I Just returned from an intense weekend of  risk, fear & fun. Probably one of the most scariest things I’ve ever done physically and mentally.

A group of 60 women, including myself participated in a technical riding clinic for cross country and downhill mountain biking. It was a weekend of ‘We are women, hear us roar!’ It was cool to be along side these incredible individuals ranging from 20 years of age to 55, all with the same intention.To ride hard  to the edge of where courage and fear become friends.

I’am capable of riding. However, coming down an exquisite single track mountain trail offers it’s fair share of challenges. Tight trees, rocky stairways, deep burms and slick roots.. a downhillers dream. But, definitely not my happy place!

Mornings were filled with learning skills necessary to ride down the mammoth trails. Teeter totters, narrow planks, boxes to jump off, high speed cornering on wet grass, descents and more! An opportunity to find the animal within us and to be one with our bike. Afternoons were set aside for displaying  what we learned and apply the skills to battle the terrain ahead.

When it came time to ride, gloomy skies and rain didn’t deter us. Seven bikes hanging off the backend of a truck, seven giddy girls crammed in the cab. Tunes cranked, jokes shared. Our shuttle is about a 2o minute climb, all is good and relaxed.

Suddenly the truck stops at our entry point ‘NUMA’. Reality kicks in as the shuttle heads back down. It’s at this moment, I realize I’m totally committed. Unless I want to walk a few miles in the rain, I’m going to have to ride down this mountain on my bike! My heart is in my throat and breath is so shallow, can’t  discern if it’s raindrops or sweat drops soaking my skin.Containing myself, so no one could see the fear that filled my entire being.

As I wait my turn at the trail head . I recite my mantra “Fear is not a problem, I can face it, meet it , master it.” … Can I ??

Deep breath in, I slowly release the brakes, instant speed and a hair pin corner, force me to  brake hard. Deciding to walk  the first 3 switch backs, playing it safe. Janet, my guide ( hero ) demands me in an encouraging sort of way to walk back up and take the next corner. Again, freezing on the brakes, plus one more! She’s relentless…. “try again, find your line and focus Sharon! “As I move into the corner, letting go of the fear and allowing my bike to roll, I kick it!!  Adrenaline rushing, a YIPP YIPP YAHH escapes from that deep place of pleasure. Okay… I think I can do this! Free flowing downhill, confidence building with every stroke, so focused that all I can hear is the sweet rhythm of my breath and it sounds so damn good! Riding a quick 40 minutes down, I spot the exit point. Sad that the joy ride has to end . My body shaking with pure joy. Words cannot describe what I feel inside. All I know is that I met fear and broke through the perceived boundary of limitation I sheltered myself with.

Yes, there will be more challenges, more fear, but knowing that courage rises from this place,  imbues confidence and growth to feed the animal inside.

I invite you to share something that you’ve done scary, something that  has inspired courage and growth in your life.

Enjoy the ride!!

Aches in my joints, muscles burning…..

It’s been 6 long months since I’ve felt a pair pedals beneath my soles, ran a horse across an open field, or even attempted a downward dog. Sounds like a bad country song, I know.

This past year I experienced two significant injuries back -to- back. Mind you, I have endured a few injuries before. They stem from an adventurous & active life of passion on the edge (my edge). But never have I experienced such a stalemate like this.

When life throws you a challenge, injury or other, it grabs your attention – a wake up call to possibly evaluate how you live your life, to make changes, encourage growth or to act as a catalyst, in which old habits & methods are given permission to die, to allow a rebirth of the new.

A fast paced life dialed down in an instant.

The common line that I heard for months was, “When are you going to slow down? You are getting older, maybe you shouldn’t be taking these risks.”

I respectfully disagree.

There is something about putting one self out on a limb. Wanting to feel alive on the edge, whatever that edge may be (what others may consider the worst possible scenario), great teachings are always offered.

Perhaps, having more “experience” gives me greater insight into defining the truth.

Do you think we cease to to challenge ourselves with our passions ? Do we eventually deny the sweet nectar that fills our heart and soul, awakens us to who we are, to what we are made of ? I think not!

We invite life in with every breath. To deny our truth is to lead our last exhalations asking the question, “Why didn’t I?’

My injuries left me feeling defeated, at first. Impatience revealed itself many times, taking me away from being present to the sensations in my body. Turning the situation around, I made a commitment to savor, & therefore be present in my recovery. Extreme contemplation and meditation have helped fulfill this resolve.

I have since learned that with injury and time away from an adventurous lifestyle, one may receive a deeper appreciation as to the whims and nuances of the body, and to the subtle tones that speak softly. When you savor the experience, whether it be joy or pain, that is to LIVE in the pulse of LIFE.

I’m on my last leg of my recovery now. Not ready to slow down, but ready to listen more, contemplate more, and keep sipping the sweet nectar of life.