Facing a Challenge

A time when I faced a challenge was last year, when I decided to commit my life to weightlifting and chase my ultimate dream of becoming an Olympic champion.

This was a is a memorable challenge because it would mean giving up most of the experiences that normal kids have; such as going to movies, parties, and eating fast food. I would have no time to go to dances and football games, no time for yearbook and other clubs. I could do all these things, but then I wouldn’t be giving 100% to weightlifting, which would have to be my focus if I was going to make it to the Olympics. When I asked my coach is this goal was attainable he said,
“I’m never going to tell you that something is impossible, but it usually takes about ten years to become an Olympian. Liz, you have the ideal situation; you are starting at 14 with a background of gymnastics and other sports."

By making the choice to commit to weightlifting I have made a lot of “sacrifices”. I guess I wouldn’t really consider them sacrifices, maybe more like choices. I do part time school and take only four classes at my small-town high school. This means I don’t get to see the friends I grew up with very often, which sometimes makes me feel lonely. I don’t go to football games and dances because after I workout my body is tired and sore; instead I spend that time icing and recovering so I can train harder and stronger the next day. I don’t eat fast-food or processed food, which is a struggle with everyone around me enjoying it on a daily basis. I only put all natural whole foods into my body to fuel my muscles so that I can lift weights twice my body weight above my head.

I spend about five to six hours at the gym, three-and-a-half at school, two commuting back and forth, nine sleeping, and two cooking/eating. That leaves me with almost no free time. Any of the extra time I do have I spend reading articles, blogs, and studies on health and fitness related topics. I watch videos of lifting technique when I should be studying, and listen to podcasts when I should be sleeping. At times it is hard to use my time wisely because my schedule is jam-packed; I get extremely overwhelmed when I think about it too much.

I love keeping busy all the time, but sometimes I just want to stop.Those are the days when I have to take a step back and appreciate life. Everything is constantly changing, so it’s important to slow it down sometimes and savor the flavors of life.

My favorite days are when my hands are throbbing, my shins are purple with bruises, my back is sore, my legs are numb, and all I want to do is sleep. I love those days because it’s proof to me that I am working hard and pushing myself beyond my limits. Champions are made on the tough days; that is what separates a quitter and a gold medalist.

Zubova Olga setting up to snatch 120kg

So far I love the consequences of my decision. I have sought comfort in the blogs and articles of fellow weightlifters. I learn that being lonely is what all successful people sacrifice to get to where they are. No one ever said anything worth having would be easy to get. I know that in the end I have a family at the gym that supports me, and will be there for me. I am sure they face similar struggles in their fight for success. This journey is going to be tough and there will be many roadblocks in the way, however I know that in the end it will all be worth it.