Facilitating optimal health 1 client & 1 patient at a time through trusted personal interaction & technology
Honoring #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth 💚 and #MemorialDay 🇺🇸 with some training ride reflections 🚴♂️... hope you enjoy the video! Endurance sports give me time to think, and yesterday, my first long training ride of the season, was full of lessons. I’m training for the metric century truegritride.com/ in Fort Smith, Arkansas with ArcBest and wanted to share a few thoughts that resonated with me. 🚦 Stoplights: I hit almost every red light on the route for the first 10 miles. Frustrating and slow! This reminded me of setbacks I've faced, and the importance of patience and perseverance to keep moving forward. The last couple of stoplights were a welcome relief and chance to rest for a minute. 🐝 Startled: Around mile 15, a huge bumble bee collided with my cheek. Ouch! It was a sudden reminder that unexpected challenges can come out of nowhere. But, as with any career surprise, I brushed it off and kept pedaling. Luckily, no sting! 🐿️ Roadkill: Mile 22, a huge garbage truck passed me at the same time a squirrel darted from the brush and ran right in front of me for about 5 seconds. It hesitated... Crack!... lifeless. How does that happen on a bike? This was a harsh lesson in the unpredictability of life and work, reinforcing that sometimes, despite our best efforts, things can go awry. I can only say, "I'm sorry!" 🌿 Little things: Around mile 30, when fatigue was setting in, the refreshing smell of wild fennel hit me (one of my favorite smells!). It was a brief reminder that even during tough times, there are moments of joy and motivation that keep us going. 😓 Saddle Sore: Not having been on the bike for about 7 months, my butt was sore by mile 35! It was a painful reminder that getting back into the swing of things takes time and persistence, much like getting back into a demanding project or role. 🤔 Route Decisions: Leading up to mile 45, I could choose a smoother, easier route or stick with my plan for the harder way. I took the path less traveled! This type of conditioning has mirrored many of my career decisions where taking the challenging route has led to greater rewards and growth. 💨 Headwinds: Part of the decision above I knew around mile 50 there would be an 8-mile stretch of relentless headwinds that would slow me to a crawl. Much like in our careers, there are periods when progress seems excruciatingly slow. Yet, these headwinds build resilience and strength. Perfect for a training ride! As we consider our #mentalhealth and #phsyicalhealth and remember the millions of military lives who serve/ have served to protect our #freedoms, let's remember the importance of mental fortitude, resilience, and honoring those who have faced the ultimate challenges. My ride was a tribute to the highs and lows we all experience, both professionally and personally. Keep pedaling, stay strong, and never forget to appreciate the little moments of joy along the way. #Resilience #CareerJourney #CyclingLife #KeepPedaling
