Fresh Start Monday: #041: The overcoming obstacles muscle
On Saturday, I planned to run/walk the Boulder Skyline Traverse. It's a difficult, iconic trail as you hike to each of Boulder's five peaks in one day over roughly 18 miles and 6,000ft of elevation.
I drove to the South Mesa trailhead Saturday at 7:30 am. Parking lot full. I drove across the street to the Doudy Draw trailhead. Parking lot full. I circled until I decided to go to another trailhead 1.5ish miles away.
Suddenly, tons of doubt crept into my mind. I've hiked this distance before, but this is my first time trying to run across this mileage. My running vest only had the bare minimum to complete this day.
Should I just do this another day? Is this a sign? Is it too late in the day to start now? Is it too hot to do this? Do I have enough food/water?
Physically 1.5 miles is not overwhelming, but it wreaked havoc on me mentally.
When we decide to make a difficult decision such as a career pivot, starting a business or side hustle, or ending a relationship, we lose control of what happens on the other side.
Our decisions take us in many directions and bring unforeseen obstacles, which only helps us question ourselves further.
Let's say we go on a short 5-mile hike. We've done a similar distance many times. We have a good idea of how many snacks and water we need, and what pace we usually hike. The weather plays a role, but it's a short window.
It's similar to the career path you've probably taken so far in your life. If you've worked in an office you know what each day typically looks like. You know what your output looks like. You know how much money you'll most likely make over the next year.
Now compare the 5-mile hike to the 18-mile run/walk I did today. Or a longer hike in a different terrain, altitude, or multi-day hike.
I had no idea how long this would take me. The range for a longer trail varies wildly, and I didn't know the pace I could sustain. When running, it's a more intricate balance between snacks/water and the weight you're carrying.
The morning was beautiful, but thunderstorms in the forecast from 2 - 6 pm. Should I pack a rain jacket or some layers?
A 30min late start further complicated everything.
It's similar to the unconventional career path with no clear linear path forward.
I've been preparing for the previous few weeks, but I probably needed another month of training to be ready for this adventure.
But I'd probably say the same thing in a month.
When faced with a major change in our life or an opportunity to do something different, you can't prepare for every variable or obstacle.
I'm reminded of Mike Tyson's quote,
"Everyone has a plan until they got punched in the mouth."
You should make plans, but train your resiliency and ability to adapt for when you inevitably get punched in the mouth. Far too often, we fear the punch but never train to take it.
For me, it's always been through physical challenges and going on adventures. It's been one of the greatest teachers in my life.
“It's not an adventure until something goes wrong.” -Yvon Chouinard
A question for you to reflect on this week:
How are you training your overcoming obstacles muscle?
I finished the Boulder Skyline Traverse!! In total, 19.75 miles and 6161 ft of elevation gain! It was a gorgeous day, and I beat the rain. I saw my first snake in Colorado. I saw several other people doing the same trail, with one woman doing it with her dog! Some pictures:
