To say that I’m starting to get anxious about what’s to come over the next week, would be an understatement. I always look forward to returning to the mountains but with being this close to reaching my goal, the excitement is building.
Physically Paula and I will be hiking 45-50 miles this weekend. We are leaving Saturday afternoon and won’t be back until late Tuesday night. We are hiking the three mountains we had originally set out to do PLUS the two that we missed last weekend because of the rain. This will be the most consecutive days that I’ve hiked and although I know my legs will grow tired with each day passing and my feet will ache after each mile, I’ll continue to move forward. Sometimes when my head convinces my body that it’s exhausted, I start to slow a little. But then I realize that exhausted doesn’t mean finished and that I’ve got to give it all I’ve got until I see camp or the car. I don’t know if Paula appreciates these sudden bursts of energy but I know that we are both physically capable of reaching the five peaks that are calling our names. And loudly at that.
Emotionally I’m going to be “crossing the finish line.” Although there is no time limit for completing the Adirondack 46, this is a goal I’ll be finishing after working on for over a good year now. I’ve reached summits in the past with tears welling up in my eyes, I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like knowing that this bucket list item will be complete. My emotions have changed a lot over this past year toward the mountains- only for the better. There were days that I was on top of the world, doubting myself, and also feeling guilty for taking so much time to dedicate toward myself (and not spending the weekends with the beau or family). But that time spent in the woods only made me a better person for my return.
I know that the date is still up in the air because of the weather, but I am a little sad knowing that the beau most likely won’t be there in the parking lot to see my return. I’m sad that he or any of my family members won’t be able to see my face on the summit and help me celebrate. It’s not like a marathon where family members can cheer you on during that last .2 miles of the race. Emotionally I have to be proud of myself and not rely on others to tell me how proud they are of me. Buuuuut they better be ready for high-fives all around when I see them next.
Mentally I’m telling myself that this weekend and following trip is going to be amazing. That my body is strong and any doubt that may arise is due to fear. I’ve been afraid many times in the Adirondacks (not a big fan of heights) but remind myself that I should do one thing a day that scares me. Oh, and do it safely.
That’s me in a nutshell these past couple of days! I’ve got a long night of laundry and list making tonight, and a longer night of shopping for last minute food items and packing tomorrow night after work. My feelings are mixed, almost like I’m preparing for a marathon but also in the middle of the race with a few miles to go. Does that make sense? I hope so!
Are any of you preparing for a big race? Or maybe crossing off a Bucket List item like I am?