Steppin' Out

Saturday, July 20th - Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ - at 7:55am I stepped outside of my comfort zone...WAY out of my comfort zone!

Over the years I've become complacent with being "safe" inside my running circle.  Running is what comes naturally to me and it's what I love to do.  As I rapidly approach my middle 40's I've become anxious.  I guess I feel like I'm racing the clock.  There is so much that I haven't done, yet those things are the very things that make me nervous.  I love running and I love fitness ... and there is so much more out there to explore and experience!

As I noted in a previous blog, Eleanor Roosevelt dares us to do something every day that scares us.  Will I be "cheating" on running by trying something new?  Stupid, right?  Maybe if running isn't looking it won't notice that I'm in the pool or on the bike.  I took my chances and decided to try my hand at a tri.  So, in true 'Loren' fashion, I registered for 4 tri's - one each month from July through October.  And, to make things more challenging, my 4th and final one of the season is a 1/2 iron man. 

Let's back up a bit ... I did my first triathlon sprint 2 years ago - the NJ State Triathlon.  I signed up to provide morale support for a friend who had a failed tri attempt and wanted redemption (and company!).  I wanted to help as best I could, so I registered and had only a few weeks to train.  It wasn't enough.  I did my best and finished - it was far from pretty and the swim nearly killed me.  Fast forward to this past weekend - I returned to the scene of the crime, alone this time.

Comfortable is easy; comfortable is safe; comfortable is good in so many ways.  But I do have to say, busting out every so often is good, too.  I met some super nice and helpful people; and, after the anxious feeling left me, I was overcome with a feeling of accomplishment.  I had zero expectations and it turned out just fine.  I couldn't ask for anything more because I tried my best.

So get out there and experience it for yourself.  Step out - register for a 5k, a relay run with your friends, a charity walk, your first mud run or set a nutrition goal for yourself that you are actually going to keep.  Embrace the challenge and rise to the occasion.

Maybe stepping out of your comfort zone will be more comfortable than you think.