Rewind to yesterday. I was driving home from the gym after my workout and noticed a large gentlemen slowly making his way down the walking path next to the road. He wasn’t walking, he was doing his best to jog. He’s heavy, really heavy.
That little voice that gets me in trouble some times started whispering “pull over, pull over and tell him don’t quit!” but the rational side said “that man will think you’ve lost your mind” so I kept going. But I never stopped thinking about that guy. All day yesterday I thought about his red and black clothing and I remembered my first year in the gym. I wanted to cheer for him. I wanted to be his biggest fan yesterday.
This morning I was working out and I turned around and thought “OMG!! That is the dude that was running down the street!!”. He was there in the gym in the flesh.
I waited for him to finish his time on the elliptical and went over to him and asked if he was the guy going down the road and he said yes.
I know he thought I was pretty close to crazy because my eyes filled up with tears and I just looked at him and told him a little bit of my story and I said “just don’t quit, no matter who or what interferes with what you are doing here today or any other day, just don’t give up because if I can do it, you can”.
I left him to his workout and went on to finish mine. He’s probably never going to set foot in that gym in the early morning again thinking that crazy woman might be there. But I don’t think he’ll ever forget that.
You know I think back on the people who have encouraged me and it humbles me every time I do. People I have met either in the gym or online. Many of the online friendships developed in to real life friendships. Support groups, friends, mentors all in it to help one another along. One of my friends said to me “Each one, Reach one”. I know she will read this and I know she will know I’m talking about her.
Living fit daily can be challenging, but those challenges can be overcome. Every single day I get up with the intention of being more fit today than I was yesterday, mentally, physically or emotionally in some way. I’m not always perfect, but I am always consistent. Consistency wins the race. I’m living proof of that.
garagegym107 
I love that you approached this man. You have no idea how it may have affected him. Your words may resonate with him the next time he wants to stop. This is what you do. You inspire and have the DESIRE to see people succeed. You put yourself not in their path but along the path cheering them on. I love that.
Consistency and non complacency – the ability to adjust and continue forth towards progress – that is what we strive for. Love this blog.
Wishing I had a “like” button for comments!
” I’m not always perfect, but I am always consistent. Consistency wins the race. I’m living proof of that.” LOVE THAT!!!! So glad you approached that man too! Sometimes all it takes is for someone to notice or care, even a stranger. Great job, my friend! And… I love that we’re friends! You do more for me long distance than most who are physically around me. Have a great weekend!!!
I love your blog! So encouraging and honest! I hope you see the running guy when he meets his fitness goals. That would be awesome!