Stayinig Connected

When I was in seventh or eighth grade my class took a field trip from the South of Chicago to the Indiana Dunes. When we arrived we were told all about dune formation and other geological facts that escape me in my advanced years :)  Of all the information I received that day I remember that Mt. Baldy was the oldest and biggest of the sand dunes in the area. We had to climb Mt. Baldy to get to the other side where the beach and Lake Michigan is nestled.

Not being athletically inclined or physically fit like my classmates it was a real challenge for me to make the climb and get to the other side. Every time I made two steps forward I slid four steps behind. Needless to say that I got to know Mt. Baldy in a "special way".

 As my classmates are running up and down the "mountain" I'm getting increasingly frustrated and angry with self defeating thoughts going off in my head:  "What's wrong with you? Why can't you make it up the mountain? Why don't you quit, you loser?" These thoughts were intensified and reinforced by the not so kind teasing of my classmates. Yet, something inside of me said keep going don't stop. My battle with the mountain went on for what felt like an eternity but, in actually it was more like half the day until finally I reached the top!!

Fast forward a few years later, Mt. Baldy teaches me the necessity of staying connected with myself. I have discovered that is so easy to live outside myself by either killing myself to be accepted or feeling worthless and when I can't keep up.

I know now,  that the secret to the climb,swim, bike, run is not about trying to be the fastest and get bragging rights "look at me"..."I'm somebody because I did: X,Y, or Z. in such a such time" Don't get me wrong, I would love to win my division or age group!! Being in the field with fellow athletes is a rush!!  There will always be another Mt. Baldy to climb, a race to run, an IronMan to attempt and finish. But, if I lose connection with myself what's the point?

Every Triathlete has her or his personal reasons for training and reaching the "moment of truth". For me, I am learning about myself and what my body is capable of and it feels amazing!!! The juice is definitely worth the squeeze!! :) It will be wonderful to hear those six glorious words: "Melvin Jones You Are An Ironman"  As much as I would love to hear those magnificent words; I continue on the journey endeavouring to remain connected to myself whether I hear them or not.

If you took time to read this:

Peace & Blessings On Your Journey