Once a month here at Beneath the Surface: Breath of Faith we share our real life journals as part of something called Random Journal Day. The Link goes live at 12 AM, the first Friday of each and every month. You can add your own post anytime over the next weekend – and I usually keep the link open all month. This month’s RJD Post features tips for keeping a Fitness Journal! I also will be inviting anyone who is participating in the 31 Days of Fitting in Fitness to feel free to link up a post. Stop by tomorrow for details!
So in keeping with the Fitness theme, I decided to go way back…to my OTHER life. The life when fitting in fitness was easy. You know pre-marriage, homemaking, family. Back when I trained people for a living- actual married people with families, and advised them on fitting in fitness. Ironies never cease!
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Simultaneously kept journals: The Personal and The Training Journal. |
I dragged out my stacks of three hole punch, spiral bound Training Journals, and decided to share from this particular journal because it reflects so much of what keeping a journal reveals that would otherwise be forgotten.
In 1999 I competed in a Power-lifting Competition. My last Competitive Bodybuilding Competition prior had been in 1992; which also, coincidentally, was the year I met my Savior.
1992 was a crossroads year for me in many ways, and if not for the rambling journal posts I made, many glorious details would be forgotten. I was busy with business, school and life when approached by a Weight lifting coach about competing in Power-lifting. I had NEVER entertained that possibility. The thought frightened me, as I heard stories about all kinds of disgusting injuries happening at those contests, as well as embarrassing malfunctions of bladders and bowels. No, I tell you this did not appeal to me at all. But, for reasons unknown to me at the time, I allowed myself to be persuaded into training and competition…despite the scary possibility of peeing or pooping myself in front of total strangers (close friends and family) while lifting some ridiculous amount of poundage I had no business lifting, anyway.
Anyway here are a few snippets from the journals- and in the end…I came away with so much more than a trophy. But that’s the way God is- journals, and journeys and joy for the journey.
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These are the pages from one of my 1992 journals: Dietary intake on left, Training details on right and the far right with my schedule of appointments or things to do. |
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My favorite lift is The Dead-lift, Hence this photo from a Power-lifting magazine which shows the exercise being performed. |
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These pages from the Training Journal were reserved for all of my supporters: training partners, friends, followers, and family. I love looking back at all of the sweet, funny and fresh comments. |
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Shown: a monthly way to look at overall training. I still recommend this to get the bigger perspective of exercise frequency and consistency in “real” time. |
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What I loved most about Power-lifting was how well it suited my ADHD perfectly. Low reps, higher weight, more rest and easier diet. A little much on the joints long term, in retrospect. |
Wow. And I'll say it backwards: wow. You are amazing. And God shines through you girl. Wow.
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AMAZING WOMAN! I am so impressed. So much hard work and tenacity! bravo!
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I love this! And what a treasure to have this story documented in journals and now here giving God all the glory! Go Dawn! Go God!
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I love this! And what a treasure to have this story documented in journals and now here giving God all the glory! Go Dawn! Go God!
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Great post.
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Sorry I missed this RJD this past weekend. I'll catch up later. I am on vacation, but making memories for future reflection. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your past…you always amaze me! I so appreciate you for being a fearless leader for us!!
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