Rest comes easily today.
Sleep washes over me.
I am weary, very weary.
I ache in every tiny joint, in every single toe.
I hurt in my knees, hips, calves and my not so happy ankles.
I stand very slowly, tentative as I feel each muscle slowly lengthen and begin to scream out for mercy once more.
I crouch down, shrinking into my pain and I remember how amazing this all is.
I challenged my body and my mind to go beyond their feelings of comfort.
It was my mind that took me way beyond the ever building pain.
It was my body that carried me each incredible step, one after the other, after the other.
The powerful team of mind and body, working and striving to achieve this goal.
I accepted pain would accompany this mission, to walk 50km in 8hours and 20 minutes. Even now this sounds amazing.
This was a huge challenge for me, this is the very first walk I have ever attempted. No kidding I have never even tried 5km before. This was way out of the norm for any of my usual fitness challenges.
This entire journey was possible thanks to my 3 gorgeous friends, my Blister Sisters.
Kylie, Tami and Sam who have all each completed several 50km walks.
They have trained with me, guided me, supported me and at times yesterday I know waited for me.
My gorgeous support crew who came with my supplies and of course much needed hugs and kisses.
There was fun.
There was temptation.
There was my buddy beside me.
The occasional selfie.
All the fun in between.
Then there was this and a tiny sweet tear.
Even though on the outside I appear all scrunched up and tight I can assure you today I am standing tall, proud and strong.
I do feel fabulous, fabulous oh yes fabulous.
Karen the determination you demonstrated and self discipline to continue is very impressive. Thanks to your amazing friends you kept going. The pain will go and be forgotten but that sense of accomplishment and joy of success will remain with you forever. Well done I am so proud of you.
So true, I will draw on this accomplishment many more times in my life.
What an amazing walk! Nothing makes me feel more alive than the feeling in my legs today reminding me of what I accomplished yesterday. There were times when I wanted to slow down but my inspiring team kept me going. Well done blister sisters!!
Sam yes I wanted to slow down too. We did it and we kept up the pace. Thank you for being by my side all day.
See you did it! We all knew you could 🙂 Well done Karen, amazing xox
Lisa thank you I feel so much better than when we spoke Friday.
Well done..a fantastic achievement.. You live yor life wonderfully
What an awesome compliment Maree. Thank you.
Congratulations! I know EXACTLY the kinds of feelings you have, as I have walked OXFAM twice. Your legs are heavy, but your heart is light. Your body is tired, but your spirit is invigorated. You are probably a little disappointed it’s all over, but also relieved that you have made it.
Awesome achievement. But even more important is the mental growth you experience by doing something like this. It really does carry you on to do bigger and better things. It also helps you have a healthy appreciation of your body – what it CAN do, rather than what IT IS NOT.
Enjoy a well-deserved rest, along with the smile on your face 🙂
xx
Nerissa this is incredible, OXFAM twice. Wow. I am considering it one day too. The feeling afterwards is addictive. Congrats to you.
Good for you! What a great experience…and quite an achievement!
Michelle thank you it was an amazing experience