Getting outside your comfort zones is a big motto for the black sheep. You'll never advance in life if you don't step outside that which you do every day, seems simple but when all is said and done it really is that simple. Just as with all forms of training physical and mental pushing your boundaries a little will result in your body or mind adapting to this new stimulus. Keep pushing and you'll keep growing.
I've found that signing up for my next event helps keep my mind focused on the next thing and that in turn helps keep me focused on my training and the future in general.
With that in mind I signed up for an event called Endure24 which consists of a 5mile trail loop, the object being to do as many laps as possible in the 24hours. I've done the event before as part of a team of four but this time I decided to go solo. This year's Leeds eventtook place on the 29th and 30th of June (that mad hot 30+°C weekend). I had already decided I'd take my 35lb bergen and go for a long walk/Tab but to run in that heat with the weight I needed to be careful and sensible, two things that don't always come easily to me. The heat soon took everyone out of their comfort zones and made a tough day even tougher. In the end after 8hours on the move and 30miles done in that heat I'd call it a day. Having never done a marathon I was happy to of passed that mark and made it into ultra runners territory (with the weight also)!
On to the next chapter.
I bumped into an event on Facebook called "The Hathersage Hilly Triathlon" and as i was reading it said....a perfect triathlon for the novice, no pressure, no time limits and a fun day out. Sounded good to me so i signed up even though I've not been in the swimming pool for two years and I'd have to borrow my brothers bike!
I registered the night before, picking up my race numbers, bike and helmet stickers and swim cap. No sooner had I done that the nerves kicked in. Normally the running/tabbing events I do just require you to register, pick up your race number and get to the start line on time but with a triathlon event everything in trebled, three event with three lots of rules and regulations (lots more for me to think about and worry about).
If nerves are something that stops you from stepping outside your comfort zones don't let them get the better of you. I needn't of worried about anything as with almost all events out there the organisers had thought of everything for you and it all went smoothly. All I needed to do was get to the start line and put some effort in and enjoy it!
It was a great event and a lot of fun, including the big hill I had to ride up (2 miles of it)!
If I had a bucket list that would of been another one ticked off. I don't have a bucket list because it's an ever present thought in my mind to do the things that interest me, keep adding to my memory bank and enjoy being alive. If I could recommend anything to you it would be that. Step outside your comfort zones, create memories and add some richness to the tapestry of your life, you only have one so don't waste it!
For me it's on to the next one, The Gritstone Grind. A 35 mile trail ultra marathon. Seems fun especially for someone like me who doesn't like running. It'll be an interesting experience and that's what life's about after all.
#getoutside #forgetyourcomfortzones
#makememories and #beablacksheep