When was the last time you did something for the first time?
When I feel overwhelmed I plan. Scheduling makes me feel in control and happy. Back in July during an overwhelmed moment I decided to take a look at upcoming running races in Vancouver… Perfect relief… There is a schedule, it’s active and requires some planning. It’s also a goal which doubles up the happiness points. Give me a plan with some goals and yahoo I’m great!
I found a trail race in the local mountains
Scheduled for late September, I’d never done a trail race before. It seemed a doable distance at 6km, so I reached out to someone I trust and asked if they thought I’d be able to do it. Yup, they said – go for it. I also, (little miss goal oriented me), secretly thought that if I do a trail run in September, then when I do the 10km road race I’m signed up for in October, I’ll go faster because it will feel easier. So I signed up and scheduled it in.
I then got to explore the world of trail running
Ooooh the fun of a new thing… There are apps like Strava and AllTrails – I got them both. There are trail running shoes that are grippier and sturdier than regular running shoes – I got those too. Run vests as you need to carry your own water as there are no aid stations on the course – this I borrowed (they are outrageously expensive!). I also learned that you are not allowed to wear headphones on race day. WHAH??
I added some trail running to my schedule for August.
I drove to the mountains, strapped on my run vest – not my best look, and hit the trails without a playlist (gasp). Lots of dogs and hikers, wholesome compared to my downtown runs. I covered less distance in more time and yes, it was tough. Hills in the trails are not just uphill, they are uphill with rocks and roots and my least favourite thing – STAIRS. And who knew that after running uphill, running downhill would hurt so much?
I competed in my first trail race.
While there was a mascot (a guy in a tiger suit), this was no “fun run”. Everyone seemed very hardcore. As I waited for the race to start I sheepishly gazed at my still new looking trail runners and told myself that these legs can deadlift 200LBs, so I’ve got this. Within the first ten minutes on the trail, visions of anything more than just finishing (a girl’s gotta dream) quickly vanished as we ran a narrow, technical and slippery course.
Then I crossed the finish line with runners behind me.
I wasn’t dead last. Take the win! As I took the long drive home down from the mountains I felt a feeling I couldn’t quite put my finger on. The next day as I looked at the race bib I figured out that I was feeling proud. And my belief and confidence in myself was in a new place because I did something I’d never done before, and it was tough. And I didn’t give up. I expanded into something new. That felt good.
Is there something new for you to try? Give it a whirl and see how it feels.
Full disclosure I haven’t read this yet but it is downloaded on my audible.
I bought it as the key messages line up to what I’ve just experienced:
- Physical challenges and new experiences improve our mental well being;
- We can recharge by experiencing solitude and boredom, and by spending time in nature.
Wrapping up my foray into trail running, it’s clear to me that stepping into the something new, with a mix of nerves and enthusiasm, was worthwhile as it increased my self confidence. The trail run, with its slippery rocks and narrow trail, and the pressure of having to give way to runners coming up behind me, became more than just a physical challenge; it turned into a playground. A tough one. But a playground. From the fun of planning and gearing up for a new activity, and then the race day reality of competing in something new (and truth be told a little scary and humbling), every step reinforced that it was absolutely worth doing.
There’s a unique satisfaction in realizing that by pushing past our perceived limits, we find new layers of strength within ourselves. The pride of crossing the finish line wasn’t just about completing a race; it was about pushing through self-doubt and expanding the boundaries of what’s possible. Will I sign up for another trail run? Not sure – but I am sure glad that I did this one. And who knows, give me a year and maybe I’ll give it another go.
So, what’s your Mount Seymour?
What challenge will push you to find new strengths and lead you to your own finish line triumph? Go get your (proverbial) shoes on and get outside. If you don’t feel a little nervous, you’re not aiming high enough.