Training ending..well sort of.

Five months ago, I started training to see if it was even reasonable for me to consider doing Sea To Sea. It seemed so overwhelming and I wasn't sure what to expect really but a sore butt, hurting legs, exhaustion and emotional up & downs were probable. I thought it would be tough both physically and emotionally. I was ready to face the questions from others about the sanity and reality of me trying to do this- questions that even I was having about myself. As someone who strives to live in a harsh reality of self-awareness, I was prepared for the worst. What I didn't prepare for was what happened.
Today was the first morning I officially didn't get out and ride. It's time to step off the daily training for a while. I am far beyond what I had ever thought I could do and with just 2 weeks until my leg surgery, it's the right time to stop and reflect. It is appropriate that it is the week before Thanksgiving as the last 5 months has given me much to be thankful for.
1- I am thankful to discover that my body is physically capable of more than I ever expected. I still find it hard to hear myself say out loud that I can bike 50-60kms a day and not be exhausted. The hills that seemed so daunting, that I had to walk sometimes are now, although still challenging, part of my routine and achievable.
2-I am thankful that I overcame not only the doubts of others but my own hesitation about the reality of this task. Maybe I am too quick to accept my limitations.
3-I am thankful for the overwhelming support of my friends. Their encouragement and humour. Their quick response and support. Their enduring love.
4-I am thankful for the encouragement and support of my church family at First CRC. They offer not just their money and time but their blessings and love. When I officially joined last December, several of my friends came to the service. When we were leaving, many commented that they could see why I liked being at this church. I am reminded of that often and am truly grateful that God guided me to this home.

It's time to prepare my body and soul for the task next year. To take some time in gentleness and quiet to heal. For the rest of the year, my focus will be on the fund-raising and community building that is just as important in the preparations as the physical training.

I don't just want to do Sea To Sea, I now know that I can.