12-Nov-2014 12:08
It has taken me a while to write about this most amazing day in October 2014. Let’s go climb a mountain was the challenge and when I put it out there, I was swamped with response to join me.
Under the leadership of our experienced local guide, Innes Larkin, of Mt Barney Lodge, our team on 9 ladies headed off to the summit. We were all keen for adventure and were in pretty good shape so our pace was good and our spirits high.
Being outdoors gives me lots of things, most of all a sense of inner quiet, where the voices of doubt and fear go away, the thoughts of my “to do” list vanish and the hustle of everyday life temporarily recedes. This is really being “in the moment”.
As women, we are all capable of so much more than we think. It is a very big mountain, the second highest in Queensland to be exact and we are all unbelievably proud of what we did. On our way up we were challenged both physically and mentally and many times we were out of our comfort zone. This caused the heart to race a little harder and the palms to sweat a little more, however at no time were we ever in danger. The fear was all in our head.
With the real summit now in sight and the ascent behind us, we forged ahead to a gourmet lunch and a freshly brewed cuppa.
Our descent was relaxed and lighthearted as our “goal” of the summit had been reached. As we trudged wearily back to the homestead at Mt Barney Lodge, dragging our, what now seemed heavy, boots with each step, we would glance back at “Barney” with wonder and amazement.
Why did I take so long to write this you ask? It wasn’t just about climing the mountain, it was about the journey. The training to get us there, the friendships along the way, the “mind matters” to overcome and the achievement of a goal. Sometimes that takes a little while to sink in.
Now, when faced with a challenge, whatever it is, I know that I can do it. I think of “Barney” and know that my summit is in sight, there might be a few dips and detours, a few questions to ask along the way and some “self talk” to overcome. How long I remain on that summit is entirely up to me and my attitude.
Women’s Fitness Adventures participates in various fitness adventures in Brisbane, to weekends and activities in Queensland and further afield in Australia and beyond.
