About last weekend
About last weekend
This past weekend, I had the massive privilege to complete a trail running race, which I had to sit out for two years due to my injuries. It was a two-day run in the beautiful Drakensberg mountains. I would love to share some of the things I learned, because this was such a liberating and overwhelmingly positive experience:
1. Sometimes it’s not the mountain in front of you, but rather the pebble in your shoe that you need to deal with. Sure, the mountain looks a lot scarier than the pebble, but the pebble is often the thing that causes us the most pain. Some of the runners could not run on the second day because they had blisters from running in new shoes. Others powered through, refusing to stop and remove the small irritating stone in their shoe. Others underestimated the challenge and were ill-prepared for the race. When we learn to actively respond to the small challenges and frustrations, we enable ourselves to better respond to the big mountains.
2. This, too, shall pass! Running up that mountain was tough as hell. I was only cleared to run in March this year, so the elevation and distance were something I wasn’t prepared for in terms of my training. But throughout my recovery process, I had encountered many metaphorical mountains, and I would repeat the mantra, “This, too, shall pass,” to myself. That is what got me up that mountain. Nothing is permanent—not even the worst feelings, pain or injuries.
3. There is growth in discomfort. All of us appreciate comfort, especially now in winter, as the mornings and days are getting colder. Sometimes so much that we avoid discomfort up to the point that discomfort is the only choice we have left. Growth is often not linear or predictable. It is most often uncomfortable and at times even painful. As living things, our purpose for being on this planet is to grow. Things that don’t grow are dead.
4. We need to appreciate the people who are willing to stick around even when we are assholes! There were two distinct moments when my husband was trying to support and encourage me, and I was less than nice in my response. I asked him to run ahead (he is an outstanding runner), but he refused because he chose to stick with me. That is a choice I am grateful he makes daily, because some things are easier when we do them together.
5. Get out of your head. I am a chronic overthinker. Running this race was a huge mental game for me. There was a point at which my husband looked over at me and very gently said, “Get out of your head.” Some things in life you just need to do, and in reality, we can only learn through experience. We can only change through experience—we cannot think ourselves different.
6. Sometimes, grace looks like rehab. My recovery/rehab process was consistent, applied effort, even when I least felt like it. Grace is always present, but I think it is amplified when we do what we know we must.
7. There is immeasurable joy in the small things. The chocolate milk after the finish line, holding my husband’s hand crossing the finish line (so proud of you), hugging my girls after not seeing them for a bit, the sound of the river. Savour it! Happiness is gratitude. It is appreciating the moment because it is fleeting—you cannot save it up in a bank account.
Thank you for reading, have a wonderful weekend!
A note from PJ: Shinell first injured her knee 8 years ago. It has never been fully recovered until now, two ACL operations and countless hours of rehab later. Her being able to complete this race is about much more than running: It paints a picture of hope. If you are currently going through tough times, refuse to give up. Chip away, do what you need to do today – one step at a time gets you up that mountain.
Progress can be daunting if you need some encouragement we would love to talk, get in touch. You can reach us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
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