Last Sunday I did something I have not done in 15 years, I climbed a mountain. Well it’s not such a mammoth feat for some but for me climbing a mountain was a goal that needed to be topped. For two days after the hike I hobbled around like a paraplegic panda but the pain of the moment was suppressed by the fiery emotions brought upon me by the sense of the accomplishment.
On my hike I found my alter ego lost in a world of realism, stress, guilt and burdens. Yes it’s the same part of me that I often find when I’m on my motorcycle riding free down a curvaceous back canyon road. I realized that this is the part of my soul that one only finds when the weight of the world is lifted, letting a man become one with the moment. The pain of the trek up that trail made me forget of all things worldly and the higher I got, the more enlightened I felt. It was a good day.
So I dropped 35 pounds, my blood pressure and Cholesterol has been normalized and I have decided to run a marathon. It’s time to make this happen. Why challenge myself to run a marathon? My logic may not make sense to many of you. I have always wanted to Hike the Appalachian Trail but got side tracked with life, obesity and other obligations. My Hike up the No Name Mountain outside of Los Angeles proved to me that I need to do more than just lose some weight; I need to get back into fighting shape. I figure if I can run a marathon then I will be ready to begin my Hike of the entire Appellation Trail. I have no time line to Hike the AT but I have begun my training to run my first marathon. Who knows the AT could be sooner than latter but one can only focus on the immediate goal in front of them.
So here is to finding that lost inner child. Let your own journey take you back home to nirvana.
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Oh sure, now you decide to get back in shape after I just bought a tone of stock in ‘Twinkies.’ I love the term, “paraplegic panda.” My knees are shot so my days of hiking and humping up trails are behind me, but I can relate to that euphoric feeling you’re talking about. “Keep on truckin…”
ReplyDeleteI take my hat off to you! To lose weight and get back into shape is something most of us need to do, in varying degrees. Preparing for a marathon is inspiring stuff and I sure hope you make it. Good luck and find a good charity so you can be sponsored in your quest.
ReplyDeleteCheers to finding that inner child :)
ReplyDeleteawesome post n pix
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend!
Keep up the great work, Rob! I know it must be exhillerating to accomplish goals like these. We only get one shot at this amazing life, so, despite a little bit of extra effort, why not take chances like these? Right? I've done a few marathons, and would really love to get back into them...one of these days!
ReplyDeleteScribe- You never can go wrong with stock in Twinkies!! I watched a movie called Zombieland last night where a character was on a quest to find a Twinkie, he was like a kindred spirit.
ReplyDeleteGary- I got a bunch of training ahead of me and need to focus on eating healthy. I like the charity idea.
Cynthia- The trick is be a grown up but be a kid as well. Personally I wish I could be a kid more often.
Tabitha- If only I could take photos 1/2 as good as you.
Kate- You name the race and I will run it with you. I am getting old, so you will have to take it slow so I can keep up.