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KIM'S JOURNAL

Part three in a series, the following is a continuation of the journal of Kim Reese,our stalwart board member and reluctant exerciser.

With our journal series we bring you the challenges and accomplishments of an average woman: someone who, like all of us, balances a life full of work, play, friends, family and occasional struggle.

We hope you find inspiration in Kim’s daily endeavors, and perhaps decide to try something new and challenging yourself!

On June 11th, I flew to New York for a business trip. On the way out I was wondering what I would be able to do, in terms of exercising, while I was there.

June 12 - My flight on Sunday was delayed for over 5 hours! We sat on the tarmac for 4 hours. I could feel every dang muscle in my body cramping up. I didn’t get into the city until 2 a.m. and was very tired at the conference.

I took a nice long walk down 34th all the way to Grand Central Station . . .in drizzle I might add. It was WONDERFUL! I felt like I had to move.

June 13 - I got into some casual clothes and headed down Madison Avenue. I ended up at the Museum of Modern Art. The walk there and back was LONG but it felt great because it was nice and cool out.

June 14 - Everyone in this city walks! I definitely got my exercising in for the day. I walked about a total of 20 blocks to and from the Javitz Center. It felt awesome!!!

I continued to walk around the city during the entire trip . . .versus taking the subway everywhere. It got me moving and allowed me to see the city. I’m still so amazed at what I see happening to my body. I think I’m getting stronger. Could I be getting into a GROOVE? Former slug enjoying moving? What’s happening to me?

June 27 - I did NOT want to do a dang thing today. 8 a.m. came and went . . .so did high noon . . .still nothing. 3 p.m. came. I sat sipping coffee at my monitor, gritting my teeth. Dinner . . .ate and then felt guilty that I hadn’t at least walked. Okay, I give.

I put on my Birkenstocks (laugh if you will) and boldly went outside. I walked probably about 2 miles, petted a few cats, looked at some bugs. Thought about the fact that I needed to buy new underwear because what I was wearing was "creeping" . . .you know . . .important stuff. I’m trying my best to realize that I don’t have to be perfect.

June 28 - I woke up and did Tae Bo. I think that within the next few weeks I’ll try the advanced tape. I am STILL struggling with the whole GYM thing. Here I am paying for it and I’ve been once. I know what I need to do. I’m not willing to do it yet.

July 1 - I ran across a horoscope from June 7th this morning. I had printed it out because I figured it was a sign from THE EXERCISING GOD, if there is one. It read as follows, "You may decide to visit a gym or workout salon to explore a possible membership." With a smirk on my face I thought . . .already did that. It finished by saying, "This could be the very thing you’ve been looking for."

I went over to Starbuck’s where Jena works. She asked me if I joined up. I shared the fact that I had indeed joined but only went once. She laughed and said she was on the same track basically, so we promised each other we’d go and do the weights together on Thursday.

This may be what I need to get my you-know-what back through those gym doors. Maybe there IS an exercising god. I think he’s looking down on me and smiling. My initial reaction (vivid imagination of an artist) is to look up and stick my tongue out.

July 6 - Went to the gym today to do my weight training. Huge personal success for me. Felt a little anxious, but I did it and oddly enough, lived to tell about it.

July 7 - I woke up this morning JUST A LITTLE SORE . . .but sore is good. I met Jena there; she hadn’t been in months, so it was good for both of us. My plan is to train with the weights 3 times a week, and also to continue with the Tae Bo and the walks.

July 10 - Went to the gym again with Jena. I have to admit that I still feel intimidated but it’s okay. I am enjoying it once I walk out the door . . .once I’m done with the workout. I feel proud that I did it and it feels good to push myself.

July 20 - I’m in the middle of a wonderful trip to Minnesota. I’ve been walking and doing Tae Bo. I’ve also been swimming and even went biking one evening with Carlie . . .nearly killed myself.

Last night I went with Seth to lift weights. He’s getting ready for football practice and it was nice to be able to share something like that together. He, in all of his 16-year-old splendor, gave his old aunt some pointers. He’s too cute!

Today I can really feel it in my arms and chest. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about my body and about doing my best to keep myself in shape. I don’t understand why it’s such a struggle sometimes, but it is. I imagine that I’ll always have to talk myself into going out and doing IT . . .keeping myself active.

I am the only one that can make the decision for myself. If I make the best decision for myself 75% of the time, I’ll be happy.

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to make a decision? You might have asked your best friend, your mother or a stranger for advice. I recommend turning to the number one resource that knows you better than anyone else – you.

Since birth, you have had the tools to help you make the right choices for yourself. But somewhere during your maturing process, you forgot all about them. It’s like that missing sock from the dryer - it’s somewhere, but only temporarily lost. The saying "I have a gut feeling," is a true statement. Trust what your stomach is telling you.

Many times when I have to make a tough decision, my stomach pulls in all directions. The tightest pull is usually the choice I need to make. Why? Because I am so scared about that decision.

Fear is sometimes thought of as the needed fuel to boost us to excel. Or you can look at it as a signpost reminding you that there is a lesson to learn in life. There are other fears; for example, fear for your own safety. Definitely trust that signal. When it is a choice between doing something you may not feel comfortable doing or taking the easy way out, your instincts might be leading you to take the challenge.

Let’s take a possible scenario: you were just asked to talk in front of a group of people about why you love your sport. You are afraid to talk in front of your friends, let alone a bunch of strangers. Well, that means you need to take the speaking opportunity. This is the perfect opportunity to work over your fear of speaking in public. What better topic to talk about than sports?

I remember the first day I registered at a new high school in my junior year. Once the principal saw a 6’3" junior sign up for classes, he took me directly to the gym. He said, "I’m going to introduce you to the volleyball and basketball coaches."

I was always afraid of sports. In the past, everyone expected me to play basketball, but I didn’t want to. I was afraid of running, sweating and physically pushing myself. My stomach was tied up in knots when I was walking into the gym. But I remember my mom telling me to respect my elders. After calming my stomach down, I joined the team right on the spot.

To this day, I am very thankful to Mr. Hilton for giving me an opportunity to work on my fear. If I had not pushed through the fear and joined the athletic teams, I would never have played Division I basketball at UCSB and later become the first female Gaucho to play professional basketball in Europe.

So what’s holding you back? What is your stomach telling you that you need to do? I’d love to hear about your experience. Please write to me and maybe your story will be in the next Buzz.

By Kira Anthofer, Body Electric board member

Santa Cruz Island Adventure

This August, twelve strong and curious women, ranging in age from 20’s to 50’s, camped on Santa Cruz Island. The two-day adventure was packed full of thrills, laughs, challenges and bonding. Activities included hiking, snorkeling, afternoon naps, beach walks and eating.

We tackled the ocean in kayaks, maneuvering through caves, observing sea lions and traversing huge waves. Many of the women were first-time kayakers.

Each woman’s beauty, self-confidence and unique spirit were illuminated through this experience.

We encourage all women and girls to participate in events and join the Adventure Club committee.

Here’s what some of the women said:

"Kayaking over the big swells made me push myself past my fear."

"I loved being with some young, vital, intelligent women. As the ‘granny’ of the group, and a person who is not comfortable in the ocean, I’m proud that I managed to keep up with everyone."

"I learned a lot about women in sports."

"Thanks to Body Electric for the ego boost."

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