One can for every pound I lose...bring it!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Day 1: Biggest Loser or Amazing Race?

Today's "assessment hike" was absolutely gorgeous. We got to hike through a mountain path with beautiful views. However, some people took the assessment a little too...seriously. I forgot if I was at the Biggest Loser Resort or an Amazing Race challenge.

I made a promise to myself that I would listen to my body and not push beyond its limits. My greatest fear is to get hurt and not enjoy the full experience this trip has to offer. I was a little spooked by the reports of injuries in other blogs. Go fast and hurt my ankle? No thanks. And so, I paced myself, and walked very carefully along the terrain in my (beautiful, new, now muddy)  Keen Voyageurs.

Well, the fact that one of the guides had a clipboard and was using it to "grade" us in a sense on our hiking abilities brought out the athlete in people. They were hot on my trail (pun intended) and took every opportunity to pass me - some even jogged so they could get ahead of me. I asked the guide behind me if I was going slow because I needed the reassurance and he was like "no you're doing great" and then I realized he was the only one behind me.

I was last.

Flashback to 4th grade when I was the last to be picked for the volleyball match because I couldn't serve. Flashback to 6th grade when I walked the mile that everyone else ran and came in...last.

But there was another woman hanging toward the back of the pack who responded "You need to enjoy the journey, ya know" when I lamented that I was so far behind. So true. Reminded me of when I tell my Team at the hotel that we're not trying to outperform the competition...we're trying to outperform ourselves. I am here to see what my body can do - this amazing gift that God gave me that I was entrusted to take care of. I haven't always been a "good steward" of it. I'm not here to rush through the process- I want to savor it and enjoy it and believe you me, even though I'm in the "Intro to Hiking" Group (AKA, Beginners) I will still give 110% and get a great workout.

So, the race is on...but my finish line is lifelong health, and that takes time. I'll go at a pace that's comfortable for me while still pushing myself to get a great workout and allowing myself to enjoy the views. After all...

4 comments:

  1. Diana - you are exactly correct. Do not worry about what anyone else is doing -- just take care of yourself. You will do great.

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  2. Thanks Peggy! And it's so nice to have a friendly face here. Save me a spot for breakfast (-:

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  3. good job! glad to hear you got a pair of keen boots too! those are awesome. i enjoy reading your posts!

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  4. Diana - When I ran my one and only 10K race, I finished last. That was okay with me because I was only racing against myself. Hang in there. I am sure you are doing great!

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