My athletic performance improved as my anxiety about it dropped.

I have posted before about my struggles trying to be the kind of athlete I would like to be. And I have questioned whether it was more physical or more mental - although I know it is some of both.

I have done a couple of very challenging things lately that turned out really well. I made sure to do everything right physically ahead of the events -especially being very faithful with my asthma meds. That is part of it.

The other part is the confidence gained from success, and building upon that. My anxiety over "can I do this?" has evaporated - yes, I CAN do this. And being more relaxed definitely helps with the lung issues - happy mind equals happy bronchia I guess.

Going into the new season, with more knowledge, confidence, and less anxiety, I really feel like I will go all the way and achieve my goals.

i think less anxiety equals more confidence. more confidence equal improved preformance. keep up the good work

Hey man, I'm really happy for ya ! You have asthma, too, huh ?!!

Yeah, I use my Symbicort 30 mins pre-workout and Xopenex right before I enter the gym.

Yes, you can do whatever you bring yourself to do. I really mean that.

If it's ok to ask, and this is nothing to be embarrassed about, the challenges you mentioned ... did that include the bench press that you saw others doing better at ?

Hi, sorry I didn't get back to this one.

Nope, not bench press - actually, my guy is off for a while with a surgery, and I'm not gonna try setting a PR without a spotter. Don't want some guy to have to rush over and lift it off me while I look like an idiot.

Run, swim PR's are being set, though, and that makes me really happy. I can do it.

That's awesome !

Hi MotownJohnny, you serve as an inspiration to me. I read your thread about doing the 5k. Good job! I downloaded a couch to 5k app to my phone and just started week 2.

And your attitude is great too. I've been having some anxiety about my ability to work up to the 5k since I have not asthma but fibromyalgia (where exercise can trigger a flare of pain, fatigue and foggy head). I know there are other runners out there with fibromyalgia, so I tell myself - - or try to - - that if they can do it, so can I.

Thanks!