Athlete

I did something amazing.  Accidently.

My work team spent 2 days at an Airbnb in Scottsdale for team building and relaxation.  The home we rented was at the base of Camelback Mountain, which is known for an amazing hiking trail.  On day two our team decided to hike up Echo Trail.  Prior to starting the trail, I noticed the sign that said “Difficulty Level: Extremely Difficult” but for some reason, that did not register in my brain.  I overheard someone say it’s only a mile and a half.  For some reason, I chose to listen to that and decided I was up for the challenge.  I had started eating less and doing planks and Ab work outs, so I figured I was up for the challenge!  Ha!

Oh, I should also mention that I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia about 5 years ago on my right hip.  Sometimes I use a cane to help me walk because of the chronic pain and instability of my hip.  My hip was feeling ok that day, but I brought my walking cane just in case.  Boy, am I ever thankful I brought it!

Immediately I noticed that the trail was rocky and loose rock was everywhere.  But I felt good and strong so I kept going, thankful that my cane was keeping me stable.  A short while later I came across some stairs that were a mishmash of depth and distance.  I struggled a bit going up those stairs.  I was encouraged when kind strangers cheered me on “You’re doing great, keep going!”

The trail got rockier and harder.  And then I came across this:

My next hurdle was a steep, rocky hill.  My first reaction was, “Oh shit I can’t do this!”  But for some reason I thought, “Maybe the end is right on the other side, how cool would it be to finish this whole thing!”  So, I started climbing.  I held on to the handrail with one hand and cane in the other hand.  Sometimes I had to throw my cane up above me so I could crawl on my hands and knees.  I had to find a groove big enough to help me leverage up to the next groove.  But some of it was so steep and my weight being extra, the handrails were no help.  I had a hard time moving up the climb.  One step took me 10 minutes of bouncing to get enough momentum to get me up.  During that time, I had 4 people tell me “Wow look at you, go!”, “Great job!”, “Wow amazing” and “Proud of you!”.  I was moved to tears by the love people were giving to me.

I got up to the ½ mark and then realized that I should stop before my hip gives out and I have to be air lifted out of there.

As I headed down, my knees felt like jello and they were quivering.  I was holding on to my cane for dear life, especially when I slid due to loose rocks.  At one point I was walking in baby steps, slowing waddling to retain control of my balance.  During that long way down, I received many shouts of praise from strangers.  It was beautiful.

As I was slowly walking down the mountain, I was saying thanks to my body for being so strong.  My body has endured 7 pregnancies.  My body has endured abuse and trauma.  My body is healthy and reliable.  It felt good to acknowledge myself.  Giving myself love, instead of the typical criticism and doubt.

There were many athletic individuals who ran up and down the mountain during my hike.  I watched in admiration; their sweaty, fit bodies running past me.  I watched and worried that they would fall because they are going so fast!  On my way down the mountain, I had an aha moment!  Every time I want to lose weight, I focus on the scale and what I shouldn’t eat.  But I look at those young, athletic bodies, I realize that’s what I want!  So, I need to focus on that!  Instead of focusing on numbers and diets, I will focus on being an athlete.  What kind of routine would an athlete create?  How would an athlete behave?

It’s been 3 days now.  I still can’t walk right…