Fun runs, and other things I hadn't done.

As most of you would know, I've been on a quest to find a fitter, stronger version of myself. A part of this has included pushing myself to try new activities that I wouldn't usually consider, such as running and swimming. Trying new forms of exercise is daunting for this sentient blob of dough, but I've tried to embrace every new challenge with alacrity. Mountain climbing isn't technically a new activity, since I've had my fair share of hikes up Mt Ngungun, but I have thrice attempted to ascend Mt Tibrogargan with limited success. The first time, the summit was closed due to earlier rainfall, so my brother and I just hiked around the bushwalk track that circumnavigates the mountain. The second time, I gave up halfway up the track that leads to the rock climb part and went bushwalkin'. The third time, I got to the rock climb part and freaked out about scaling the cliff face and yet again, retreated to the comfort of the bushwalk track (thank you to my good friend Hayley for getting me as far as the cliff face though, I doubt I would've got that far without her support).

My white whale. Damn you, vertical wall of challenge!

It is my goal to eventually conquer this gorilla of volcanic leftovers (something that will be mentioned again in my next blog). However, for the time being, this remains a new challenge yet to be conquered. By the way, I really don't care if this is an easy climb for you or if your grandma can do it, it's so far been too fucking hard for me and I don't need your wanky claptrap!

Another thing I'd always wanted to do but never had the motivation or confidence was Bridge to Brisbane. My friend Jess (who happens to be a dynamite long distance runner) had messaged asking if I would like to catch up, so I asked if she'd like to do the 5km track with me. She, being recently ill and recovering, and me, being new to running and lacking in confidence, made a perfect pairing and it was an awesome morning out jogging/walking through beautiful Brisbane.

Looking all fit and healthy before we had post-run snacks at Cowch.

As I found myself feeling more confident and trying new things, I inadvertently put a bit of excessive strain on my knees, which led me to exploring swimming as an avenue of exercise that wouldn't be as strenuous while my body adjusted to an increase in activity. I've always been a terrible swimmer and lacked confidence in the water, but fortunately my wonderful mum decided to come along with me for the first attempt at lap swimming. We made the mistake of going in the afternoon, as the single lap-swim lane was ensconced between two groups of kids' swimming lessons, and the pool surrounded by parents. I wanted to turn around and walk back out but the lady had already punched our cards and I'm a cheapskate, so we stayed; and despite the unwanted spectators and unidentified floating object in the water that I can only hope was a gumnut, we had a great time.

I had hoped to look more "instagram-chic" than "waterlogged ogre".

I guess the takeaway of this self-centred essay is pick something you've never done before and give it a red-hot go! It's always good to try new things and overcome fears and even if you fail, it's okay, because at least you tried!

Image credit: FOX

#bridge2brisbane #fitness #mttibrogargan