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What I Really Want Fitness to Give Me
Molly Wichman, personal trainer in Lee's Summit, shares health and wellness tips for fitness & health. Today it is What I Really Want Fitness to Give Me
I saw a throwback photo today, and it stopped me in my tracks.
More than 10 years ago, I was standing in the rain after finishing my one and only half marathon in under two hours.
I remember being incredibly proud of that moment. And I should have been. I had worked hard for it.
I trained hard — lots of running, cross-training and resistance training. I ate super healthy. I was working an 8–5 job where I wore about 27 different hats 😂, had a toddler at home, and was probably more stressed than I realized at the time.
And because apparently I didn't have enough going on… my original local race was canceled ONE WEEK before the event.
So what did I do?
I drove more than six hours BY MYSELF to another half marathon, ran it in the rain, and then drove home because I needed to be back for the circus that was my life. 🎪😂
Oh — and I didn't even stay to pick up my second-place age-group medal.
Looking back now, that part makes me laugh. 🤦♀️
I was determined. I was disciplined. I was capable.
But I was also constantly going.
Fast Forward 10+ Years
Two weeks ago, I found myself on another adventure.
This time, it was a completely spontaneous solo trip to ride a trail I had wanted to experience for more than four years.
And the contrast between these two experiences really hit me.
There was:
No training plan.
No race goal.
No finish time to beat.
No schedule except my own.
No rushing.
Just me, my bike, the outdoors and the freedom to decide what I wanted to do that day.
And I enjoyed every single minute of it.
That trip made me realize just how much my relationship with fitness has changed.
Fitness Looks Different to Me Now
I'm still active.
I still eat healthy-ish. 😉I work out.I ride bikes.I hike.I work on my property.I stay busy.I still like a challenge.
But I don't feel like I have to constantly prove what my body can do.
And that's a pretty big shift.
Today, I feel 1,000% better.
Stronger.
Happier.
More capable.
More relaxed.
More present.
The woman in that first photo was incredibly determined and capable. But she was also incredibly busy and stressed, and she was very focused on checking the next box.
Run the miles.
Hit the time.
Finish the race.
Get the medal.
Move on to the next thing.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with having goals. I still believe in challenging yourself and working toward something that matters to you.
But I've learned that fitness doesn't have to be about constantly asking, "What can I accomplish?"
Sometimes it's about asking:
"What do I want to be able to say YES to?"
A Body That Lets Me Say YES to Life
That spontaneous bike trip reminded me of what I really want fitness to give me.
I want a body that lets me say YES to life.
YES to a bike ride.
YES to a hike.
YES to walking 20,000 steps while exploring somewhere new.
YES to carrying the suitcase overhead.
YES to playing golf or pickleball.
YES to keeping up with the kids or grandkids.
YES to working in the yard.
YES to getting down on the floor and getting back up.
YES to an adventure that wasn't on the calendar six months ago.
And sometimes, yes to absolutely nothing except sitting outside and enjoying the moment.
That's what fitness means to me now.
It's not about being "race ready."
It's about being life ready.
It's about building strength, energy, mobility and confidence so your body doesn't hold you back from the things you want to experience.
Because the goal isn't always to do MORE.
Sometimes the goal is to feel good enough to actually enjoy what you're already doing.
And honestly…
That smile in the second photo says a lot.
With over 20 years of experience in health and fitness, I help clients Stop chasing quick fixes. The YES Fitness Method combines personalized fitness, practical nutrition, and ongoing coaching to help you build lasting habits—and a body that lets you say YES to life every day.
In Good Health,
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