That’s hard isn’t it? Walking into the wind. One time, many years ago I visited New England. I had just lost my 150 pounds, and was looking forward to walking/running in a new place. The flight up the coast was uneventful this time, unlike the year before where I seriously doubted the seat belt would buckle. This time I settled into the tiny airplane seat, and aside from the constant feeling of imminent death, the flight was good!
Once I arrived in Vermont, I settled in and asked my hosts where a good place to walk/run would be. It was nighttime, but they willingly took me in their car, and traced out a 5 mile route. Five miles was a bit more than I was used to, but I knew I could do it. The next morning, I woke up early, put on my shoes, and headed down their street. The first part of the route was flat – winding along the small country town where they lived. The route made a 90 degree turn at about the 2 mile marker, and the hill came. The wind was blowing hard, as it often does in New England, and I struggled to continue my pace up the huge hill. Breathing hard, I worked, and worked. I eventually alternated running a few steps with walking a few steps, until I finally made it up the biggest hill I had ever seen in my life. (Remember, I was from Florida!)
Right before I reached the crest of the hill I stopped, put my hands on my thighs and breathed hard. After a few seconds of rest, I stood up. I thought to myself, “Man, that wind is a killer. I think I’m going to find a different route for tomorrow’s exercise.” I gathered up my stamina, and pushed over the last bit of the hill. Once I reached the top, the most amazing sight met my eyes. In the distance was the lake, and beyond that the mountains. The sun was rising behind me, and it was literally the most spectacular sight I had ever seen. It was almost as if I felt the hand of God on me.
I jogged down the hill, all the time marvelling at the gorgeous view, and amazing scenery. All at once it came to me. I struggled up that hill, ready to quit at every other step, not knowing what was ahead. Once I got to the top, the feeling of serenity and peace pushed away all the effort it took to get to the top.
A journey to health is much like my New England run. You run, and walk, and push, and pull; sometimes not being able to see what lies at the top of the hill. But when you get there, the rewards both emotionally and physically will be amazing. No matter if you have 10 pounds to lose, or 100 pounds to lose, the rewards of successful weight loss are many.
I wish I had a picture beautiful enough to show you that would describe the feeling I get when I remember the rewards weight loss has brought to my life. You may sometimes feel like you are walking into the wind - just don’t forget the beauty that lies just over the hill. Diane
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Beautiful post, Diane! And so true!
My most memorable workout was in gale-force wind… And yes, it was incredible!
Hanlie´s last blog ..Life in the Raw
Hanlie – Gale force wind! Wow! I can see where that would be incredible.
Diane, I’ve been reading for a while, but hadn’t commented. I couldn’t resist on this one. This was beautiful, both the post itself and the truth behind the words. It rejuvenates me all over again.
Monica, Thank you so much for commenting on this post. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It is one of those memories I hope never fades.
Wonderful post – thank you
A Girl Running´s last blog ..TIME TO GO
Running Girl – I’m glad to see that you are back from your trip! I hope you had a good time.
Like the others.. an awesome post & oh so true! IT may be tough while you are doing it BUT the rewards are plentiful! Like you, when I am lucky enough to get to the big island of Hawaii, I have a route that takes me straight up to a view that is beyond breath taking!!!!! Even with the winds or not, the reward is amazing!
Jody – I would love to go to Hawaii someday. Actually I’d love to go west of the Mississippi – maybe someday! I’ll bet that Hawaii view is amazing.
Excellent, excellent post Diane! Thanks for sharing with us…just what I needed to hold my resolve on the day before weigh day!
Tammy Ortagus´s last blog ..The Big Reward
Tammy – I’m glad you liked it. Don’t lose your resolve. Thanks so much for the nice comment!
And what you think is almost-too-difficult today becomes doable tomorrow becomes almost-too-easy the next day. That is the true magic of exercise…
Jack Sh*t, Gettin’ Fit´s last blog ..Born to be Wide
Jack – Exercise is magic isn’t it? I resisted it mightly every time I tried to lose weight until the last time. It really makes a big difference.
Wonderful post. I just might have to print this one out and read it from time to time to remind me of the joys that lie ahead when I reach my goal.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
Leah´s last blog ..The Right Tools
Leah – I hope I never forget the experience I had that day. I’m sure there will be many more like it for all of us!
OMG this is beautiful and wonderful to hear! For multiple reasons… one of which is – I’m going to Vermont for three months! I can’t wait! It’s so pretty and hilly and I will be in excellent shape after that, hehe.
Mary – You will love exercising in Vermont. It’s one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen. Except I don’t think I’d like it in the winter – too cold!
I love this post! Mostly because I have a very similar experience on my current bike route. My fellow cyclist boyfriend always calls my route boring. But I love it for this huge hill I climb at the end, and the goreous river view I’m met with at the top! Always makes the whole ride worth it at the end
Love your story! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Susan´s last blog ..Rolling rest days
Susan – That bike route sounds hard! But it also sounds absolutely wonderful! Thank you for coming by!
Wow! I think we were all on the same wavelength this month! I wrote about riding my bicycle uphill and praying for all downhills, until I realized that it’s the uphills that make you stronger.
I love your eloquent take on the subject, and am even more motivated for my beach bike ride this Saturday. Why? Because the second leg will be, (you guessed it), INTO THE HEADWINDS! Rather than complaining about my runny nose and heavy breathing, I pull a page out of your book and look forward to enjoying the crashing waves, brilliant sun and gorgeous southern California coastline.
Seriously, your timing couldn’t have been any better!
Cari (aka Gastric Bypass Barbie)´s last blog ..Weight Regain After WLS?
Cari,
Enjoy your beach ride. I’ve never ridden a bike on the beach before, but I bet it would be wonderful! I looked at your website – amazing transformation! I also appreciated your comment on my gastric bypass surgery post! Have a great evening.
Thank you Diane for the reminder of the results of hard work. Sometimes I feel like “will it ever pay off” and yes it will. (I have to remind myself of that!) There are so many days that I don’t want to walk and I keep pushing and I do see and feel the results! Thanks!
Tresa, Yes – the hard work will pay off. It’s really good to remind yourself of that, because if you don’t it can be easy to get discouraged! Thank you very much for the comment!
It is SO worth it. Life is so exhilarating!
Sagan´s last blog ..Product Review: Glee Gum
Hi Diane:
Actually, it’s more *by* the beach, than *on* the beach
There is actually a bike/walking path that meanders its way down the coastline, but the speed limit is a measly 10 MPH — unless there are pedestrians (and when *aren’t* there?) — in which case, it is 5 MPH. Clearly, this area is better suited to the “beach cruiser” crowd.
We ride on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) — you know, out with the cars! There is a (mostly) wide bike lane there and the speed limit is….50! (lol) My hubby and I made a 30 mile ride awhile back, but tomorrow will be a tad more leisurely (I think), as we’ll be spending the entire day at the beach and I don’t want to have to “nap” after the journey! That would just be wrong…unless it was face down on a beach towel…but I digress.
Anyway, I have told my other GB-Peeps about your site and they are all enthusiastically monitoring you. No pressure (ha ha).
Cari (aka Gastric Bypass Barbie)´s last blog ..Weight Regain After WLS?
PS — I forgot to thank you for the kind words on my transformation. I still cringe when I see the “old” me, but I think that is part of my “scared straight” plan (ha ha). Why would I ever want to look that haggard and tubby again, right?
Cari (aka Gastric Bypass Barbie)´s last blog ..Weight Regain After WLS?
I actually love the wind in northern Wisconsin because it keeps me cool while I work out. It is like having your own personal fan – it can’t get much better that! And since I am not sweaty, I do not feel like I am working out but rather just hanging out with friends.