photos by ellidaphoto
When you meet me, I don't you'd expect me to be a boxer. Maybe a corporate manager, or an adult daughter of an aging parent. Or a Democrat. A bird watcher. But I doubt "boxer" wouldn't be on that list.
That's why I want to tell you about it.
At 49, I'm in the best shape of my life. I can do twenty five burpees, then do another set. I'm strong. I have the stamina for a 90 minute training class, then training rounds with my coach. I love these tough workouts, and I've come a long way in the last ten years or so.
But physical strength is such a small part of this experience. I hear myself now tell people, "I feel the most like myself when I'm at my gym." By myself, I mean that I feel like I'm where I really belong--doing something I'm good at and hope I can help other people do, too. I'm surrounded by people I "get"--for the most part. I feel like I belong in a way I've never felt anywhere else.
There are a lot of blogs and books and other resources for fitness, food, and finding yourself, so you don't need me for that. What I hope I can show you is how much boxing is like life--not just for me, but for all of us. You may not be a boxer, but I think you're a fighter.
I hope these stories mean something to you.