The Forge

 The hammer shatters glass but forges steel.~ Russian Proverb

Armed with mental clarity and a newly formed focus I was ready to start. I devised a strategy and prepared for my first workout. I woke up at five in the morning. Eyes partially closed I stumbled to the bathroom in preparation of the day ahead. Curious to see where I was I stepped on the scale. I weighed 193 lbs.  I've weighed more than this before and lost the weight. This time it was different. Not only did I want to drop a few pounds, I wanted to get in shape. Being older and a bit wiser, I set realistic goals for myself. Not easy but realistic. I made my way downstairs and made my morning coffee. As I sat there drinking my cup of coffee I wondered if I was strong enough, if I had the stamina to finish, and how was I going to feel afterwards. But surprisingly enough not starting was never an option. 

I can recall watching a documentary on how samurai swords are made. They started by taking iron ore and carbon, smelting the steel in a blast furnace, painstakingly done as they had for centuries. From there they picked the best pieces of steel and took them to the sword smith. With the help of an apprentice the sword smith heated the steal in a forge. Making it into a rectangle that was folded repeatedly. With each blow of the hammer, it slowly began to take shape. When the sword was done, the hot steel was dipped in a tub of cold water forming its signature curved shape. From there the sword is taken to be polished and sharpened. Making a sword of this caliber requires knowledge, skill and dedication. The same can be said regarding fitness.  I was about to start something that would become a part of who I was as much as how I lived my life.

Needles to say I took the plunge. Several months have passed since that first day. I've lost 25 lbs. and I feel great. I'm stronger, more energetic and focused. I've created healthier eating habits combined with daily exercise to reach the first half of my goal. But everything comes at a price, at 44 years old, recovery takes longer. Old injuries resurface and new ones appear. Motivation becomes an obstacle and eventually you begin to plateau. But this is the forge. You keep the fire burning hot and keep hammering away. I chose this as a lifestyle not a pastime. My only competition is yesterday and my results are directly reflected in the work I put in. That is what keeps me motivated, being a better me.