Back in the day when multi-sport athletes were the norm and scholarships were still available to hard working athletes (and not just the freakishly talented), I was a Division I volleyball player. Squats, cleans, and box jumps have been part of my routine since I was in 10th grade and the weight room felt as much like home to me as the volleyball court.
So when I joined TAL, the lifts were not intimidating to me, it was the getting there. I’ve struggled with postpartum depression twice and it is a serious fight just to make it to the workout. Just to show up. I have two gorgeous kids, Georgia (4) and Kai (10 months) and I’m so happy to be their mom. However, the post-partum depression that has followed both of their births has been so difficult and unlike any other challenge I’ve faced in my life. If I’m completely honest, I’m right in the thick of it while I’m writing this.
Most days, it feels like a circus just trying to show up to workout, as I usually have both kids in tow. My son has taken a few naps in the bathroom. My daughter has had her fair share of Rx Bars for dinner, and I’m a frequent shopper at the “lost and found” shoe collection since I often forget mine. Believe me, I’ve been at the stoplight on Rice and Country several times debating whether I should turn around and head home. There are so many reasons not to show up.
But I have to. The workouts (along with my fantastic therapist and remarkable husband) are what help me pursue my bravest and healthiest self. Postpartum depression is unpredictably hard, but TAL is predictably good.
When I walk in the front door, I am greeted by staff who are excited to see my kids and me. The coaches are inspiring, approachable, and simply the very best at what they do. And the community that is built and shared is really special. The workouts are tough but doable, and one of the greatest gifts that TAL provides are scaled workouts, tailored just for me. Each time I push myself in a WOD I get a new shot of determination and strength. I can lift this weight! I can run this far! I’m tougher and stronger than I thought! And I walk out the door saying those exact same phrases in my difficult season of postpartum.
This is the beauty of showing up.
Thank you, TAL!
Kristin