Chemin des Dames

woman on rocks
Submitted by Nancy

Stats
Date: July 1, 2019
Miles: 8.27
Time: 9 hours 52 minutes
Elevation Gain: 3,211

Wow. I’m not sure I have the words. Yesterday Pat and I did a Terrifying 25 trail (Chemin Des Dames) and got some redlining miles in and I am trashed today. I am tired, sore, bruised and doubting myself. I wish I were younger, stronger, thinner, faster, fitter. There are tons of people that could have hiked the same trails in much less time, with ease, and had energy left over. But I know comparing is my head talking. If I were thinner, fitter, stronger, I would not be me, because well, this is me in this moment. Me. Just as I am. Right here, right now. Tired, doubting, sore. And, I love who I am; in spite of the extra weight, the thinning dyed hair, the fear of falling while trying to traverse a steep incline with nothing below me. That’s not to say I couldn’t get better, healthier, fitter, kinder… There are always tons of ways to improve. But maybe in this moment it is not about improving, it is about approving; not about finding fault, but about recognizing my gifts; not about comparing, but about seeing myself for who I am. It’s about staying in my heart and listening instead of getting counsel from my head.

We met a guy on the trail and he said to us, “You CHOSE this trail. This is living!” Yes, we did choose the trail. And we were definitely living in the moment, focused on every foot placement, every hand hold, every step of the way. And living is the gift. That’s what my heart says.