Every morning I kick my own ass and walk out the door for a fast 20 minute walk up the hill to CRC and back. I do it again in the evening, sometimes in total darkness or by the light of the moon.
I just do it.
The best part of the walk is usually at the end when I can say, I did it! But, I also really enjoy the view of Tunstall Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and the mountains from a high vantage point as I move.
Often I have ibuds in my ears, and listen to music, or an audio book when I walk.
Right now I have the book by Chris Hadfield, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth. I love it and him!
Chris Hadfield is one cool dude! He gives all those positive attitude speakers in the world a run for the money. He is a realist that speaks in my language of training. Training to train. Training to be ready for…whatever may or may not happen. His advice is be ready so that whatever happens we don’t get all freaked out, but are instead ready to deal.
So, this morning I’m walking my usual route after a bit of self talk to “just do it.†And I’m listening to Chris Hadfield talk about dealing with challenges and set backs and I’m determined to keep going.
When I stop. In the middle of the road is a big dog barking at me. No owner, no leash, big dog, big bark.
Now, I’m listening to Chris Hadfield talk about his space training. How because of all his training, his heart rate doesn’t even rise one beat faster when a warning bell is sounded. Because of his training, he knows what steps to take and perseveres.
At first I thought I could deal with the dog. But then – I realized I’m okay, my heart rate didn’t even rise. I changed my plans. This dog can have the road. I turned around and walked a different route this morning.
After all, I’m not training for anything in particular these days. I just train to be ready.
wow! On a deserted country road I once had a loose and ownerless pit-bull crouch in the ditch and wait for me to approach. His intention was to pounce and attack me, he was wiggling in anticipation. I thought this was it, I was alone and away out of ear shot, there was just me and this big dog. There were no options to out run or defend myself from this dog. So as he he RAN at me, I Relaxed and got in Peng position and stood my ground, grounding myself expecting the worst. As he got closer, his demeanor changed as he leaped up on me. I Acted as if he was just playing and firmly told him to sit down (which he did not do). But he didn’t hurt me and it really felt like because I was not showing fear and not running,I changed the game and thank the stars, he played along. We walked the rest of way down the road and back again together and at the end we had become such good friends, I had to firmly tell him to go home and not follow me. I think my Tai Chi studies saved my life, I really do. Loved your story!