This week: a trail run, a scraped knee, and some observations about what happens when getting back into something doesnāt feel quite how we expected.
And donāt miss the note at the end: re: a summer hiatus āļø
š½ The Main Course: Bloody Knees & Other Evidence
A few weeks ago I decided to go for a trail run. This is less impressive than it sounds. Years ago I used to trail run fairly regularly. Lately, not so much.
But Iāve been slowly getting back into triathlon training and thoughtā¦ Sure. Letās do this.
So I laced up and headed out on a beautiful sunny day.
Within a surprisingly short amount of time, I caught a toe, hit the dirt, and ended up limping back through the neighborhood with a scraped knee, dusty pants, and a distinct walk-of-shame energy, hoping nobody would ask any questions.
What surprised me wasnāt the fall. It was how embarrassed I felt. Not really hurt. Not even frustrated.
Justā¦ ugh, how embarrassing.
Which now I see as a bit odd. Because if something similar happened while trying something completely new? I honestly donāt think I wouldāve cared.
When I started pickleball and missed every shot? Fine.
When I took a painting class and made a cat that looked more like a nightmare than a pet? Hilarious. (If you're curious, you can see this masterpiece at the end of this issue š¤£).
Because beginners are allowed to look like beginners.
Clearly thereās some category of things where we have different rules. Things we've done before, and maybe even done well. Not like we're expecting perfection when we get back to it, but justā¦ continuity? Familiarity? Minimal competency?
Instead, I felt exposed. Vulnerable.
And that surprised me because Iāve absolutely tripped and fallen trail running before. Years ago I wouldāve walked home with a bloody knee and thought:
Well obviously. Trail running.
Maybe even: Yeah, kinda cool.
Somehow back then scraped knees and bruised legs were just evidence of being a person who does rugged outdoor things.
This time? Same scraped knee. Same dusty pants.
But my brain created a very different meaning... "maybe this isnāt me anymore".
Interesting.
š Flavor Boost: Compared to Who?
This whole trip-and-fall-and-walk-of-shame situation got me thinking about useful ways to help ourselves when we get caught in comparison against our former selves.
Maybe itās asking:
If someone else did this exact same thingā¦ what story would I tell about it?
If someone was getting back into something they used to love, and it felt awkward? If they looked rusty? Struggled more than expected? If they came home scraped up and feeling unexpectedly humbled?
Would I shake my head and think:
Oof. Shouldāve trained more. Maybe they waited too long. Guess theyāre not that person anymore.
Or would I think:
Good for them. Glad theyāre back out there. Hope the kneeās okay.
šš»āāļø Sweet Moment(s): Back in the Water
This week I got back in the pool for the first time in years.
It was hard.
It was humbling.
And I loved it.
āļø Announcement:
Beyond Diet Dogma is going into summer modeā¦ and so am I.
Iām looking forward to some slower mornings and a few adventures.
Iāll still pop in once or twice. And I'm here if you'd like to reach out.
Otherwise, Benny, Ramona and I will see you sometime in September.
And since you know you want to.... here's a glimpse of my very first, and only, painting.
š¶
Until next time - more dogs, less dogma. Always.
Carol
P. S. New here? Welcome! Curious about past issues? You can find them, here.
