Setbacks Are Gifts

Years ago in my kung fu training I had been told that injuries and setbacks are a gift. I’m not going to lie, at that moment I thought the statement was half cracked and the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for me to not only understand but to completely agree.

Now it’s not that I look forward to or hope for setbacks and injuries, but I have changed my attitude toward them. I have started to accept them to a certain degree, but at the same time not give into them and use them as an excuse to become dormant or give up on my goals. I have learned that most times it is my body telling me something, it tried the more subtle approach but because I didn’t listen, it decided it needed a more aggressive tactic.

I have learned that when circumstances don’t allow you to train in one area, there is an opportunity to work on others. So often we look at, let’s say running for example, and have a too narrow focus of what that training may look like. We see only the Kms we’ve run as being productive and beneficial . I believe we do ourselves a real dis service with this approach. As with anything, there are so many pieces to running and complimenting ones training and preparation that may not even include time on your feet. I have learned the huge huge value of cross training, core work, mental preparation and am now finding myself digging deeper in my research with nutrition and hydration. Let me tell you, there is a science to this stuff, the working of the body is amazing and better understanding it can only better prepare each of us, regardless of our goals.

So why limit and discourage ourselves? Can we not benefit with a more open minded and broader approach? Is there not a multitude of different ways to accomplish any one goal or task? Yes, some may be more efficient or easier, but what works for one will not necessarily work for another. Look deeper and more thoughtfully at your goals. Pick ones that mean something to you personally and have a plan, one that looks at all angles with a broader vision that allows you to look for opportunities in directions you may not have considered. Although you may not wish for setbacks or injuries, prepare yourselves for obstacles, as you will probably encounter your share, as the pursuit of great things does not usually come easily.  As the Yellow Runner said “Celebrate the struggle. Part of the greatest joy you’ll find in the process is realizing just how strong you.”

A New Year, A New Path

In my kung fu training, I have for the most part of 7 years, been a part of a team which required me to blog weekly, all in order to publicly journal my journey in my training. Now with a switch in my training goals, I am no longer required to, but rather am choosing to continue to journal my year. Now I'm not the most excited or best blogger, not even a good one, but despite this I have learnt the value of it. It is a tool that keeps one accountable to oneself and others, it allows a person to express themselves in the good, bad and ugly, all the while leaving a trail of bread crumbs showing successes and failures, all which play a part in the end result. So with all that being said, here I publicly put my plans out there. Even though I am extremely excited, and would feel much more comfortable training silently on a trail in the bush with no witnesses other than the birds and squirrels, making this blog public gives me an added push and motivation.

 

This year I have set my big goal of completing the Canadian Deathrace solo, 125km through the mountains of Grande Cache in 24 hours. This coming August long weekend will be my 8th death race, as I have run both as a team and a solo marathoner for the last 7 years. In these 7 years I have learned more than I could ever put down on paper. I have experienced each one of the 5 legs, some multiple times and feel a little more confident with that knowledge. I know once I hit the teepees on leg one I'm almost at the first transition. I have learned that the power line on leg two is not my friend. I have been given instructions as to where to clap my hands on leg three to scare away the bear (like clapping is going to work 🙄). I have the last tree picked before the switchbacks start up mount Hammel where I can still pee with a little bit of privacy.  Last but not least leg five, the stretch that has a ridge that gave me the most beautiful view of stars in the sky with the silhouette of mountains around and the fresh smell after a rain.

 

Each year I have walked away with adventures that truly touch my heart and mean so much to me. I have been fortunate to witness family and friends strike out on this solo feat and have been inspired to up my challenge this year and see just how far I can push both mind and body, all the while enjoying and experiences each moment for the gift it is.

 

It is too easy to say “someday I’m going to…” or “before I’m 50 I will…”, when all too often these hopes and dreams never amount to anything and leave a person saying later on in life “I wish I would have…”  So here I go with a challenge which I know is going to push me in more ways than I can comprehend at this point. I know this will be difficult and know that there is really no way to prepare for absolutely every detail, as weather, animals, injury etc etc may change in a heartbeat, but I do believe that I can do my best to go into this race as trained mentally and physically as possible with back up plans and support that will be my saving grace if or when things go a little off course.

I am grateful that at this point in my life I am still capable, driven and have a support system that will help me because the truth is, challenges like this are never done 100% on one’s own. Life can change in a heartbeat so stop putting things off, strap on the shoes and hit the trail; it’s a mystery as to where it can all take you.

 

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt”

John Muir

 Alana Regier

 

A Little Sunshine

“Those that bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves”

James M Barrie

‘If you only want to shine light on one spot you may want to pull out a flashlight. But if the sun lights something up, its light shines on everything in its vicinity. When we bring sunshine to the life of others, it shines on us as well’

As Random Acts of Kindness day approaches, this excerpt was in my morning reading. How true it is! In a world that tells us repeatedly to be selfish and take care of ourselves and our needs above all else, it can be hard to remember that there is great reward found in helping others around us.  I believe it is impossible to do something kind for another and not feel a ray of sunshine lighting up your own life. ‘As we focus our time and energy on others, our lives become transformed internally.’ Every act of kindness shows love.  What good is love if we keep it to ourselves? What are we storing up kindness for in a world that so desperately needs it?  As Paul Brandt sings ‘Give it Away.’  Although we shouldn’t need or wait for a day designated for random acts of kindness, it is a day where we can spread a little extra and make others around us aware of the difference we are all capable of making by simply spreading kindness and showing a little love.  It will truly make your heart happy!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PKlgK5dKeTQ

Alana Regier

I'm Batman

As I get older I see things differently than I did in my youth. Although youth offers the benefits of lasting energy, long term hopes and dreams, the feeling of having all the time in the world, believing we are invincible etc etc…, age and experience has given me gifts of a different kind. I am learning more patience, acceptance, need and benefits of modification, different more meaningful purpose, appreciation, value, priority shift, learning where I belong and a better idea of where I want to be, and these are just to name a few. 

Perspective for each of us varies. Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something completely different, walk away with an entirely different experience and be led in directions that vary. Life’s experiences, circumstances and the general make up of a person alter what and how one sees things. Although we may have our own personal reasons for seeing things the way we do, we also have a choice as to the eyes we see it through.  It may not always be easy; however, there is usually some way, somehow to put a positive spin on every experience, if we choose to.

The truth is, we limit our possibilities if we allow our perspective to be skewed in a negative direction. The reality is that things are never all rainbows and unicorns, but there is always something to be grateful for, and a positive perspective to be found, we just need to be open, aware and acknowledge it. Some may look at this idea as being ‘fake’, but I would have to disagree. I believe it’s making a conscious choice to look at the moment, the circumstance or the person and view it as an opportunity to change things in a positive direction. If we choose to dwell on and continue to feed a cycle of negative and ugly ideas, feelings and behaviours, nothing will ever change. Take the negative, learn from it and change it, making something good come out of it. Positivity is contagious but so is negativity!

Alana Regier

 

alana.regier@blogspot.com

Year of the Dog in Review

Its -22 outside, -30 with the windchill and yet I still find myself bundling up in layers to take my four legged, furry family member out for her morning walk. How is it that this ball of fur who cannot talk using words, speaks so loud and clear with just a look and a wag of her tail?  This may seem like a goofy thought; however, it got me thinking about quiet communication.  One of the greatest lessons I have learnt this past year is the value of and the necessity to listen to the quiet subtle messages, lessons and directions.  It may be the crying of body parts to rest, or the longing of a relationship requiring attention or maybe the heart being pulled in a direction that is opposite from the one you have travelled for so long. Whatever the message is, it should not be ignored as it usually has a way of becoming much louder and in a more determined form.

To say my year was one of roller coasters with crash and burns along the way is somewhat an understatement. I think it’s safe to say that my last two years has seen more changes in all areas of my life than the entire 10 years before it. I haven’t always handled it well or with much grace and have questioned my sanity and my direction many times along the way. So what can I say of the year of the dog?  Honestly I’m glad you are over. Now please don’t get me wrong, although trying, it was a year that gave a lot of realization and clarity.  I have been confronted with more uncomfortable, painful and frustrating moments than I would care to.  I can’t help but wonder that perhaps these were all moments that had been coming for quite some time but because they were more subtle they were easier to push aside.

We live in a very loud world with a multitude of things competing for our attention, money and time. It can be very distracting and easily lead a person off the course of where they truly NEED to be. This leads me to a much different place than I envisioned myself at this point. I have found myself listening to the soft quiet voices of my heart that are gently pointing me in a different direction. This change of direction may not be understood by others and may not even be fully understood by my own mind at this point, but I believe my body and heart know better than my confused and doubting mind.  So although I am glad the year of the dog has come to an end, I am in a weird way grateful for it. It has led me and helped prepare me for the changes 2019 is bringing.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

She is eager and ready to go, I am not!

The place I would rather be, Grande Cache in the summer, no layers required!

 

 

The Journey

A journey is defined as ‘an act of travelling from one place to another.’

Each journey is made up of pieces. It encompasses so many little details, that when you put them all together, make a beautiful picture. If you take the time and look closely at a success you have experienced, and dissect the journey little by little, you will surprise yourself. Every detail, no matter how minute they may seem, has contributed in some way to how your journey has turned out, each piece playing a part.  In picking apart these little pieces, you can learn so much about yourself and what you are capable of.  You may learn that you are strong when you think you are weak. You may learn you are confident when you feel little. You may learn you are loved when you feel alone.  You may learn you inspire when you think your presence doesn’t make a difference.  You may learn where you belong when you feel lost.

In every moment of doubt, weakness and frustration, one only has to look back at past journeys to confirm that you got what it takes and if you pursue it with gusto and truly see, acknowledge and appreciate each part; your result will be success.  It may not be the success you planned, however, a success it will be!

Alana Regier

http:/alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

Once upon a time, a long time ago...

Yesterday I ran across this picture of my first day of Kung Fu. Looking at how the height difference between Kayden and I has reversed itself, tells me it’s been a while.

 

Like many others, I started as the mom and wife on the sidelines. One whispered ‘that looks like fun’ had my husband placing a uniform in my hands saying ‘you start on Monday.’ It was a cold weekend in our home.  However, what was a bit of an unconventional start began a journey that lasted a distance with many valleys, long climbs, and downhills out of control along with mountain tops that would take my breath away. As I look at this photo I remember very clearly what it was about Kung Fu and more specifically Silent River that caught my interest and continued to bring me back through the doors every class.  What I remember standing out was the respect, humility, hard work and compassion I saw being taught and practiced.  I saw Silent River as a school that placed value and instilled qualities that I held high and ones that complimented what I believed and tried to practice in my own life. These are the qualities that still today I believe build men and women of character and integrity, something lacking in so many these days.

I have learned so many lessons in the last 12 years, been given opportunities to grow and contribute to the community and world I live, and I am thankful for each one. I know that the last 12 years have helped reinforce that what I put into something will determine what I get out. If I invest little or nothing, I can’t rightfully expect much in return. I have gained a confidence to try things that at an earlier time I allowed fear to hold me back from. I have been inspired and motivated to push and pursue. I have built meaningful relationships while sharing sweat and tears and even blood with some wonderful people. So for all of these moments and memories I am very grateful.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca