it changes everything…

My friend Johnny K and I have been navigating big transitions — the kind of change that puts all of our focus on immediate tasks, making decisions and maintaining relationships.  We have had little room for future planning.  That is changing for both of us as we have been finding our feet and establishing new rhythms.  We were talking on the phone the other day and I said, “Hey, I finally feel settled enough here at Frog Ranch to start planning a new adventure.  It feels like it is time.”

He replied quickly “Me too.  I was thinking the other day that I am happiest and most alive when I have an adventure to look forward to.  When I do that it changes everything.”  

How true.  Everything Changes.  Through the simple act of choosing a challenging goal and publicly declaring that commitment.

This brought me back to previous big challenges.  Just before starting college, I rode my bike across Massachusetts, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod.  I had never done anything like this and I was challenged by long days in the saddle.  I remember not sleeping the first night as I felt homesick and scared.  Yet the experience awakened a growing confidence and awareness of what I am capable of. The year I turned 40 I felt the need for a big challenge so I organized a personal version of the RAMROD with friends (Ride Around Mt Rainier in One Day — a 150 mile ride with 10,000’ of climbing).  This ride became a milestone for entering my 5th decade and set the tone for how I wanted to live in my 40's.

Back to my phone call.  This year will mark my 50th on planet Earth and Johnny K and I are toying with going big.  We came up with a draft plan to ride our road bikes from my new home on Whidbey Island to his home at the base of the Tetons outside Jackson Hole, WY.  A journey crossing 1,200 miles and climbing the equivalent of Mt Everest — twice!  We are thinking we’ll climb the Grand Teton after the ride.  Ouch, my butt aches and my legs wobble just thinking about this!

The key here is that I don’t even know if I can do this!  That is what makes it exciting.  That is what changes everything.  We did a similar but shorter ride a few years ago when we rode from Missoula, MT to Lander, WY over 5 days (a ride we called "Tour de Rockies").  This journey saw us riding in 100 degree temps, sailing along with strong tailwinds, skirting massive thunderstorms, and then crawling into massive headwinds.  At one point my calf developed pain consistent with a blood clot (a condition I was battling before the ride).  Arriving in the tiny community of West Yellowstone we learned that they didn’t have a clinic.  No doctor.  Not even a nurse in town.  The only option was a 100 mile ambulance ride to Bozeman.  We decided to rent a car, threw our bikes in the back, and drove through

In the ER, Jackson, WY

Yellowstone to Jackson Hole.  24 hours later I walked out of the clinic feeling chagrined but relieved and carrying a printout on “muscle cramps.”  (Yes, my friends gave me a ton of crap, but ultimately it was the right thing to do and they supported me fully — and it become one of the most membrable parts of the whole adventure).  The next day I got back on my bike and rode the final 136 mile leg over Togowtee Pass to Lander.

This reinforces the point — a true adventure is one that you don’t know you can do, that contains unknown obstacles, that requires learning new skills or building new stamina. 

This feels so different than when I try to “push” myself to do things, even when it is something I want to do.  You know this approach — coming from a should place.  I want to get in shape.  I ought to hit the gym.  I should eat better and lose a few pounds.  

One conversation flipped this approach on its head.  By creating a “pull” goal I suddenly find myself eating better.  I have already hopped on my road bike (for the first time in 1/2 a year).  I am arranging my schedule to support training.  I am enrolling the support of those who will need to cover for me or support me on this journey.  

I feel more energized, more focused, lighter.  The world looks brighter.  

I don’t know if we will succeed or fail.  Heck, I don’t even know if we will launch.  But my life is already better from having dreamed boldly and taken that first pedal stroke.

What big adventures or new challenges do you dream of for 2014?  I'd love to hear your stories or dreams for what lights a fire under your butt, gets your blood pumping, and makes your palms sweat.