Do you know that feeling when you go in to something with low expectations, a little anxious, worried and you totally surprise yourself? Well I truly wish if you haven’t, that you do!
Surprise yourself every day with your own courage.
Denholm Elliot
The most delightful surprise in life is to suddenly recognize your own worth.
Maxwell Maltz
The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but they seize us.
Ashley Montagu
I believe that Ashley, Mazwell, and Denholm must have been on my Night Trail Hike/Run! My hiking buddy and I decided to do another Night trail hike/run this weekend and we just happened to pick a night with humidity and heat. I was dripping sweat down both my forearms before we got to the trailhead a little before 5:00 AM and grateful for the water I brought. Breathing always feels more of a struggle when I am overheated, so this hike up felt more difficult but good. I did notice about mid way thru that I was not as anxious as the first Night Hike, much more confident and a little chatty. We talked about our upcoming Joshua Tree Night Hike 1/2 Marathon in November and our plan to get a look at the route over the next month. Also I was thinking thru my next 6 months training regimen that will prepare me for my first Ultra, and after that just not thinking, just enjoying my surroundings.
The beauty of the desert. 
Smiling like a fool to myself!
Yea.. I surprised myself but is it more than that. That feeling fed my momentum. It is not easy to create momentum and unless momentum continues resistance can set in and destroy the progress you have made. When you gather momentum, you simply ride the ride, you take on the bumps as they come and you move forward until you reach the goal. This feeling makes me feel unstoppable and I wish it for you.
Exercise for the week- 1 day weights, 12 miles, night hike.
Meal Prep- Overnight Oats w/ apples, Israeli couscous with tomatoes, Chicken Enchiladas in Green Sauce.
Simple & quick to prepare- Roll shredded chicken and cheese in a flout tortilla, cover with green enchilada sauce add red onion & tomatoes, top with cheese and bake for 25 min at 350 degrees
Have a Happy and Healthy Week!
Making The Effort... 