"If you never attempt the ascent, you'll never know the thrill of swooshing down the other side."
Hills……. At some point in your training, HILLS happen. The body gets pushed, stretched and elevated in such a way that transcends the physical.
“TRANSCENDS?" “What in the world do you mean MO?” “Ya big weirdo!” Yes, I am a weirdo, but hear me out for a sec.
The physical discomfort moves to mental discomfort. You begin to ask yourself, “why the heck did I decide to ascend this stupid mountain?” “Why on earth did I think this was a good idea?” You begin to question and second guess your decision. You will have to battle the physical aches and pains, and mental doubts. This is how it moves from just the physical training, to the mental training. Because fitness is not just physical. It's mental too. This is why hill work is something I do frequently with many of my clients as well as for myself.
There is growth in facing an incline. The self- doubting. The discomfort. The struggle. The challenge. Discomfort is plowing of the dirt to plant the seeds. It's through trudging upwards that one plants seeds of grit and tenacity. It is through overcoming that one grows the confidence to believe “I can!” , “I will!” and “I did!”
Many of my clients know my mantra, “I am strong, I am capable, I am able” It's hard to believe now, but there once was a time when I didn't think I was strong, or capable or able. My confidence was at an all time low. There is a personal story behind that mantra. It was a time in my life when I had to climb my toughest mountain. One day I will share that story in another blog post. As for now, those are words I repeat to myself and my beloved clients as I/we go up hills. I say it soooooo frequently when I'm climbing a mountain, that I now believe it in my very bones.
When you finally arrive on top of the mountain. Tired, sweaty, dirty, hungry. You pause, take it all in. The view, the sense of accomplishment, the beauty of creation, the gratitude for each part of your body that worked in unison to get you on top of that mountain. Your body, your mind and your spirit are very present and in awe! You are so thankful to have made it! There is something deeply spiritual in thankfulness.
Your very breath is a praise of gratitude for this magnificent body, mind and & life you are given. This is when the physical training and mental training transcends to something soulful.
Then comes the thrill of swooshing down the other side of that mountain! Woo-Hoo!!!!!!! Fun, and adventure is essential for health. The cool wind whipping through your hair, drying off your sweat, giving rest to your body. The laughter. The story of how hard that climb was. The joy in breezing down the hill. The descent brings refreshment to the soul. It is a sweet thing to be motoring down the other side. So much sweeter because you climbed it. Without the grueling ascent there is no sweet descent. I can not imagine never attempting the ascent, It's just so damn fun speeding down the other side.
Once again mis amigos........If you never attempt the ascent, you'll never know the thrill of swooshing down the other side.
with love,
MO
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