While I may never appear in an Olympic Games event, I have had an Olympic moment.
In the early 90’s before Ed and I married, I coerced him to ride with me in the MS 150, a fundraising bike ride for Multiple Sclerosis that traverses the countryside between Houston to Austin, over two days. We both regularly work out, yet riding for two days and covering approximately 180 miles requires more fitness than just hopping on the exercise bike for 30 minutes at the gym. It’s also a good idea that your rear-end get accustomed to that little seat before you sit on it for two days straight!
We trained at least once each weekend with a long ride outside the city limits. Our longest training ride was 60 miles, so we knew we would be relying on reserves and natural athleticism to get us through the first day of approximately 90 miles.
As we made our way through the first day, I became acutely tuned to the needs of my body. Rest stops with food and drinks were available every 10 to 15 miles. As my body began to be challenged by the physical exertion, it would tell me what I needed at each stop. Sometimes it was water only. Other times it was a banana or a sports drink. Other times it requested an energy bar or graham crackers with peanut butter. We finished the day, tired but not overly so.
The second day of riding is the biggest challenge for most Houstonians as the route takes you through Bastrop National Park, full of hills. We have no hills in Houston unless you consider an overpass a suitable substitute. I say there is no comparison of an overpass to a hill in Bastrop State Park! As we struggled up the hills, my body so wanted to stop. My mind and my pride wouldn’t let that happen. After all, I had been the one to challenge Ed.
We made it through the hills, never once getting off to push. As I crossed the finish line in Austin, it was truly an Olympic moment for me. I had set a goal, prepared and trained and accomplished what I had set out to do. It was incredible! Not only did I prove something to myself, I learned a hugely valuable lesson. When significantly challenged, my body is entirely capable and if I tune in to it, I will know exactly what it needs to perform. The more we can challenge ourselves and push our perceived limits, the more we can grow and reach higher heights. It doesn’t come through wishful thinking or hope, but from actually testing the limits. What can you do?
Challenge yourself by exploring the possibilities of working with a virtual financial planner. Register for the upcoming interview with Naomi Scrivener to learn more.