the time is nigh........

 Whilst enjoying a glass of wine with friends and some lighthearted banter, the subject of norms and paradigms came up. How we got there I can't quite remember, but it was interesting to say the least!  I mean.....how does one define normal...?
I guess the answer to that depends on the social paradigm wherein you were raised and spend your life! I was raised by parents who made sure that spare time and weekends were spent exploring, if the road came to an end, and one could drive no further, out came the hiking boots....there was no such thing as not being able to carry on just because the road ended!

The issue of paradigms was highlighted again when a good friend asked how our team training camp had gone.  After getting about a third of the way through the first day, I was asked incredulously, all of this in one day? I looked at him quizzically.....was he being serious? Well, actually, no, I replied! It was about 9:30 in the morning by the time we got there! The reply, when it came, was: 'you're nuts!'

And so, the moment that we girls and 30 odd other teams have been waiting for....is apon us. I won't lie, the thought of it terrifies me somewhat. Having spent the last three weeks practicing a "forced taper and rest" due to being sick, I'm hoping that my mental strength will carry me through those now to be guaranteed Dark moments....you know....when everything hurts so much you just want to GIVE UP!

For me, I have come such a long way mentally, emotionally, spiritually and to a certain degree physically. Ive always loved being outdoors, but it was different.  This said, I do believe that the way I was brought up has certainly helped me develop into the person that I am today.

This is to be my third 500km + adventure. We all come away from these races changed (not only physically......reduction in belt size, with pants hanging down around your ankles!) but you learn so much about yourself, paradigms are tested, they shift and one discovers the strength and will of the human spirit. The test is not against the other teams or competitors, the test is against your own mind, body and soul!

Although I am probably more nervous going into this race than any of my previous adventures, I cannot wait to get out there and spend time with my amazing team mates and I am sure we are going to have the adventure of a life time!  We will smile, we will laugh...we'll no doubt scowl, get grumpy and at times, want to cry!
We'll see views that many others will never get the chance to. It will be a time to reflect on life and the PRIVILEGE we have to live it the way we do!


PRIVILEGE: (noun) a special right given to one person or group