Out in the woods...

This weekend's run was the pits. I met the team at the Redmond water shed at 7am on Saturday. It turned out that only 3 people showed (at least only 3 that were doing the same training, the same course, for the same event). I started out with someone who was much faster than me, just struggling to keep up. It came to the embarrassing point when she wanted to "start running and stop her warm up" and the point when I came to the realization that I had nearly been sprinting to keep up. I guess it is all relative. Anyhow, I ended up on a 5 mile loop, through the woods....... by myself. As I rounded corners, swatted off bees, and thought of all the bears that had recently been spotted in the area, my heart began to race. I hadn't seen anyone in a long time and I became really nervous - when did this trail end? When would I see someone? Did that arrow point left? It kind of pointed right down the middle - which path should I take? Oops, I don't have my cell phone? What if I got hurt? What to do if I did encounter a bear? I had myself so freaked out that I started sprinting as fast as I could to get OUT of the dense woods. So dense they were that when I emerged - I found that the sky was pouring rain and I had no idea. So, I freaked. I've done tons of hikes, trail runs, etc, but none in such a dense area... by myself. So, I couldn't make myself begin another loop... alone in the woods. I gave up and went to Redhook Brewery where I parked my car and began a very lonely (but public) journey down the Burke-Gilman trail. First, one hour towards Woodinville, then a quick water stop at my car, then an hour journey towards Redmond, and back to my car. I felt really defeated but I didn't let myself give up, even if it meant running/walking for two hours all by myself. I've since read about how to scare away bears, bought a clip for my cell phone so I can attach it to my shorts when I run, and chilled out a little. Sometimes, as such a slow participant, it is really easy to feel alone. Sometimes thoughts can be what motivates us. Sometimes they can be the very thing that defeat us. Taking a step back, I realize that it is all about where we choose to place our focus, our energy, and our fear. Should I have let fear defeat me? No. I've taken from this week a very good lesson. On race day, when it is hot and uncomfortable, and lonely - I will not be defeated. One step at a time....

One of my favorite movie quotes:

"What About Bob?" - "I'm baby steppin'. I'm not a slacker. I'm baby-steppin'."