Going Up Hill...

   
     When I get an itch, I just have to scratch it and in this case it was the itch to race.  I found one that was not far away and for a decent price so I signed my girls and I up with only a few days until race day.  We arrived at the site and it was pouring rain to find the start was straight up a pretty decent sized hill.  I had ran to the bathroom shortly before the start and missed the directions given regarding the race course.  I made it to line just in time for the gun to go off.  I made it up the hill and then it was a pretty good decent back down.  It then went around and headed right back up the hill.  Just when you thought it was going to taper off you'd turn a corner and find another switchback going up.  I powered through thinking I can make it, only to find when I reached the aid station that I had to do that loop 3 times.  The second time I hit the hill was quite a bit slower and I found myself having to walk more than I ran so I did not die. I was soaked and the trail was getting more muddy by the minute.  By the time I hit it the third time I was smart enough to use my arms and power walk the hill.  Which took the chance of slipping on the mud out and was much easier on my body.  After finishing my last loop it was straight up the hill for a half mile and a very short gradual decent to the finish line.

     This got me thinking about certain trails or problems that you think you made it though only to find out you are dealing with it again. Why does this happen?  Isn't it enough to survive it once?  I came to the conclusion just as that day on the hill loop with each loop up it I learned something different and with each loop I got smarter and stronger.  When we experience a trial more than once it is because we have more learning and growing to do. Perhaps we are not ready for the big chunk all at once and it's the growth that occurs with each step we take.  Giving us what we need each time until we realize the changes that happened. It is then important to recognize the extra growth and strength we have been given because of our multiple trips "up that hill".
      Life can’t always be on a flat surface because we would never grow.  After completing 3 loops of hills I thought I would not make it up the last hill to the finish, but knew I had to.  Not only was it my goal, but the only path to the finish line.  Henry B Eyring said, “If you are on the right path, it will always be uphill."  Set your sights on that path, look upwards, and take those steps.  Each step will bring growth and strength, but most importantly bring you closer to your goal.  During trials don’t be afraid to ask for help, keep moving, believing, loving and doing. Before you realize it you’ll be enjoying the beautiful view from the top of the hill.

XOXO

Tiffanee

Is it Helping or Hurting?

I have a foot injury that likes to rear it’s ugly head every so often.  I’ve found if I can catch it early enough I can prevent the pain from getting full blown.  This morning I woke up to tightness and a little pain, so I thought I’d take quick action and put the compression sleeve on my foot.  Immediately after putting it on I felt relief and comfort. I wore it for a couple hours before putting on my shoes and heading out for a run. Less than a mile into my run the pain came back and continued to get worse with each step.  I began to wonder if it was my shoes or maybe I just needed to break down and get some special insoles. At about 2 miles the pain became so intense I began to think I wasn’t sure if I could make it home. I began to think about how this pain had not been happening all week. I came to the conclusion that the only thing different was the compression sleeve. I hobbled to a bench and removed the sleeve. I put my sock and shoe back on and decided to keep going for a bit just to test it out.  The pain was gone and all I felt was a little tightness.
Sometimes what we think is helping may actually be hurting us. Things might feel so comfortable and a perfect fit at first that we don’t realize when slight pain starts occurring. Once it turns painful we might look for other things that are causing the pain and overlook the true cause because it felt so good at first that we dismiss the fact that it could be the cause. If we don’t figure this out, not only could the pain become unbearable, but could be damaging. This is why we need to really start examining the situation when we first start noticing the discomfort. Look at the things that changed or happened just prior. This is crucial to watch for in life and especially when entering into new relationships. They often can feel so incredible at first that you do not see or feel issues arise or often doubt that it could be the problem. To alleviate pressure, just remind yourself to stay present and open. Listen and stay curious, but pay attention to things that do not feel right and figure out why they feel that way. Most importantly be true to yourself and trust what your gut instinct is telling you.
I am thankful I figured out so quickly what was causing my issue that morning. It definitely saved me from extra pain and possible damage to my foot. Removing the cause took me from thinking I would not make it home to running an additional 6 miles before returning home. My foot was not at 100%, but proof that some times things we think are helping can actually be causing us problems. Life is tough enough without having this type of pain added. Once we figure it out and remove or fix the cause we can continue to move forward in this incredible journey of life!

XOXO

 Tiffanee