Self-identity
I'm curious... How much of your identity is tied to your health/fitness?
When I stopped racing a few years ago, I struggled losing that part of myself... both with the loss of goal/direction, but also with the loss of belonging/group. It was the manner in which I could fairly easily measure myself, compare myself to others, and feel reasonably good about myself. Losing that was hard. Is still hard.
Do other people identify as a runner, lifter, as being passionate about fitness, etc etc etc?
I know... too serious for chit chat, but...
When I stopped racing a few years ago, I struggled losing that part of myself... both with the loss of goal/direction, but also with the loss of belonging/group. It was the manner in which I could fairly easily measure myself, compare myself to others, and feel reasonably good about myself. Losing that was hard. Is still hard.
Do other people identify as a runner, lifter, as being passionate about fitness, etc etc etc?
I know... too serious for chit chat, but...
5
Replies
-
I’ve never wanted to be a lifter or a runner. I never wanted to be defined by that. I am a person who lifts. I run (reluctantly).
i don’t want to have a “thing” that I always do forever and ever.
This is probably because I am forever seeking balance but also because I love new things so much.3 -
I think "categorisation" is just part of the human condition. It helps us to make sense of ourselves and one another, eg I used to fiercely hold on to my identity as a pescetarian until I realised that was stupid. What I eat has nothing to do with who I am. Often it is easier to describe ourselves through the things we can do as opposed to the things we are. Your commitment to racing is a demonstration of your characteristics, i.e. motivated and determined. Sorry to get all philosophical on you - I am in the throes of some serious procrastination.2
-
This content has been removed.
-
There was a time, a couple of years ago, when I had my body fat ratio measured in a dunk tank. The printout from that measurement said that my bf% put me in the category of "Athlete". I'm fairly certain that I've not spent a single day at or below that weight since.
Having spent all my life as 'fat' or 'obese', it seems that I was unable to wrap my self-image around the concept of being an athlete. I'm still trying.
I just learned today that I'm a very distant relation to DJT. #MJGA.2 -
JeromeBarry1 wrote: »There was a time, a couple of years ago, when I had my body fat ratio measured in a dunk tank. The printout from that measurement said that my bf% put me in the category of "Athlete". I'm fairly certain that I've not spent a single day at or below that weight since.
Having spent all my life as 'fat' or 'obese', it seems that I was unable to wrap my self-image around the concept of being an athlete. I'm still trying.
I just learned today that I'm a very distant relation to DJT. #MJGA.
Sir, I would buy your hat!0 -
I'd say a little piece of my self-identity is that of hiker.
I've never participated in sports or taken much interest in anything other than walking/swimming for pleasure and the odd bowling night. But now that I hike at least 3-4 times a month and have clothes, shoes, gear for this hobby, I find myself thinking of myself as a hiker.
It's funny though...I meet people who have hiked trails of a hundred miles - spending weeks on the trail & sleeping rough etc...and then I step back and think "nope, I'm not a real hiker". Even though I do it a lot and enjoy it and have been on trails in 20+ states and tons of national parks.2 -
FeelinFooFoo wrote: »I guess I see myself as a Munroe bagger. I do that with my bf. It's our 'thing'. I have an app that lets me know of all the Munroes in scotland and I keep track of the ones I have climbed. Sometimes we just hike/ramble or go for long walks. Weather permitting. There seems to be a community of people who bag Munroes and enjoy that sort of thing. I guess I'm now one of them lol.
So I see myself as an 'outdoor person'. That's part of my identity I guess. We don't even do it all the time, but it's something we both love and enjoy.
will you please explain? what is a munroe? what’s a bagger?3 -
100% thought Munroe bagging was going to be about playing bagpipes.0
-
Thank you! Sounds very fun!FeelinFooFoo wrote: »your_future_ex_wife wrote: »FeelinFooFoo wrote: »I guess I see myself as a Munroe bagger. I do that with my bf. It's our 'thing'. I have an app that lets me know of all the Munroes in scotland and I keep track of the ones I have climbed. Sometimes we just hike/ramble or go for long walks. Weather permitting. There seems to be a community of people who bag Munroes and enjoy that sort of thing. I guess I'm now one of them lol.
So I see myself as an 'outdoor person'. That's part of my identity I guess. We don't even do it all the time, but it's something we both love and enjoy.
will you please explain? what is a munroe? what’s a bagger?
A Munroe is a Scottish mountain, if it's over 3000 foot, it qualifies as a Munroe. The highest Munroe is Ben Nevis.
Munroe 'bagging' is a pastime. It just means that you have completed it, climbed it. There is 282 peaks to climb and over 6000 people have completed them all. Known as 'Munroists'. On my little munro app, I can see that some of the Munroes are very hard to reach. Like travelling over water to very far, isolated spots. Some would definetly require a professional to be with you in order to safely complete. I don't think I will manage them all, but it's a good hobby. The views from the top and seeing a different side of nature is pretty cool. And it's burns a lotta calories ! You always meet really nice folk walking up or on the way back down.
0 -
I am a fire truck1
-
FeelinFooFoo wrote: »your_future_ex_wife wrote: »
Thank you! Sounds very fun!FeelinFooFoo wrote: »your_future_ex_wife wrote: »FeelinFooFoo wrote: »I guess I see myself as a Munroe bagger. I do that with my bf. It's our 'thing'. I have an app that lets me know of all the Munroes in scotland and I keep track of the ones I have climbed. Sometimes we just hike/ramble or go for long walks. Weather permitting. There seems to be a community of people who bag Munroes and enjoy that sort of thing. I guess I'm now one of them lol.
So I see myself as an 'outdoor person'. That's part of my identity I guess. We don't even do it all the time, but it's something we both love and enjoy.
will you please explain? what is a munroe? what’s a bagger?
A Munroe is a Scottish mountain, if it's over 3000 foot, it qualifies as a Munroe. The highest Munroe is Ben Nevis.
Munroe 'bagging' is a pastime. It just means that you have completed it, climbed it. There is 282 peaks to climb and over 6000 people have completed them all. Known as 'Munroists'. On my little munro app, I can see that some of the Munroes are very hard to reach. Like travelling over water to very far, isolated spots. Some would definetly require a professional to be with you in order to safely complete. I don't think I will manage them all, but it's a good hobby. The views from the top and seeing a different side of nature is pretty cool. And it's burns a lotta calories ! You always meet really nice folk walking up or on the way back down.your_future_ex_wife wrote: »
Thank you! Sounds very fun!FeelinFooFoo wrote: »your_future_ex_wife wrote: »FeelinFooFoo wrote: »I guess I see myself as a Munroe bagger. I do that with my bf. It's our 'thing'. I have an app that lets me know of all the Munroes in scotland and I keep track of the ones I have climbed. Sometimes we just hike/ramble or go for long walks. Weather permitting. There seems to be a community of people who bag Munroes and enjoy that sort of thing. I guess I'm now one of them lol.
So I see myself as an 'outdoor person'. That's part of my identity I guess. We don't even do it all the time, but it's something we both love and enjoy.
will you please explain? what is a munroe? what’s a bagger?
A Munroe is a Scottish mountain, if it's over 3000 foot, it qualifies as a Munroe. The highest Munroe is Ben Nevis.
Munroe 'bagging' is a pastime. It just means that you have completed it, climbed it. There is 282 peaks to climb and over 6000 people have completed them all. Known as 'Munroists'. On my little munro app, I can see that some of the Munroes are very hard to reach. Like travelling over water to very far, isolated spots. Some would definetly require a professional to be with you in order to safely complete. I don't think I will manage them all, but it's a good hobby. The views from the top and seeing a different side of nature is pretty cool. And it's burns a lotta calories ! You always meet really nice folk walking up or on the way back down.
It is an adventure for sure! Get out of the city, drive into the Scottish highlands and so far away from the city. It's like a different world and remote, peaceful.
But I have wanted to, no scratch that, wailed and cried during climbs just cos I am outa shape and it's *kitten* hard work walking up a mountain 😂 worse when you pass a pensioner or child who is seemingly having no issues at all 😄. It's good fun.
I've no idea how you climb the Scottish mountains. I had a hard enough time driving up them 😂1 -
I self-identify as a cat... so the less exercise, the better. Naps are my mood and I live for treats that I rarely get. :laugh:4
-
3
-
Not enough, which is probably why I’m still here several years later.4
-
I identify so much as a non-athlete that I actually start to feel like a fraud if i work out too reliably. I should probably journal about this5
-
tinkerhellraiser wrote: »Reckoner68 wrote: »I am a fire truck
is this like an apache attack helicopter?
Some fundamental differences but the sentiment could be the same I think1 -
Most people find their identity when looking in a mirror and most are not happy with what they see. What they should see his reflection of me. That will give them a true identity, being the best they can be, being like me.4
-
I think "categorisation" is just part of the human condition. It helps us to make sense of ourselves and one another, eg I used to fiercely hold on to my identity as a pescetarian until I realised that was stupid. What I eat has nothing to do with who I am. Often it is easier to describe ourselves through the things we can do as opposed to the things we are. Your commitment to racing is a demonstration of your characteristics, i.e. motivated and determined. Sorry to get all philosophical on you - I am in the throes of some serious procrastination.
This. I define myself by things I do but I'm do those things because I'm motivated, dedicated, determined....and so on... so if I stopped running or had to change jobs.. the things I am would drive me to find the next purpose ...not sure this makes sense 🤷♀️1 -
isalsayourface123 wrote: »I think "categorisation" is just part of the human condition. It helps us to make sense of ourselves and one another, eg I used to fiercely hold on to my identity as a pescetarian until I realised that was stupid. What I eat has nothing to do with who I am. Often it is easier to describe ourselves through the things we can do as opposed to the things we are. Your commitment to racing is a demonstration of your characteristics, i.e. motivated and determined. Sorry to get all philosophical on you - I am in the throes of some serious procrastination.
This. I define myself by things I do but I'm do those things because I'm motivated, dedicated, determined....and so on... so if I stopped running or had to change jobs.. the things I am would drive me to find the next purpose ...not sure this makes sense 🤷♀️
I get what you mean 😊0 -
I think "categorisation" is just part of the human condition. It helps us to make sense of ourselves and one another, eg I used to fiercely hold on to my identity as a pescetarian until I realised that was stupid. What I eat has nothing to do with who I am. Often it is easier to describe ourselves through the things we can do as opposed to the things we are. Your commitment to racing is a demonstration of your characteristics, i.e. motivated and determined. Sorry to get all philosophical on you - I am in the throes of some serious procrastination.
I tend to agree... in some ways, I think it ties into our need to belong.1 -
-
I don't consider myself as anything specific, but the people who know me would probably put me into different categories depending on why/how they know me. For example the people at the gym would thing that it was a huge part of my identity. People at work know little about my fitness world. People in my personal life don't necessarily realize how hard of a worker I am or how professional I have to be.
I consider myself as eclectic. I love many things. I am many things. Physical activity is very important, but not # 1 on my priority list2 -
Most people find their identity when looking in a mirror and most are not happy with what they see. What they should see his reflection of me. That will give them a true identity, being the best they can be, being like me.
I've been standing outside your window watching you sleep for the last 3 nights. I'm hoping that soon I, too, will be my best self. You.5 -
Most people find their identity when looking in a mirror and most are not happy with what they see. What they should see his reflection of me. That will give them a true identity, being the best they can be, being like me.
I've been standing outside your window watching you sleep for the last 3 nights. I'm hoping that soon I, too, will be my best self. You.
Dang, I was hoping to be the one to wear his skin2 -
I identify as a dad and a husband. I enjoy regular exercise...particularly cycling, hiking, walking, and rock climbing...but those are my hobbies, they are not my identity. I just like being outdoors and being active.1
-
cwolfman13 wrote: »I identify as a dad and a husband. I enjoy regular exercise...particularly cycling, hiking, walking, and rock climbing...but those are my hobbies, they are not my identity. I just like being outdoors and being active.
But isn't that part of who you are...the things you enjoy/do?
I enjoy books...part of who I am? I enjoy eating hot wings? It's me the quirky wing eating bookworm...1 -
I made the decision to stop competing in powerlifting (b/c squatting was ruining my already questionnable foot).
I kinda had a minor existential crisis...why even train if you don't compete??? Blah blah blah.
I also started working full-time (Special Ed teacher) after 9 years of stay-at-home mom...at the same time. I just considered this as a transitional time. I lumped the powerlifting competitions into the previous stage of my life.
I still bench and deadlift heavy b/c I love doing it. I'm the same person with the same gym crew...my foot just feels better.5 -
isalsayourface123 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »I identify as a dad and a husband. I enjoy regular exercise...particularly cycling, hiking, walking, and rock climbing...but those are my hobbies, they are not my identity. I just like being outdoors and being active.
But isn't that part of who you are...the things you enjoy/do?
I enjoy books...part of who I am? I enjoy eating hot wings? It's me the quirky wing eating bookworm...
That's part of what I think is interesting about all this...
We all wear a variety of hats. Parent, sibling, child, employee, cyclist, weight lifter, bookworm whatever whatever whatever. How do some of those become part of how we identify while others don't?1 -
I think if you are cross fitting vegan it's definitely your identity 😏1
-
I’ve worked in 3 bicycle stores. It did leave me a bit jaded at some points I respects to cycling. When it becomes worn your attitude starts to change. It’s what most people know me for, and it’s something I keep coming back to. I am Bike Man. It’s pretentious AF but it is a lifestyle and a culture. It’s deeply ingrained into my psyche.2
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions