The Journey of 100 Miles

It's somewhere around 4:00 am in the middle of nowhere Utah. The October cool embraces us as we exit our nice warm sleeping bags which beg us to stay in them just a bit longer. A fire has been built to warm ourselves as we eat oatmeal and drink hot chocolate. I drink the cocoa both for warmth and flavor but also as an aid to clear my system, knowing for the next 100 miles it was only sagebrush that would aid me in taking cover.

I eat the food my team has thoughtfully prepared and then finish getting dressed. Lubing each toe to stave off blisters, tying my shoes to the proper snuggness, attaching my gators to keep out rocks and dirt, slipping my water bottle on my hand and sharing final hugs with my amazing crew. One last stop at the bathroom tent and then...the horn blows.

I am off into the morning darkness on my first 100 mile journey. I was both excited and nervous as I took those first steps into the cool morning with those who would share this journey with me. I had no idea what I was in for except for the times I had crewed others on similar treks. I knew that the gamut of things I could experience was vast and I had no real idea of what I would face or how I would respond. Even knowing this, I was ready to face the road ahead and welcome the growth.

I experienced heat that threatened to bake my skin, cold that made my muscles not want to fire, exhaustion, giddiness, loose bowels, not able to eat or wanting too, tired and sore feet & muscles, met amazing people and beautiful scenery. I had an amazing crew of 4 girls who took care of my needs every step of the way. Other crews watched out for us as well. The bond amongst runners and crews was a beautiful and uplifting thing to experience. The littlest of things could bring such joy or even despair.

I had highs that felt amazing and like I was on top of the world. I had some low, lows where I wondered if the night would ever end and the finish line reveal itself. Never-the-less, I kept moving my
feet, one foot in front of the other, sometimes holding the arm or shoulder of a crew member to set a faster pace I could follow. With each step I experienced the cycles of the earth...sunrise, high noon, sunset and sunrise again. It's awe inspiring what you can experience in this short but yet forever long amount of time.

The finish line tasted so sweet as I met my crying crew who embraced me at the end of this amazing journey and I looked back, somewhat in disbelief, that I had just run 100 miles! My life was forever changed as was that of my crew.

There is so much more to this story that makes it so amazing and would be fun to share, however, we'll end it here and get to the point. As we move into this new year and you have set your goals:
* I encourage you to surround yourself with a team of people who will support and see you through the tough times that will  inevitably rear their ugly heads and celebrate each small success and step forward.
* Look for those who not only support you but also others who share a similar path, the solidarity builds strength and boosts attitude.
* Prepare for the road ahead and have what will be necessary but know how to flow when things don't go as planned.
* Relish the high moments and know the tough ones will pass.
* Know that recovery can take place on the go and allow yourself to slow down your pace and refuel as you keep moving.
*Sometimes you will have to stop for a longer rest, be courageous enough to do so and take care of yourself.
*Know that at moments the night will seem like it will never end but know the morning Will come.
*The finish line is waiting, whatever that may be for you, keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will cross it.
*Remember to look back once in a while and see how far you've come and take note of your experience.

Most of all remember: Life is a Journey Not a Destination! Learn from each step a know that the person who crosses the finish line will not be the same person who toed the starting line.

If you would like assistance with your fitness goals you can contact the trainers at HFA.
If you find yourself feeling stuck or desiring assistance, look me up and allow me to assist you in overcoming obstacles and creating your successes.

Until next time,
Go BE Great!

Jennifer Saunders
Health and Fitness Academy Personal Trainer
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