(Day 243 / -117 lbs.) The Power of Intimidation, uh, I Mean Aspiration

Lately I've been kvetching about how empty the gym has been. Some of you have offered explanations why and even suggestions of pre-workout showering (many thanks for those by the way!) to eliminate the possibility that I might somehow be responsible. Stubborn knot-head that I am, I didn't take that advice nor did I stop commenting about the dwindling gym population.

It was packed this morning.

The drill sergeant from the aerobics class had her group in there along with several other people who drop in irregularly. It made for a wild time and an opportunity to rue any remarks I'd made regarding how lonely it's been. Not only had the numbers increased but there were also a few folks who were in pretty good physical shape- almost intimidatingly so. That part I don't mind so much. Here's why-

I'm insanely competitive and when I say "insanely" I mean it only in a mildly irrational kind of way. I don't know that I really want to beat my imagined competitors- rather, I just view their abilities and accomplishments as something I want to emulate. You know, set goals for myself; only accomplish them faster and more efficiently. This is something at which I'm not always successful but thanks to the knot-headedness mentioned earlier, something I'm not bound to give up on anytime soon either.

The gist? Being around all those fit, motivated people helps me feel motivated as well. My workout this morning was probably one of the best I've had in weeks and I'm grateful for the little bump in motivation.