Wow! Where did the month of February go? My last post was at the end of January and I spoke about staying committed. Not to give up. Well I would like to emphasize that point. My husband Roy and I share a passion for the outdoors. We spend as much time as we can cross country skiing in the winter. Roy has been a cross country ski coach for our daughters and many other youth through out the years. Our daughters moved on from the sport but Roy continues to coach whenever he can, and we both continue to ski. The last 3-4 years I have not skied as often as I wished due to many other commitments, but managed to get out 1-2 times a week this winter (the occasional 3). Roy & I had not gone for many long distance ski outings this year. However, we still signed on for the Cariboo Goldrush (x-country ski) Marathon in 100 Mile House, BC, mid-February. Roy registered for 30km and I registered for 20km. I did not get out skiing before the event as I discovered I had done something to the top of my foot which was swollen & sore. I needed to rest it, as I was not backing out of the Marathon. Many of our friends were looking forward to seeing us and we were looking forward to participating.
On Feb. 12, 2011, we were in the start area of the Marathon by 9am. Off we went, each skiing at our own pace. I knew I needed all the energy I could muster to finish 20 km! My first goal was to break away from the pack (and all those I knew)....I could not chat & ski 20km! Then the competitiveness in me began to rise...I had to finish it and I did not want to be last...or ski over the finish line at dusk! Ha!Ha! I began to feel the burn and stiffness creep into my legs with every hill I climbed...I was only half way. "I can do this," I told myself. "Don't push it...enjoy the journey...look at the beauty of nature surrounding you." The last 5km felt hard..I was tired, stiff, and slowing down. "Don't give up. Come on", I told myself..."You can do this!" I took my mind off how tired I was and focused on how good it will feel to come over the finish line! Soon I could see the stadium and hear the spectators. I am going to finish my 20 km! Yes, it was a great feeling of accomplishment and a lesson to learn...
One can do anything they put their mind to! Focus on the good things not on the negative. Do not rush things...sometimes you must slow down and take smaller steps to reach your goal. Do not give up. Stay committed and enjoy the journey!
"Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second." ~William James
