It is pouring down with rain outside and no outdoor activities scheduled for today. It is time I reflected on my recent hike to the summit of Mt Te Aroha.
As you may have read previously I am in the phase I rebuilding my strength and fitness again!! What a struggle it is. It reminds me of that saying “you don’t know how good you have it, until you don’t.” My mindset now is to look forward, learn new strategies, change the mindset, and perhaps acknowledging “those previous levels of fitness may not return!!”
It was never my intention to climb to the summit of Mt Te Aroha, it’s just how the day turned out. I’d just finished reading Brad Thorn’s recently published book “Champions do Extra”. While I am no champion, the thought of ‘doing extra’ stayed with me. Hence the desire to climb to the top.
The bush was cool, the sky was clear, and very few people doing what I was doing. And a bonus – I had no pressure of trying to keep up with anyone else. No one could see how I was struggling!! Why not keep challenging myself and keep pushing on?
Before all my heart issues climbing Te Aroha was one of my happy places where I would happily spend a Sunday morning having a good workout – not now, or perhaps I should say “not yet” is a more constructive thought/comment 🙁
The Lookout
Getting to the Lookout is always good. A chance to check how one is feeling physically and mentally. Have a well earned drink and admire the view overlooking Te Aroha township and the Hauraki Plains. And, if you time it right – hear the town clock chiming – quite beautiful.
As I was enjoying this quiet time, three young firefighters, fully kitted out in their fire fighting gear including an oxygen tank on their back arrived. They all were sweating profusely but happy to have a chat. They were delightful young and appeared very happy men. They were training for the Sky Tower race in May.
Track conditions
It has been four years since I last did this hike. Thankfully the track was dry as it can be very slippery when there has been rain. While much of the track was in reasonable condition there were a couple of places where large trees had fallen over the track. Small diversions were required.
The Turtle Theory
As I huffed and puffed my way up the steep hill, telling myself “just put one foot in front of the other” I thought about The Turtle Theory my daughter recently sent me. She thought this theory is very appropriate for where I am at. It is a simple theory:
Turtles don’t rush.
Turtles don’t panic.
Turtles don’t care who’s ahead of them.
They just keep swimming, one stroke at a time, through chaos, through calm.
And somehow, they always make it to shore.
Because speed means nothing when your journey is built on patience.
In other words, the image below explains this theory well and a comforting theory I can relate too. Can you relate to this theory?
On reaching the summit I enjoyed an egg and parsley sandwich made with Vogel’s bread and a much earned cup of coffee. I had the company of a couple from Auckland. Our conversation flowed back and forth, exchanging past and future adventures within New Zealand and overseas. It is the people I meet on these adventures that I find both enjoyable and rewarding.
Descending
Descending Te Aroha takes me a little less time than ascending. Thank goodness for walking poles. I find every foot step needs to be placed and checked. It is a slow journey down and I’m always thankful to arrive at the base without any falls or injuries.
As I took my boots off I reflected on my day, while it was longer and slower than ever before I was proud that I had successfully completed it. Reminding myself of The Turtle Theory.
24 hours after
My thigh muscles were very sore the following night, this was not unexpected. It did only took a couple of days and a couple of easy walks and my body felt good again.
I would enjoy hearing about your experience/s of climbing Mt Te Aroha.
That is it until next time. Take care out there, GoldCard Gal 🙂
Additional Scenes
