I know I am about a week behind here, but I had to skip
ahead to the letter W in honor of the Warrior Dash I participated in this
weekend. This 5K run/obstacle course was one of the most empowering and
physically demanding challenges I have tried recently. Though it was a
competition, I decided to do this at my own pace. I slogged through mud,
stopped to speak to volunteers at the water stations and obstacles, and
thoroughly took my time to enjoy the scenery. I tried running and even jogging,
but they were not enjoyable in the sense that I felt as if I were missing
things in my surroundings, so I ended up with an almost leisurely walking pace.
I am sure there were competitors trying make the fastest
time or beat their own time. I enjoyed observing others as the crawled up the
climbing wall, some as quickly and sure footed as a cat. The obstacle that
fascinated me was the rope crawl. The purpose was to crawl up a rope and then
cross a large net of rope about 6 or 8 feet above the ground and then down the
other side. I was intrigued by how it was built and wished I could build one in
my back yard.
I suppose I am one of the only participants that did not
care how long it took me to finish this course. The fact that I accomplished it
and enjoyed myself while doing so, it what truly mattered to me. I was reminded
by the Buddhist teachings of being aware of the moment. I enjoyed the foliage,
the view of the river, and even all of the mud. I was not thinking of the end
of the race, but where I was at that very moment. I suppose I will never be a
Warrior Dash winner (I do plan on participating in more), but I am truly okay
with that. I am sure the winners and those that completed this in very little
time, feel as if they have accomplished something in their own way as well but,
I wonder if they had the chance to marvel at the glorious scenery, thank a water
station worker, cheer on someone going slower than themselves, and just be grateful
for being able to be there.
Today, I do feel like a Warrior and a Winner.
No comments:
Post a Comment