Of Sea-Shores and Crashing Waves.

The other day,

I read a post on Instagram.

They had this question:

"What was the moment you decided to start on your fitness journey?"

I read it again,

And laughed.

Never.

Didn't start last year,

Haven't started this year,

So for now-

I am not on any 'fitness' journey.

Before those furrows on your forehead get any deeper,

Let me tell you my story.

I've had some good days.

May be I can now refer to them as my golden days,

When fitness was like winning an Oscar,

And I, my friend, had Oscars in every way you could think it possible.

Running:

Done that and surpassed what I thought my gold legs could do.

Cross-Fitness:

Done that, and surpassed my expectations, despite being in the worst state.

Swimming:

Nailed it and would do it over and over again.

I was top of my fitness game.

I was so content and pleased with myself,

I could have paid a person called Pat to give me a pat on my shoulder!

So what happened?

Well,

I forgot...

I forgot what I had seen.

That when you get past 25,

There is a certain weight that crouches,

Almost waiting to jump in and occupy all empty curves and crevices.

I forgot that weight gain is like a lover gone rogue.

Sure, they smile with you, give you a good time,

At least it feels like it,

Only to later realize it was all a lie,

All they ever wanted was your pound of flesh.

All those sweet treats and savoury delights;

Those tall milkshakes or cheesy snacks,

They were all a fib!

All a way to get into my body,

Inwardly implode and outwardly explode to my destruction.

Worst bit is,

I don't think I even noticed when I imploded,

Or exploded in size.

I didn't feel myself lose a fitness Oscar, or another,

That was until some hard realities hit me.

Like when my clothes became a bit to clingy,

And they know I'm not the clingy type.

I suddenly understood what people meant when they said,

"I've put on weight and I feel physically uncomfortable."

I came to realize it as a truth,

Not just a passing statement.

Who knew sleeping could become uncomfortable!

Best recollection yet was when I went up Mt. Longonot.

As we approached the location by bus,

I felt doomed and damned in every way.

The pathway was winding and high,

The people at the top looked like dots!

How was unfit me getting to the top?

It felt like the mountain was laughing at me.

I remember people running about-warming up! Ha!

I was conserving my energy-didn't have much of it to waste.

Plus I gave my word to do the climb,

There was no backing out!

I'm a person of my word and my former glory days wouldn't allow it.

Hardly had we started the climb,

Did I start having serious doubts as to whether I'd make it.

Each step up the ascent was like trying to rev an old engine:

Almost impossible-unless well maintained.

It felt like my systems were shutting down.

Even the stick I had for support became somewhat an impediment,

Extra baggage like the extra weight on my body.

I regretted letting myself go,

And also why I dared such a feat,

When I was so horribly unfit!

I won't lie that I didn't consider quitting;

But thankfully Jesus saw me through,

As well, my pride, will and determination wouldn't let me quit,

Nor did a handful friends, one of whom I remain indebted to,

God bless you indeed!

With these, we emerged victorious.

What a high that was!

A glimmer of yester days...

A forecasting of what fitness could potentially enable me to do...

In future...

For now, I ticked off climbing Mt. Longonot:

It is done and dusted!

Memo to myself:

Longonot and hiking is not to be attempted again while still in this state of unfitness!

After all these highs and lows,

I am well aware of my reality.

Check it.

I am unfit!

But I don't need no Fit-Bit.

Cause I dance to a Fit Beat ;-)

Why haven't I started my 2018 fitness journey?

Let's face it.

Truth is I'm already unfit and,

I've become a bit pudgy.

Since the pudge isn't going to just go away,

I might as well enjoy life a little...in moderation;

Ride the wave till it crashes on the sea shore.

Then when I'm ready... mostly decided,

To be done with this stage of my life,

I'll take the dive,

Catch a new wave.

Don't worry, it won't be too long.

I will get started sooner rather than later...

Besides,

I can already see the sea shore.

A clear indication that:

This wave I'm on is about to crash.