Every journey starts with a single step. At least that’s what we’re told. And despite the cringeworthy use of a cliche, I hate to admit it, but they’re 100% right.
Recently, out of a need to stay active, or potentially just from boredom, I signed up for a virtual marathon challenge. You may have seen the ads for them on social media. Or not. That could be the universe telling me to get up and get moving. I’m not sure. Either way, it worked. I signed up.
Now, if you need to familiarize yourself with how these challenges work, I’ll give you a quick summary. You can pick from several available challenges, which all have a different theme. For example, some would take you the whole length of the Great Wall of China or the English Channel. Once you’ve selected your challenge, you pay the “entry fee” and download the app on your phone. Then, you enter the distance travelled every day, and it will take you along the track. Walk, run, swim, or bike. Whatever your preferred distance based exercise is. You can set goals for completion, compare how you are doing to others participating, display your race bib, and get access to street view and postcards along the way. Ultimately, when you complete the challenge, you get a medal.
Neat idea.
Anyway, I figured it would be good for accountability and a way to make the activity fun. All I had left to figure out was which race to do. There are so many to choose from. That’s when I saw it. A Lord of the Rings Challenge.
“My God! Let’s make this epic!” I thought.
The challenge takes you the whole distance through the quest to destroy the one ring with story boards and checkpoints along the way. It’s like you’re actually completing the quest yourself. Without the danger of being stabbed or possessed!
DONE!
The night before I was set to begin, I had trouble sleeping. For the first time in a while, I was excited to exercise. But I was determined to complete it. So the following day, I woke up and started “The Shire” challenge. The beginning of my journey. 233 km from Hobbiton to the town of Bree. Let’s do this!!!
And then suddenly I pinched something in my back.
If this was indeed my quest, then my journal entry would look something like this:
Day 1: 2.75 km completed
I have started my epic quest to destroy the one ring. I am alone but determined. Sadly, I have had some cause for injury upon closing my door. I am in agony! But I must be away. The enemy is undoubtedly on my heels, and it is only a matter of time before they find me. My only hope is that they must be lazier than I. Where in Middle Earth can I find some Robax? I have yet to make it out of Hobbiton. I can still see my damned house from here. Curses!
Not a good start. I may not get stabbed by orcs or ringwraiths, but if someone can help with the stabbing pain in my back, that would be great!
More updates to come as I continue with my adventure.
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
The CJBuzz 