Just about everything worth doing is worth doing because it’s important and because the odds are against you. If they weren’t, then anyone could do it, so don’t bother.
I had just read these sentences on a favorite blog of mine, and it resonated with every fiber of my being. Something within me balks at taking the easy way, the predictable way, the expected way.
I’m going to do this course. I’m also going to be decades older than anyone on that cliff, that week in April. I’m going to be as prepared as I know how to be — physically, mentally, knot-ly. I’m going to venture to the outer solar system of my limits again.
I did that at least once before. It was when I was facing my 50th birthday and wanted to do something memorable. I applied for a spot in a popular half marathon, having never run more than a mile in my life, and that had been forty years earlier. When my name was selected, I went out and bought my first pair of running shoes. I couldn’t even run 1/3 mile. As I trained for 385 miles and 3.5 months, a subtle shift took place within me; I went from “Just what do you think you’re doing?!?” to “You can do this, you really can.” That finish line brought indescribable exhilaration.
I can do this
You go, girl.
Leave a comment: When have you pushed your self-imposed limits? What did you discover about yourself?
Ranger Kathryn's Arches 
Yes you can, yes you can, yes you can. Most of me applauds you for deciding to do this. Part of me thinks you might be punishing your body a whole LOT. You are already in training, right?
Mom
Comment by Mom — March 14, 2010 @ 7:26 pm |
I’m pretty sure that I will handle the physical part okay. (Yes, I am doing challenging physical stuff to get my body in shape.) The mental hurdles I’ll come up against will be much trickier — the old tapes with familiar lines of excuses and rationalizations. When I am cold, tired, thirsty, and sore, I’ll have to force myself to think clearly and tie those %&@# knots… while conquering my climbing limitations too. I am under no illusions about the difficulty level! Think “Outward Bound” times ten!
Comment by kath56ryn — March 15, 2010 @ 12:05 am |
Isn’t it “You go girl!” and “you can do it” and the final “you will do it”. Remember, we shall excel in all that we put our minds too.
I cannot wait to read on your April blog,
“I did it!”. What joy you will have then.
Comment by Chris — March 14, 2010 @ 10:23 pm |
Thanks, Chris. That was very kind.
Comment by kath56ryn — March 14, 2010 @ 11:53 pm |
perhaps I should be rethinking coming out there in early May…. I was kinda looking forward to a nice leisurely stroll in the desert!!!!
Comment by john — March 15, 2010 @ 7:24 am |
It will be all over by then! You gotta come.
Comment by kath56ryn — March 15, 2010 @ 7:30 am |
My brothers are NOT signing up for anything resembling “leisurely stroll.” No way.
Comment by kath56ryn — March 15, 2010 @ 7:31 am |
but, but, my old, tired, broken down body… can’t – won’t be able to do it….
Comment by john — March 16, 2010 @ 11:46 am
Oh, Kathryn…the 5-part series on BTR was very inspiring! You go girl~ wild woman! Just please be safe!!!!!!!!
Comment by Kathy Lewis — March 16, 2010 @ 12:42 pm |