As we strive to better ourselves, our overall fitness level and ultimately our health, it becomes very apparent that the road to fitness is often long, winding and sometimes treacherous. How many of us have suffered from twisted ankles, strained ligaments or even shoulder injuries all in the name of a great (or not so great) workout? So, as I write from personal experience, it’s fairly easy to say that the road to fitness (for me) has been paved in sweat, courage and tears…yes, definitely tears.

I’ve bonked on bike rides, tripped on trail runs, smacked my jaw while snow skiing and popped out a shoulder while surfing. I’ll admit, I cried during all of those incidents. However, while I have toiled on fitnesses’ throughway, it has also brought me tears of joy and love and success. It was on my first century ride (mile 104 of 109) that I cried as I realized my dream of cycling 100 miles in a day was soon to be accomplished. That the sore muscles, backaches and bonking on training rides were really an inspiration that hurtled me towards the finish.

From the way I describe the injuries, one might think that I’m a serious athlete (or incredibly clumsy). Truth is, I’m both. While we haven’t all competed in the Olympic Games, we’re still athletes the same. With confidence I say, that I’ve trained and sweat and pushed myself to my own outer limits. Without question, my road to fitness has been hard. But never give up. Have the courage to stay on the road, even if a detour takes you now and again. When life flattens a tire (and it will), pull out the spare, add a bit of fuel and keep on going.