Yesterday, I had my first hiking experience. It was a smooth, rough, frustrating, exhausting, and exhilarating adventure as we combed through the Mwendo and Mpanga hills of Rwanda with our legs.
I had gone with a friend who was an experienced hiker and he was constantly giving me tips on how to not give up along the way.π Since the hike had not yet begun and I felt physically up to the task, I couldn't pay attention to the advice he was giving me. I was super hyped but made a lot of effort to conceal the impatience so I wouldn't be seen as a rookie.
At 7:35 a.m., we started the hike. The next hour saw me regretting leaving my bed that early to walk upon irregularly shaped terrains. I've had these kind of experiences in many aspects of my life. Feeling pumped and super ready this minute and feeling exhausted and frustrated the next. Well, I think we've all felt this way at some point.
The hike was estimated to be 16 kilometers, but we all felt like we traveled far farther. I was able to keep moving for the following three hours till we arrived at our destination thanks to two things. One of them was the stunningly beautiful vista; the perfectly placed trees and the ever-expanding horizon. The second was something my friend had told me the previous evening. While jogging down the chilly, dark street that night, he said he had just experienced his βrunner's highβ. When I asked what that was, he explained that it was the moment an athlete achieves during a long intensive period of exercise or sport during which the body releases certain hormones called endorphins. The athlete no longer feels fatigue and continues as energized and relaxed as he was at the start of the exercise.
I was unable to keep up as I watched my companion sprint for further kilometers. Although I also wanted to experience this "runner's high," I couldn't bring myself to keep going. I got to understand that I could only experience my runner's high when I persist with the exercise. So, that morning during the hike, although my legs were shaking, I kept moving.
Some people sat to relax for a while but I wanted to remain in motion. I continued up the overgrown trail until I felt it. I was as energized and refreshed as I had been when we had begun the hike. My legs were no longer trembling, and I was thrilled. I carried on in this manner, alternating between these high and low emotions until we got to the end of the hike.
The hike taught me a lot of things, most of which I was conscious enough to learn. Our bodies are capable of unimaginable wonders. The runner's high is just the least of them. Only if we keep pushing, tugging, walking, and moving while never giving up will we be able to unveil these wonders.
You'll definitely get your big break, and trust me, you'll be glad you didn't give up so quickly.
It might just be closer than we think.
Till I write to you again,
Dee.