the benefits of grinding

get your minds out of the gutter folks - the grind I'm referring to is the GROUSE Grind.

this past wednesday, I whined quite loudly to some of my good friends about wanting to do the grind on BC Day. apparently, whining works (gotta try it some more!) and a few of us went up this morning.

I've been wanting to do the grind for a long while now...especially since I've been exercising more regularly. as I was explaining to kq one time - I totally dig the idea of having one set goal and markers along the way to show me my progress.

so I wasn't super prepared (I'll know exactly what to wear next time - but bringing a change of clothes was a lifesaver.), and I was really tired after a long day yesterday, but I was hyped for the challenge!

the first quarter was quite relaxing, but I found the 1/2 mark to 3/4 mark the toughest. it was the first taste of uber-steepness and some ho danger wet rocks (or was that in the last quarter?)....but it really made me think about taking things "a step at a time". to make a cheesy parallel, maybe life is like one long hike. there are moments where you just want to say "f*** it!" but then you're reminded that it's an amazing blessing just to have breath and be able to be on the hike in the first place. and when you do feel like giving up, it's a good idea to simply take things slow...the journey is much less tough when you are aspiring to finish one step at a time - having faith that God will carry you through.

the most memorable part (other than being the only girl going with three boys...I'm so glad though because I can't imagine having to actually converse with someone on the way up...to me, this is a "between me and God" kinda activity), was being almost near the top and realizing that there was sunlight above. as you probably know, grouse hikers are very well shaded throughout the trek...and the sign of the sun means the FINISHING LINE. I quite literally (and purposefully) said "Oh my God" when that moment of realization occurred. In that second, I realized how blessed I was to be alive. :)

i'm looking forward to going back in a few weeks!