I would now question participating in an activity, with concern that it would push me too far. I need help doing things I used to be able to do with no second thought.
My husband has noticed that I am not as reliable physically as I used to be, and that my strength hs decreased rapidly in the last 3 years.
And none of that is ok.
I don’t want to feel old, or tired. I don’t want “weak spots” or issues with my body. None of the things that are aching on me have anything to do with overuse, or illness. They are all directly related to LACK OF USE.
So, its time for a challenge, and a goal.
My girls and I have signed up to participate in Mudderella, in Whistler, BC, an adventure obstacle race for women on September 26th, 2015.
This is the first all day challenge event (omg) created FOR women, BY women, and I want to push my 40 (+) year old body through the mud and to the finish line.
So, with a goal in mind, I am dragging my tired feet out on the trails, running, planking and pushing upping, attempting to remind my middle aged muscles of how they were in their youth. Using this as a catalyst to change the direction of what is happening to my body, before it is too late.
I’m not letting my lack of formal fitness centres hold me back and I am embracing what I have around me and using our farm as the perfect opportunity to lift, haul and sweat.
Of course, I am NOT doing bicep curls with the chickens, although I am hauling 40lb bags of feed around as needed. But I am serious about getting fit for Mudderella, and DO believe in my 3 rules of easy health and fitness.
If you want some serious tips, check out the Mudderella weekly workout schedule so you can get prepared to join us at the end of September (or attend one of the other 9 USA locations, or Toronto Canada event on July 11th)
But, health, fitness and MUD aside, I think the most important part of these events in the community they create. The chance to escape for the day (or weekend) with our girl friends, challenge ourselves and feel the pride of success. Being 40 doesn’t mean picking up knitting and resigning oneself to light weight activities… it means channelling our passions, through support and encouragement, and laughing at ourselves while we do it.
It is NEVER too late to find our fit, and there is always a way to get it done, so consider joining me this fall at Mudderella, or signing up to one of the other events with a gaggle of YOUR girlfriends!
Follow our teams journey under the hashtag #Mudderella2015 and visit the Mudderella website for ALL the info you need on the upcoming race events!
If you need a goal to work towards, or just want to get muddy with some girlfriends, this is your chance. Share with me your fun fitness workouts, and lets do this together!
“I participated in an Influencer Campaign on behalf of Influence Central for Mudderella. I received complimentary admission to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”