Lessons Along The Way

Along each journey there are a number of lessons and opportunities however it is dependent on the attitude and perspective of the person that determines what they walk away with. A bad attitude leads to a distorted perspective which leads to a diminished value of the journey.

This past weekend I had the privilege of witnessing our oldest son go after a goal he had set almost a year ago.  I watched him hit the submit button last November and saw his dedication, hard work and consistency only grow as the day approached.  His goal, actually one of a few, was to complete his first 100 miler in the Sinister 7 race in the Crowsnest pass.  Anyone familiar with this race will know it's not for the faint of heart especially when done solo. He may not have made it to the end of this gruelling 100 miles in 30 hours THIS TIME, but he learned many valuable lessons in the 90km and over 15 hrs he was trudging those mountains, rocks and roots.         

In the year preparing for this past Saturday as well as the day itself, Brandon learned lessons larger than expected. He learned the meaning of progressing wisely after an injury in May. He learnt adaptation, modification and patience in trying to heal and at the same time move in a forward direction. He learnt more about his body, what it needed and when it had had enough. He was given a gift with the opportunity to run and chat with some fellow racers that he has followed , admired and respected for quite some time. All these pieces and more made his journey one worth every ache, pain and lost toenail.     

I am completely inspired and proud at what he did accomplish but what stood out the most this race was the attitude he walked away with. Of course he would have rather been toting around the belt buckle Sunday afternoon, but seeing him make the tough but wise decision as to when he thought his body had been pushed enough, was something new for a young man who is determined, stubborn (a quality probably from his dad) and at this age where he is invincible, makes me so incredibly confident that he will continue to accomplish remarkable and extraordinary things in his life. Not only did he make the call on his own, but he did so with peace and a smile and a kind word of thanks to everyone who was a part of his journey from the volunteers handing out meatballs, the strangers ringing cowbells and to the crew that washed feet, rolled out muscles and changed up bladders and packs. He walked away with no regrets and a heart full of gratitude and to see that only makes me all the prouder. He will be back I have no doubts and I will be there to wash feet, ring bells and push him back in the bush. He has big plans and I will be grateful for every one I am able to be a part of. 

If a person stays aware and in the moment along the way to a goal I believe this is where true success is found.  You can plan, prepare and commit and yet the outcome is still unpredictable.  I can say without any hesitation this was one of the best weekends I've had in a while filled with moments I will never forget! 

Alana Regier