The Hand You Are Dealt

THE MEANING OF  DETERMINATION:

FIRM OF PURPOSE or belief, strongly motivated to succeed, unwavering, steady, established.

Those are all words you might see that describe determined but it means different things to different people.  I have been teaching group exercise and training individuals for about 6 years now.  I have come across many different types of people, levels of fitness, and goals and workout styles. I guess that is what keeps it interesting and fun.  I have my own personal motivation, inspiration and determination. It has been the same few things for the most part.

 But recently I was lucky enough to meet and train Linda… now when I hear the words determined, inspired, or motivated I think of Linda! 

I met Linda In January of this year.  A vibrant woman, a daughter, a wife, a friend, and a mother of two daughters in college.   I had received a phone call from her husband explaining to me that two years ago Linda had a stroke.  (A stroke is when a “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.  When either of these things happen brain cells begin to die or brain damage occurs.)

 Although at times it’s tough for Linda to communicate it doesn’t hold her back.  In January I started to work with her.   Linda loved to go to the gym before her stroke and it was time to get her moving again, and that we did!  Her daughters gave us the challenge of setting up a goal. They wanted her to do a 5k walk/run (3.1miles) in the spring.   We took on the challenge and began our training.

Linda and I focused our training around that goal with brisk walks on the treadmill and even a few outside.  I included obstacle courses for her to go through and of course we did our push-ups and strength training.  There wasn’t a workout I put in front of Linda that she couldn’t complete!  She pushed through every exercise I gave her without ever giving up.   I did not hold back on Linda either, she gets the same rigorous treatment all my clients get; strength training, TRX training, bosu balance training even the battle ropes!  

May 31st approached quickly.  I was very excited to walk with Linda and her family.  Linda worked very hard to achieve this goal.  It was time to shine!!  It was a beautiful sunny breezy day; Linda’s daughters Kristina and Gina held the event in honor of their mom and the National Stroke Association.  There were lots of friends and family who gathered there on the Field of Rockland Lake that morning.  The walk began at 10:30. . HERE WE GO! Surrounded by Linda’s friends and family we began our journey..    I enjoyed hearing family stories and seeing my new friend, my inspiration, walking proudly with her husband and loved ones all around her.  Here is a woman who decided to take life on with every step she takes, there is no giving up for Linda, this remarkable woman is a testament to all of us that no matter what hand you are dealt you can always and should always do the best you can because the world is always a better place with YOU IN IT! 

YOU ARE STONGER THAN YOU THINK.