Bumps in the road.
Last Saturday, Sue and I headed out into the hills to get some miles in. Now we are into spring, our hikes are getting longer and more challenging. This one was 15 miles and 2500ft of ascent. It was a route we knew well and one we both enjoy. The weather was great, and we were well up for it.
We murdered the first 6 miles. Great pace, we both felt strong and upbeat, and the next 4 continued in the same way. Then, as my Garmin buzzed to tell me we had hit mile 10, things for me took a turn.
A twinge in my back appeared that quickly spread all down my left side, shortly followed by noticing my legs had decided to stop working properly, and my pace plummeted. I was hungry and thirsty, and every step felt like it was the last I could physically take.
I encouraged Sue to keep going as she had the chance to smash the whole walk and get a PB (and she did), and I just had to concentrate on completing the route by any means possible.
The last 5 miles were hard, and eventually, some 30 minutes after Sue, I was at the finish line.
Back in the car on the way home, I was already pondering what I got wrong and scheming a battle plan to ensure a performance like this would never be repeated. It was a mixture of poor fueling, poor hydration and an experiment with fasted cardio that didn't work. On top of that was the fact I had a niggle in my back I chose to ignore. On reflection, it was a collection of poor choices. I messed up, no big deal; next time will be better.
So, what does this have to do with you?
Well, if this same event had happened a few years back, it would have resulted in me kicking off, sulking and vowing never to walk again. I would have been a pain in the arse all the way back home and moody for days. But these days, I handle these things very differently, and that's all learned behaviour.
That learned behaviour has become the framework for my latest online course, "The 12 Habits Program." Everything in that program is stuff I know works, and I have personally used to be happier and healthier in all aspects of my life.
That program goes live on the 1st of April.
Life is never a smooth ride; there are many bumps in the road, and I would like to tell you there is a way to avoid them, but there isn't.
When something does not go to plan, you have two choices:
1:- Sulk, feel bad, look for excuses and finally quit.
or
2:- Evaluate, learn the lessons, work on what needs to be improved and go again.
These days, I always take the second choice and am already looking forward to getting back out next weekend, fully fuelled and hydrated and aiming for an improved performance, and I am confident it will happen.
With the right habits and mindset, bumps in the road might shake you up, but they won't stop you from moving forward. And if you would like to handle the bumps a little better, you should check out The 12 Habits Program.
https://www.garethboot.com/tthp
Take Care
GB