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Facing a Fitness Fear

By Courtney 62 Comments

Sometimes I feel a little bit like the odd ball amongst my fellow “healthy living” bloggers. On any given day, I’ll most likely come across at least three blogs (that’s low balling it, mind you) that are talking about a race. Whether they just ran one, just signed up for one, or are training for one, running races seems to be the “norm.”

Well, not for me.

I can count on one hand how many races I’ve run. Actually…scratch that. I can count it on two fingers. I ran my first 5K race back before I even started blogging with a group of my girlfriends. My second race was a 10K back in 2011 with a group of local bloggers.

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(Honest truth: That was the one and only time I have ever ran the distance of a 10K.)

While both of those races were fun, I guess you could say I’ve always been a little intimidated by races. When it comes to running, I prefer treadmills. I can set my pace easier, I can breathe easier, I can stop when I want to, I don’t have to see people flying by me, AND I can even watch tv. I know. At least 95% of you probably think I’m crazy, right?

So a couple months ago, I got an email at work saying that my company was going to be taking part in the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge, a local a 3.5 mile road race.

My company participated last year as well but, considering I was about 6 months pregnant (and not a running preggo) I was easily able to turn it down. This year, however, I had no excuse when the coordinator asked me if I’d be participating (I told him last year to “come back next year!”…and he remembered).

I got talking with one of my girlfriends at work, and we were both saying how we wanted to sign up, buuuuut then again, we kinda didn’t. For me, that slight fear of failure kept creeping up on me, and it would have just been so easy to say, “Nope, I’m busy that day!” Ultimately though, we decided to be each other’s motivator and we both signed up.

So now, I’ve got a race on my calendar in just nine days from today. Yep, nine.

I’m facing my fear head on, which actually coincided perfectly with a challenge that I was given this month from Propel.

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I’m really pumped to be working with Propel for the next few months on their Add Flavor Challenge, where they will be challenging me and a few other bloggers to “add flavor” to our lives with new fitness challenges.

propel

I’m not exactly sure how prepared I’ll be for this race, considering the last time I truly ran any sort of distance outside was probably two years ago(?!?). It’s certainly making me a bit more nervous but, nonetheless, I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge. And hey, if I can’t run the whole thing, so be it. The fact that I’m even getting out there is big enough for me!

So now that I’m going forward and facing one of my fitness fears, I want to challenge all of YOU to face one of yours! Whether you’re afraid of heights or lifting heavy weights, think of a fitness fear you face in your exercise life and challenge yourself to overcome it this month.

face a fitness fear

What do ya think? What are YOU gonna do this month?! 

Disclaimer: This post is part of my partnership with Propel. All opinions, as always, are my own.

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May 6, 2014 Filed Under: Propel, Races, Running Tagged With: CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge, facing a fitness fear, prefer running on treadmill, Propel Add Flavor Challenge, Propel water, running races

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Comments

  1. Runner Girl Eats says

    May 6, 2014 at 6:07 am

    My fitness fear is a marathon. I am trying to work up the courage to sign up for one this fall/winter! You will do great on your run! I think signing up with a friend is a great motivator.

    Reply
    • megan @ that running girl says

      May 6, 2014 at 9:15 am

      I’m with ya! I can’t seem to get past the half marathon (and honestly, I haven’t run one of those in 2 years). I know I’ll be so happy when I do run a full, but the thought of it just makes me so nervous now!

      Reply
  2. Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes says

    May 6, 2014 at 6:14 am

    Good for you for signing up! I’m running my first 5K in June and I’m nervous too. At this point, I’d say my fitness fear is probably a marathon since I can’t imagine running that distance. It’s one of my goals though.

    Reply
  3. Jen says

    May 6, 2014 at 6:20 am

    Hurray Courtney! Maybe I’ll see you there! :)

    Reply
  4. Miss Polkadot says

    May 6, 2014 at 6:24 am

    You CAN do this! Just try not to focus on pace, comparing your endurance to others or what anybody else is thinking. You’re doing this for yourself – and the fun with your colleagues! Maybe there are some of them who are afraid, too, and would be happy to know they’re not alone.

    Reply
  5. Sarah @ Sarah Sincerely says

    May 6, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Way to go for signing up! I’m with you though, racing, and even running daily, just aren’t my thing. I’m sure you’ll do fine though – it’ll at least be fun!

    A fitness fear I need to face is taking things down a notch and spending some time doing pilates and yoga. I tend to “fear” NOT having a more intense workout. But, my body needs those gently workouts too!

    Reply
  6. Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says

    May 6, 2014 at 6:41 am

    That’s awesome–good luck!

    Reply
  7. Lauren says

    May 6, 2014 at 6:55 am

    Wohoo! Awesome gril! You may just get hit by the race bug after this. :)

    Reply
  8. Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says

    May 6, 2014 at 7:11 am

    Good luck! Races always make me nervous, but when they are over I just want to do them again!

    Reply
  9. Heather @fitncookies says

    May 6, 2014 at 7:11 am

    You’ll do great! Wasn’t too long ago you ran 4 miles on the treadmill :) You got this! And who cares if you walk- still doing more than people at home :) I am challenging myself to add more lifting and less running to my schedule! My body could use it!

    Reply
  10. Kelly @ Femme Fitale says

    May 6, 2014 at 7:13 am

    You’ll do great! I always feel the same about races…but the thing is that no one actually cares how anyone else is doing besides themselves! Just have fun with it and choose a pace that works for you. I always feel such a sense of accomplishment whenever I finish a race, even if it’s just 5k! Enjoy :)

    Reply
  11. Brynn says

    May 6, 2014 at 7:29 am

    My fitness fear has always been weights. I decided to make 2014 the year I changed that and started a light lifting routine. Sure, weights still kind if scare me, but now I see they’re not so bad. And sometimes I actually look forward to my weight/toning time. I’m glad I faced my fear!

    Reply
  12. Britt@MyOwnBalance says

    May 6, 2014 at 7:33 am

    Don’t feel bad! I’m not much of a racer either and it is very popular in the fitness blog world. But that is amazing you are facing your fear and doing the race. You’ll do great!

    My fear is CrossFit. Still haven’t tried it yet….

    Reply
  13. Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says

    May 6, 2014 at 8:07 am

    Way to go, Courtney! I’m sure you’ll do great and, most importantly, have a blast!

    Reply
  14. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    May 6, 2014 at 8:16 am

    Good for you for signing up! I’ve only ever ran one race (a 10k 3 years ago) but one of these days I want to do a half marathon…maybe this fall?

    Reply
  15. Caroline says

    May 6, 2014 at 8:30 am

    I am totally with you on preferring to run on a treadmill! I’ve done a handful of 5k races but I really want to challenge myself to run a 10k this summer. I’ve never run that far before!

    Reply
  16. Shel@PeachyPalate says

    May 6, 2014 at 8:46 am

    You’ll do awesome! The main thing is not to stop! No matter how slow you go you’re lapping everyone on the couch…just take it at your own pace!

    Reply
  17. Kelsey says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:13 am

    I love how honest and real you are! I’m not a blogger but I’ll admit, I do feel intimidated/inferior sometimes reading about bloggers who regularly run long races and even marathons. Good for you for overcoming your fear and getting out there!

    Reply
  18. megan @ that running girl says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:14 am

    This is why I love the blogging community! I am right there with ya. I’ve been running for over 14 years and still get so nervous running a 5k even. I’ve run a couple half marathons, but never a full. I think we just psych ourselves out too much when, in reality, nobody cares how you do except YOU! Good luck with your race and remember, it’s not that different from the treadmill, you can stop anytime you want. :)

    Reply
  19. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Congrats on signing up! Remember it isn’t about how fast or how slow we go, it’s about getting out there and doing your best. You can run/walk it, walk it, or run it, do whatever FEELS GOOD to you and your body in that moment. :)

    Reply
  20. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:19 am

    Good for you for signing up! I think that’s great and you’ll totally do awesome! I’ve only done a few 5ks runs. One of these days my goal is to do a 10k!

    Reply
  21. Koryn Shuler says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:46 am

    Another blogger here with a fitness fear of marathons, lol. My husband has done 2 and he was selected for the Chicago marathon this year (!!) so he’s a huge motivator. BUT I’ve only done one race – a 5k – before I got pregnant last year. However, I signed up for a 10k this year… I’m a little nervous but excited, as well. My ultimate goal is to run the Paris Marathon in 2017. Pending planning/training goes well in the next few years, we shall see. Yikes!! :-p Kudos to you for signing up! I’m positive you’ll do great!!

    Reply
  22. Amanda @A Latte Learn says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:47 am

    Kudos to you facing your fears! I’m easily intimidated by doing any strength training circuits in the gym for fear of using the weights or equipment incorrectly. Silly, I know!

    Reply
  23. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:51 am

    I haven’t done many races either (especially compared to all the HLB’s out there!). The half marathon intimidated me FOREVER which is probably one of the reasons I kept putting it off for so long. I’ve been realizing that the race atmosphere is actually a lot more encouraging and motivating than scary and nerve-wracking. The running community is pretty awesome. I can’t afford nor do I have time to do race after race, but I’m glad I was able to experience it a couple times. I’m glad you’re doing this race! I’m sure you’ll have a blast!

    Reply
  24. Jenny says

    May 6, 2014 at 9:58 am

    Good for you girl!! I’m sure you’ll do great!! Finishing is winning! That’s what I always say. :)

    Reply
  25. Jessica says

    May 6, 2014 at 10:02 am

    Right now my biggest fitness fear is getting back into running after baby. My son, Logan is now 8 weeks old and I ran my last half marathon at 6 weeks preggo and I stopped running all together last September. I have done some running and one 5K and I am doing 2 more 5K’s this month and I am on a marathon relay team where I will run 6.7 miles. So my biggest fear is not getting the miles in before the race.

    Reply
  26. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    May 6, 2014 at 10:05 am

    i’m going to start working out again! more than just walking!

    Reply
  27. Ali says

    May 6, 2014 at 10:17 am

    Running races is a funny thing – I have run 4 marathons and countless other races and I used to absolutely love it. It was my thing. Then I went back to school, got pregnant and had stopped running consistently for a couple years and I’m right with you on that. I’m scared to run races now. I have no idea why really, but I feel intimidated by the whole idea. My husband signed me up for a 5k to get me going again and it’s in about 9 days too! EEEK. They are really fun once you get into them.

    Reply
  28. Jenn@Mark My Miles! says

    May 6, 2014 at 10:59 am

    I love how different us bloggers can really be (even if it doesn’t seem that way sometimes). What scares one of us, makes the other one feel right at home!
    Group fitness classes are SCARY for me…now I have to actually check the schedule at my gym and go to one! thanks for the challenge : )

    Reply
  29. Shawna says

    May 6, 2014 at 11:03 am

    good luck with the race, and i’m excited for you that you faced the fear and signed up for one (especially one that’s so close to now!). i always just remind myself that running is a privilege and a gift and that i’m blessed to be able to use my body in this way, and to enjoy it and not worry about the clock time too much, as long as i’m having a good time doing it. my fitness fear…oddly enough, yoga class. i can run 15 miles without a worry or second thought but have a strange fear of walking into a class of fit little yogis and having no idea what to do besides roll out a mat.

    Reply
  30. Nancy A. says

    May 6, 2014 at 11:18 am

    You look great and eat well! You will do fine and good luck!

    Reply
  31. Haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says

    May 6, 2014 at 11:22 am

    I’ve only ran one race and I think I am a tredmill runner as well. I was so nervous before it that I was already exhausted before it began. And it was a 5K! A 5K! I had a great time, but I think I’m going to stick to my own pace on the tredmill as well.

    Reply
  32. Polly @ Tasty Food Project says

    May 6, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Good luck with your race! I’ve only done a few races too, but my goal is to do more in the future. I always get nervous before every race but I love the feeling of accomplishment afterwards. It’s also fun to be surrounded by other people that cheer you on no matter what your speed or fitness level is!

    Reply
  33. Hilary says

    May 6, 2014 at 11:48 am

    That is so great you are facing your fear! I haven’t done too many races either but I think we all have our things! I have been afraid to try out crossfit, I guess I don’t want to look stupid or ridiculously weak! But I guess we all start somewhere right!

    Reply
  34. Marielle says

    May 6, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    Good job on your first race! I was actually intimidated to start a fitness blog because there were some things I haven’t tried before. I’ve been afraid to start a Bikrum yoga class, I’ve done yoga a little bit, but def. not an expert!

    Reply
  35. Megan says

    May 6, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    I bet you’ll do great!
    I’ve never been an awesome runner… But treadmill running is my favorite, I love it and feel way more motivated knowing I can track/control my speed and distance!

    Reply
  36. Court says

    May 6, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    My fear is trying new classes at the gym where I work. I feel like I should be able to not trip and fall over my own feet as an employee, but truth be told, I’m likely to do so!

    As for the WFC, I’ll be there too! (Walking it, damn flu knocked me down and I haven’t been able to build any sort of running endurance back. Keep in mind that it takes a lot longer than you think it will because 12K people take awhile to get going and the first third is up hill!

    Reply
  37. Brittany @ read,run, repeat says

    May 6, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    I’m so excited that you’re doing the workforce challenge! Maybe I’ll see you there :) this was the race that really got me back into running and racing again 3 years ago :) it is a ton of fun and there are TONS of people — runners, walkers and half and half …. So no need to be worried :) you’re going to have a blast!!

    Reply
  38. Kellie says

    May 6, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    I don’t comment all too often since I don’t have a blog of my own & I always think its creepy you cant see who is commenting! Anyways, so proud of you! I too am very intimidated by a 5K. I hate running & when I run on the treadmill, I can only go about 10-15 minutes of straight running (well jogging) then I get horrible cramps. But, I’m signed up to take a crossfit class for the first time. I hope I don’t pass out! But that is why I love your blog. You are a healthy LIVING blog. Doesn’t mean you necessarily have to eat this, exercise this much, drink that every day. Very real & go with the flow! Good luck on the race!

    Reply
    • ellie @ fit for the soul says

      May 6, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      Yes, very much agreed, Kellie!! :D And omgness sooo exciting that you’re getting into crossfit! I’m not practicing it but always love to see the craziness of it, since I do love strength training and home workouts, anyway.

      Reply
  39. ellie @ fit for the soul says

    May 6, 2014 at 2:29 pm

    I totally get where you’re coming from, Courtney! Although I love to run and used to be in HS Xcountry, I’m nowhere near that right now. I do want to race someday and it seems like a really fun idea, but I’m not entirely enthused by it–not enough to start training anytime soon, at least! But we never know, right? :) It is intimidating to think about it now, and I actually have no idea how much training one has to do for an actual marathon. I think it’s probably different for every individual, though. But I’m curious to see where this takes you and how you feel through it all!

    Reply
  40. ellie @ fit for the soul says

    May 6, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Ohhhh! And zumba…that’s soo intimidating to me! Anything with dancing is, so it’s one of those things that I’m like, “nahhhhh I’ll NEVER EVER do that”. lol

    Reply
  41. Nancy says

    May 6, 2014 at 3:45 pm

    I ran 2 OR 3 races, I forget because I hated them that much. I didn’t hate them because they were hard, I hated it because I was beating myself up over not being “fast enough” and ugh, running full tilt for a 5k is just painful lol. I can barely breathe. So that’s why I stick to the treadmill!!

    Reply
  42. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says

    May 6, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    My fitness fear is crossfit. I have been really scared to try it and while we don’t have anywhere here to go when we move I want to try it once just to say that I did it and accomplished it!

    Reply
  43. Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says

    May 6, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    Courtney, I TOTALLY needed to see this post right now! I have been on the fence for months now about running a 5K race this weekend. I’m exactly like you – I prefer to run inside on a treadmill (and thought I was a weirdo for it! ;), and have only ever run one race before this one – the same 5K last year.
    I love your positivity. Thank you for inspiring me to stop doubting myself and caring about anything except the actual experience! Now if only I didn’t have to worry about springtime allergies… ;)
    Good luck to you, and thanks for yet another great post!

    Reply
  44. Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers says

    May 6, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    I hope you have fun with the race. That’s the most important part! My biggest fitness fear are most classes. I feel fit enough, but I’m not coordinated enough – especially for step aerobics or anything with choreography!

    Reply
  45. Katy says

    May 6, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    My fitness fear is kind of stupid- I have a fear of fitness classes. I have owned a gym membership since 2009 and I have still never actually taken a class at the gym. I am too nervous that I won’t be able to keep up or do the exercises correctly. I am NOT someone who likes attention on them and I embarrass very easily.

    Reply
  46. Tara Mitchell says

    May 7, 2014 at 12:15 am

    Go for it girl! You got this for sure!! It would be run to do a run with co workers. I wish that my work would do the same! This month, I am laying low on the running since I’ve been battling an injury…..but I’m still thinking about doing a trail run in the next few weeks.

    Reply
  47. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    May 7, 2014 at 5:29 am

    Good luck Courtney!! You are going to do amazing :) A fitness fear for me? You know…I think it may be the opposite of other people. I think a fitness fear is letting myself rest enough (I know…not a good thing!) but I love the go, go, go adrenaline rush and I often pass up a rest or say yes to a fun, new workout even though I have already completed a workout for the day…definitely something I seriously need to work on!!

    Reply
  48. Eryn @ BlondMindedBrunette says

    May 7, 2014 at 6:23 pm

    I was never a runner (always wanted to be) until a couple months ago when a friend of a friend encouraged me to start. She has been my mentor ever since and I’m signed up to do my first half marathon with her next month. Sometimes all you need is a little help and encouragement from a great person. I’m blessed I found one, or more like she found me. I’m sure you’ll do great on your race! Good luck and have fun!

    Reply
  49. Rebecca says

    May 7, 2014 at 10:58 pm

    Good for you for facing your fear! I’ve been doing crossfit regularly for about 6 months, but I haven’t been able to push myself to do heavier weight while squatting. I have a crazy fear of my knees giving out or something. My coach gives me a har time about it because he says I use the same weight every time.:( I’m going to really try to get passed it. Thanks for the motivation! Good luck, girl!

    Reply
  50. Laura says

    May 8, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    So awesome you’re doing this! Definitely inspiring, it’s hard to put yourself out there in a different fitness activity regardless, and sometimes when friends or colleagues are involved it can be even more intimidating. You will do great though! Like you said, you signed up-that’s half the battle. I was just thinking on my way home from the gym today that from now until Memorial Weekend (and hopefully after!), I want to get back into doing nightly push-ups and abs. Just about 10 minutes but it makes a huge difference! I just never want to start…but I will today!

    Reply
  51. Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says

    May 9, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    So proud of you for facing your fear!! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. I’m sure you’ll be great!!

    Reply
  52. Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says

    May 12, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Gosh, now I’M excited to catch up on YOUR life, lady! I’ve missed you back. :-* And I’m so excited for (and proud of) you for this! You’ll be great. Let me know if I can offer any odd advice!

    Let’s get back in each other’s lives. Catch up sesh soon. :) xoxo

    Reply
  53. Nala says

    May 12, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    Great to hear you signed up for the race!! Happy Training and I know you will do great! A fitness fear for me? Would be easing back into my pretty active routine, I slacked these past few weeks with finals and school projects, but I now have the summer to get back into shape and that is kinda intimidating for me =/ Another fitness fear I have is to increase my running pace – I have this fear if I push myself to hard I will faint. So I will have to start conquering those two!

    Reply
  54. Irving says

    May 14, 2014 at 4:08 pm

    Courtney
    What a great write up! They say the fastest way to get over fear is to take action and you certainly did. I believe in the long run (no pun intended), you’re going to be glad you took the initiative. Great post!

    Reply
  55. Libby says

    May 15, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Running the cdphp workforce challenge today too! Maybe I’ll see you!
    Also, how do you get connected with fellow local bloggers? :-)

    Reply

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Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
Court Profile CircleI'm Courtney, a 30-something wife and working mom living in upstate NY. I'm a food lover, fitness enthusiast, baker extraordinaire and lover of all things sweet.
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