Finding strength I didn’t know I had
Fresh air and exercise is good for us, of course. Like many, I enjoy scenery and sunshine if possible.
Health issues have made exercise more challenging in recent years and I’m trying my best to stick with it and make improvements.
Aching
I was aching, tired and looking at the rather steep incline ahead of me feeling increasingly despondent and dreading the struggle I knew it would be. I felt my pace slow and my steps become smaller. Somewhere within I was convincing myself this was good for my physical and mental health, reminding myself I’ll be glad I’ve done this later. Really, all I wanted to do was stop and huff and puff a bit with my hands on my hips.
Woe is me
Suddenly as I was slipping into “woe is me” I realised I was actually slipping into the hillside, fast.
With each step my feet were sinking quickly into a boggy mess that had been unseen and covered by grasses.
I could feel the earth sucking my boots in and sliding unsteadily at wobbly angles that were unladylike and felt like the start of one of those videos you see when someone stumbles around then ends up face down in mud. I feared this was my future.
Plodge
Moments earlier I was exhausted and ready to stop, now realising my situation, energy came from nowhere as I plodgy ran up, sideways and on diagonal trying to escape the boggy mess before it took me down. Involuntarily noises came out of me, yes with the odd swear word and my arms were up and flailing to try to keep a sense of balance. At speed I ascended and covered ground using energy from I don’t know where to escape the muddy bath that was beneath me. My feet sunk in up to my ankles with each plodge.
Muddy boots
I had a chuckle when on safer ground at my lucky escape – and immediately realised I’d found inner resources I didn’t realise I had to achieve it. As I continued to walk I found somewhere to flop down and have my lunch. I looked at my muddy boots – see photo!
Breathe
I took in the views around me, breathed in the peace and air, I looked at my boots and my mind wandered.
Preparation is important, for whatever the day holds. I had prepared with good boots, and a well stocked backpack.
Resilience and strength can appear just when we think we’re done in – there’s much neuro science and physiology to explain this of course.
Our desire to survive and succeed can get us through when we feel we’re going down fast.
Take in the view
It really is true, sometimes the best thing to do is stop and take in the view, noticing how far we’ve come.
Eat, hydrate and take a rest before tackling the next bit of a challenge, it will still be there so you might as well breathe for a bit and perhaps have a snack first.
