It all began in January, with a great swim in an outdoor
pool under brilliant Bahamian sunshine.
I got my heart rate up, my muscles moving, and to avoid the metaphor
that screams to be made, the water seemed to wash away months of feeling wrong
and set me in the direction of feeling right.
I remembering emerging from the pool, thankful for a body that could
move, brilliant blue skies, and a partner that supports my every move. It had been too long since I’d had a good
workout, and instead of feeling slow or sluggish, or negative about my lack of
fitness, I actually felt fast, upbeat and inspired by my own effort. I had no reason to feel this way, no months
of training, no long efforts slogging it out but for some reason something
clicked in my brain and I knew I was ready to start being me again.
It’s nearing the end of April now, and in the weeks and
months since that swim I’ve gained and maintained momentum in ways I’ve not
been able to in the past. I’ve competed
in five races, including a half marathon, a road race, a 6 hour mountain bike
race and 2 adventure races. I’ve
reconnected with and raced with my best friend of over 20 years and have already
spent two weekends out camping with my honey and my Jack. The consistency I’ve found in waking up every
day at roughly the same time, eating almost the same breakfast and spending my
morning moving my body has kept me on track and feeling great. I normally struggle with the stick-to-it-ness
part and those that know me best or even hardly at all, know that I’m always in
pursuit of the next shiny object. But for now, this routine suits me, and the
upcoming summer and warm weather only serves to fuel the fire.
I’m also planning on adding blogging to the routine and will
be posting mini-race and trip reports.
So if the spirit moves, check back.
I want to focus on the good, on the moments that result in a big toothy
smile. As I revisited this blog today
for the first time in a year, I was struck by the quote I chose to place on it
so long ago. “You can complain, but its
got to be funny or its just whining.” So
here is to humor, and smiles, and elevated heart rates, laughing out loud, sleeping
under the stars and keeping the rubber side down. I don’t know what the rest of this year has
in store, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
