How Do You Know When to Change Sports?

[navy2001]

Hey, everyone!

I am in a little quandry and I need some advice. I have been a runner for a very long time (since 1993) and I was planning on running the Baltimore Marathon in October since I had never run a marathon. The problem is that it is not as fun anymore since I'm not a fast runner. I've been doing other forms of exercise and would probably still run for my cardio, but I think I might be burnt out on races (in 2008 I ran 7 different races of varying distances).

I am wondering if I should switch and concentrate on weight training and ease off the cardio. I would still teach group fitness, just not all the time, I just want to be involved in something where I can feel successful, and lately, running races is not doing it for me.

I've even been thinking of doing a figure or fitness competition. Perhaps that would give me sufficient motivation to get my butt in gear since nothing else has been that motivating so far. As it is, I weigh about 187 and I am about 5'3" and that needs to change. The only way I know how to do that is to really hit the weights.

I guess what I want to know is if any of you all are preparing to compete or have competed and how you decided to do that. Also, I would like to know if you had been doing a different sport before you decided on competing.

Thanks in advance!

[nunu713]

If running is no longer enjoyable for you, then I would say don't run! I think the easiest way to stick with something is to find something that you actually enjoy doing. That way, it's not a chore.

I've never competed in a fitness/figure competition, but I would strongly advise against simply doing to get back in shape (but I'll let others chime in here). A lot of people underestimate the mental, physical and emotional commitment it takes to be properly 'stage-ready'. It's an undertaking that should be done for love of the sport, not as a means to kill bathing-suit season anxiety. Getting on the stage 'just to experience it', wastes your time, the time of your fellow competitors, and the judges' time. Other competitors there will be in it to win it and will be adjusting their water/food intakes accordingly depending on how many other people are on stage. Simply being there to 'look good', I imagine would be quite insulting to them.

Okay, off my borrowed soapbox :) Seriously though, I think the easiest way to find a cardio that works for you is just to try new things. Does your gym have a pool? Go for a few laps and see if you like it. Do you have a bike (or can you borrow a friend's)? Go for a ride and see if you like it. Are there any rowing/crew clubs around the inner harbor in MD? My husband and I are checking out a rock climbing place this weekend to see if it's something we could get into.

If you need something new, then sample until you find something you like. I'm betting you won't have to look very far.

[Euqinom]

What NuNu said. :)

[navy2001]

Thanks for the reply!

My issue isn't the cardio. I have plenty of cardio I like to do more than running. I posed the question after I read so many of the transformation stories of women who, as they were getting in shape, decided to compete. This isn't the first time I've had this idea, just just first time I put it out there for others to weigh in on. Does that make sense? I can't see anyone going through contest prep merely for looks. It's too much work for that.

[Euqinom]

Thanks for the reply!

My issue isn't the cardio. I have plenty of cardio I like to do more than running. I posed the question after I read so many of the transformation stories of women who, as they were getting in shape, decided to compete. This isn't the first time I've had this idea, just just first time I put it out there for others to weigh in on. Does that make sense? I can't see anyone going through contest prep merely for looks. It's too much work for that.

In that case, if you want to compete: just go for it! :)
Whatever happens, it will be an education.

[kfisherx]

I always tell my kids, "Do what you love to do and who you are going to be will just happen"

Last year, I was on my way to my first bbing comp after lifting and dieting for nearly 3 years. At about 15% bf, I saw an ad for a woman's pro football team tryout. Football is something I had wanted to do all my life and I knew I wanted to try out because I never have been allowed before. I did not figure on making the team given my age and given the fact I was not training for this sport. Turned out I did and I haven't looked back.

Follow your heart and enjoy the journey.

WRT body comp showing. Be prepared to take 3 or more years to get on the stage. It isn't something that you can just do and do in any sort of reasonable way.

[Bonny_Lassie]

Up until only a few months ago I was a long distance runner and triathlete. I raced most weekends, and placed in the top 3 most times. Won lots of money, vouchers, trophys etc.....but I hated it! I was so unhappy, and also a lot of my problems to do with disordered eating were linked with the whole endurance sport culture. I had an epiphany (a bit like yourself at the moment!) at the end of last year, where I thought 'why am I putting myself through this hell?'. So I gave it up and hit the weights!

Best decision I ever made! If it's not giving you pleasure then don't do it ;)

[navy2001]

Up until only a few months ago I was a long distance runner and triathlete. I raced most weekends, and placed in the top 3 most times. Won lots of money, vouchers, trophys etc.....but I hated it! I was so unhappy, and also a lot of my problems to do with disordered eating were linked with the whole endurance sport culture. I had an epiphany (a bit like yourself at the moment!) at the end of last year, where I thought 'why am I putting myself through this hell?'. So I gave it up and hit the weights!

Best decision I ever made! If it's not giving you pleasure then don't do it ;)

I think your story is the closest to mine (except I wasn't winning anything!), ha ha! I've seen many athletes, even back in high school, who quit because they had been doing it for so long they just didn't like it anymore. Thanks so much for your insight! And, yeah, I had the disordered eating issues too!

[Bonny_Lassie]

Hey no problem! I've seen lots of athletes quit too, but many just quit, and end up leading a very unhealthy lifestyle and put on LOTS of weight, smoke, drink lots etc. It's great that you are just changing sports, and hopefully this one will make you healthier! It is certainly helping me to achieve good levels of health and I am soo much happier! ;)