Lessons Learned While Dating My Running Shoes

I usually run one half marathon a year and that feels like one too many, but this year I did something crazy and ended up signing up for 3 half's in a 4 week time period.  I did not mean for it to happen, but it just did. Honestly, it has scared me to death because I wasn't sure I could accomplish it.  I nicknamed it my "Triple Threat".  The company for all 3 races would be fabulous and even though it terrified me I couldn't resist. My training was pretty intense, where I  pushed my body to the limits, felt pain, frustration, exhaustion, but never wanted to give up.  Even after a difficult day I would get back up and do it again.  How is it I am good at doing this physically, but when it comes to emotional issues, the minute it feels a tiny bit uncomfortable, I am outta there.  How is it I can run not one, but three races in a short amount of time, but can't seem to go on more than one date with a guy. I've come up with the conclusion that with this physical challenge is, I control it and do not have to worry about anyone else interfering, it is all in my hands. With the dating challenge comes emotional issues where you have to trust someone else and that is where is becomes scary.  I teased that I was exclusively "dating my running shoes".  I think deep down this gave me the excuse I needed to not date.  Spending time with my running shoes was emotionally safe and really do like them. They fit  my feet perfectly, cushion my every step, are super cute and give me an extra 2 inches of height. What's not to love.  HAHA!!
 Looking back at the this 6 week "dating experience" with my shoes I did learn a few important things:

• It may take a few dates to get comfortable with each other (even if they are super cute).
• Once you get comfortable there will be times of irritation. Take time to adjust and fix it.
• Not all dates are bad, hold out for the the good ones will happen sometimes when you least expect it.
• Even when there are bad ones there is something to be learned and usually a good memory of some sort. Something you can laugh about later.
• You will trip and fall.  You just have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move along.
• There will be pain, frustration and sadness.  However, the joy, smiles, laughter and feeling of accomplishment will far outweigh the negative.
• There will be times of complete exhaustion, where you don't want to do keep going or do it again.  This is key to put yourself out there and keep working at it.
• Take time to breathe and enjoy the little things. 
• It takes time, effort, energy and lots of patience.
• With active dating your heart will get stronger.
• Confidence is crucial.
• It may be scary to put yourself out there. You are courageous and stronger than you imagined. 
• Your goal is attainable you just have to put the work in and most importantly never give up.

 Dating my running shoes was initially a joke, but surprisingly I learned a lot about real dating.
 It has given me confidence that I can do it. I can survive. The pay off is worth the risk (at least I keep telling myself that).

 My "Triple Threat" goal terrified me, however I was willing to take that on.  I put in the work and surpassed what my initial goal was.  I defied what I was told and took time off with each race.  It definitely was not easy and the struggle was real, but I did it.

With this goal completed, maybe it is time I hang up the running shoes..... and take on the real challenge, finding the man that I want to share my life with and that of course begins with putting myself out there and dating.

XOXO

Tiffanee

The Challenge in the Desert

I recently had the opportunity to hike in Arizona with a group of people I really didn’t know.  In fact it was all unfamiliar territory to me.  The dry desert heat, the elevation and three hours of sleep.  I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.  As we started on the trail it quickly became an uphill climb and honestly felt it would never end.  I had to stop a few times to catch my breath, but finally made it to the top.  The view was breathtaking as I had not realized until then how high we had actually climbed.  We took a few pics and then pressed forward now descending down a steep pathway. Once at the bottom it flattened out for awhile.  I figured I had made it through the worst part. Then suddenly the group stopped.  There was a discussion that came to the conclusion it would be best for us to turn around and go back the way we came that continuing on the loop was not a wise decision. This meant I not only would have to climb back up the steep hill but descend the front side of it.  It was not easy.  Sweat kept dripping sunscreen causing my eyes to burn and my lungs were on fire.  I slipped and fell several times going back down the hill because my shoes had no traction in the dirt and rocks.

     In a recent conversation I teasingly told a friend that I loved a good challenge, but is it possible to love the challenge when we are smack dab in the middle of it. This got me thinking.  Challenges do not need to be completed instantly. Just like my hike you sometimes you need to slow down, take breathers, adjust your course of action and most importantly you don't have to do it alone. Others are there to pick you up, dust you off, walk beside you and even carry you for a bit if needed.

The funny thing about this hike is even through all the struggles I enjoyed every minute of it.  I never thought about quitting or even complaining. It was all because I had great support and I listened to my body the same essentials we need to remember during a challenge.

XOXO

Tiffanee