I like to think of September as a reset month.  With school back in session, life returns to a more structured state. As much as I love the carefree days of summer, I find comfort in routine. With routine comes rhythm and with rhythm, progress. Which is why September is a great month to refocus efforts on your New Year's Resolutions so you can end the year with victorious momentum.

 

My resolution for 2016 was to become more flexible - both in terms of a work-life balance and physically (I wanted to touch my toes again!). Years of running might be great for my cardiovascular system, but as I approached my mid-40's, my strength and flexibility felt like they were diminishing by the day. I was too young to feel so old.

 

I started to foam roll, stretch and do push-ups after every run. I was starting making some progress...until the third week of January when my get-up and go, got up and left. I'd be short on time, too cold or too hungry. There was always something else to be done. And frankly, my post-run routine felt a lot like work. Work I didn't feel like doing. So I let frustration get the best of me and gave up on my resolution.

 

Several months later, I watched with envy as a friend achieved big PR's in a half marathon and 5k and made running look so effortless. PR's she attributed to improving her strength, power and flexibility through CrossFit. I was intrigued. Maybe CrossFit could reinvigorate my quest for all-around fitness. Going to a "gym" and taking a group fitness class would be a shock for this independent runner, but maybe shock therapy is what I needed. 

 

I finally got the nerve to join Betsy for a class at CrossFit Hartford in July. I was so nervous that I didn't sleep the night before. Would I be able to make it through the workout? What if I was the oldest or the weakest person there? What if I was so bad that they asked me not to come back? What if no one liked me? After parking my car, I almost turned around to go for a run, but decided to put my big girl pants on and give it a try.

 

Walking through the front door, I could hear friendly banter and laughter and was relieved to see a variety of ages and abilities which helped to ease my butterflies. Betsy introduced me to the crew who all welcomed me warmly and enthusiastically. I loved how everyone encouraged each other all workout long and was united by the same goal of getting fit and finding a better version of ourselves. It was exactly like what we strive to create at Fleet Feet, especially through our training programs. I thought it was no coincidence that there was a banner with a Fleet Feet logo hanging on the wall. This was an extension of my tribe.

 

As you reset yourself this September, remember that it's not too late to make your New Year's Resolutions a reality. If completing a 5k or 10k is one of your goals, consider joining our Fall Training Programs which start on September 24. You will be greeted with smiles and find yourself surrounded by people who have the same fears and goals as you. You will also meet some of the friendliest, encouraging coaches who genuinely want to see you succeed.

 

I can promise you that it won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Just look at the faces of our most recent graduates as they neared the finish line of the Old Wethersfield 5k/10k in the photos above. These are people who thought that they would never run - let alone have fun doing it! This could be you...

 

As for me, I am proud to say that not only can I touch my toes easily now, but I have also created a better work-life balance by making it a priority to carve out a little more me-time so I can get my strong on.