Phitness : I had no idea I was competitive

Throughout my childhood I was involved in sports. In fact, in junior high, I found myself involved in:

Judo (Competitive)
Swimming (Competitive)
Gymnastics
Tennis
Ballet

Yeah, I would get out of swimming practice and have to rush over to gymnastics. It was nuts! During a major Judo tournament, I got thrown on my head by another competitor and my collar bone snapped. During my down time for recovery I became extremely lazy and continued to eat like I still had a sport du jour to occupy my time. But alas, I did not. Eventually when I was healed...I didn't feel the same. I had become very depressed and negative. I began to shield myself from most everything and I just gave up on every single sport...even the ones I loved the most.

Fast forward to graduating from high school, I'm 45 pounds heavier than when I first joined swim team...and I'm just a miserable, unhappy kid. My mom and I decided to join Weight Watchers together and she even offers to pay for a Curves membership!

Man, when you're starting out, what a great combo! I was starting to feel good, but I still had no real direction. Eventually all of that fell to the side and I lost complete interest. I did the whole yo-yo thing back and forth for a while. When I finally moved out to college to focus on business (something that finally reignited my fire for life) I started to take my own life in my own hands. I made choices that were good for me and would hopefully in the long run make me feel better about myself. I would occasionally work out...I thought I had this thing under control.

I was busy, I would continue to yo-yo, but I was definitely on the right decision making path, so I became complacent. Eventually some friends talked me in to joining 24 Hour Fitness. That was fun, especially when I could go to the gym with those friends and beat them at their own game. At the time, my competitiveness was not something I even considered...I didn't even know it existed. I just thought it was fun when I could look over at a friend...or a complete strangers treadmill and see that not only had I been on there longer, but I'd gone faster, harder, and further. Success. Still, I had no idea I was competitive.

When we moved to LA and I started my job, my amazing supervisor (and now amazing friend), Tabitha pointed out to me that "Um, HELLO, you're competitive"..."No way! I don't care if I lose"

I'm sure she thought I was nuts. How could I not know I was competitive? I turned everything into a competition. I let her words sink in a little, and I still thought she was nuts. So a little while went by before I brought up her comments to the dude. "Dude, you're going to think this is hilarious, Tabitha thinks I'm competitive! She's so crazy!"

.......

Dude: "Um, you are the most competitive person I know"

Whaaaaaaat?

So, I don't know if you know me, but my name is Amelia...and I'm competitive. I've analyzed myself and yeah...I'm pretty much competitive 24 hours a day. I compete against people that don't know I'm competing against them.

This all brings me to the heart of my Phitness. I had to find something...anything that would keep me interested and competing. Maybe Weight Watchers would have worked for me if I had to weigh in in front of the whole world...but it was so private, I didn't care too much about beating myself.

Tabitha and I started creating Susan G Komen, Race for the Cure teams...and well, that's where I broke the competitive seal. I love running in races! I can compete against anyone...even though I know I'm not going to win...I still compete to beat my old times and people who are in much better shape than I. When I can overtake them I feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I don't have a runners body, but I have a runners attitude and so far it's taken me through 4 half marathons. I see a long relationship with running in races, especially now that I've embraced my inner competitor.

I stay in shape to beat the next unknowing suspect. I stay in shape to enjoy my jeans (yeah, I'm vain). I stay in shape so my doctor tells me "Holy cow, your heart rate is low"...yeah, I compete for low heart rates. I'm not doing this for my dress...I'm doing it for domination.

Here's a couple shots at me at some races this last year:

My lil' bro Chris and his wife Jess at our first 1/2, Shamrockin' Half Marathon


Right at the end of the Salinas Valley Half Marathon


After the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay
(note: just 5 weeks post surgery, what what!)

I participated in a couple other races last year, but don't have any photographic evidence.

This year I'm only going to participate in two races, since they aren't free and little things for the wedding are a tad bit more important this year. I am, however, trying to plan out my races for next year, and am contemplating increasing my race comfort zone to a full marathon. What a dream!

So, what keeps you going on your weight loss journey? Have you found it yet, or are you still searching?