Food for thought and for energy

I loved watching this couple.  They seemed like soul mates

Strolling the hills, man and his dog

I was not overly enthusiastic this morning to train.  I felt lethargic from a heavy sleep and early rise.  I had to muster up discipline to train and continue breaking in my new trekking boots for the Himalaya.  I want to complete this charity challenge, for Acorns Children, their parents/carers, my appreciation of sponsors and my own self development.

Today was tough.  I imagined it would be somewhat easier after four Sunday's of hill training, but it was not.  July has been a very unpleasant month for various reasons.  I tried to soldier on against unsettling times. Meditated, worked, trained, helped at the hospice. Until reflection today, I realised how sad and low I felt.   This naturally had an impact on my physical status.  I could not avoid the fact I felt physically weak.  My appetite has been unintentionally suppressed.  Although I made an effort, when sharing company with my lovely friend Jay, enjoying fish and chips during my essential trekking gear required retail therapy day.

My breakfast to boost energy levels, a banana and beetroot juice.  Ten minutes into walking my hill route, I felt like heading back to the car.  Knackered, thinking and feeling I can’t do this!!! Food for thought:  No doubt there will be a day or day’s, when I will want to quit the Dalai Lama trek.  I experienced this during the Sahara Desert challenge.  Somehow, some way, I completed that trek and realised I had determination, mental, emotional and physical strength.  Again, somehow, I wanted to find that strength today, but it was very difficult.  I had to push myself and try.  Without realising, until this morning, I have lost ½ stone.  I can really feel that dramatic loss take its toll today.  I had achieved quiet good goals the last four weekends, but the lack of quality food  finally caught up with me.  

I carry on, decide not to over train on steep terrain today.  Just walk, listen to my body for when it is time to rest or head home.  I walk and walk mixed ground, but not the same challenges as the last four weekends.  I know it’s time out when my ankle buckles, falling to the ground twisting my knee and opposite ankle.  I pick myself up and head to the car.  Enough's, enough!.  I loved my Wing Chun Kung Fu training days but they have caused many injuries and problems.  My yoga teacher warned me not to continue Kung Fu practice :o$  

I accept today, I did my best.  Rather than push myself to the usual extreme causing problems with re-occurring injuries, further harm than good, I knew it was time to drive home and rest.  

Everyday, in ever way things are getting better. Pedometer reads 13638 steps.

"Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." 

Dalai Lama XIV