Nordic Challenge Thoughts and Photos

This past month, somewhere between Norway and Morocco, Life took hold of the reins (once again) and made me step back, take some time off and just listen. I must have been listening awfully hard, as I have sorely neglected this site and kept certain loyal readers in the dark. For that I apologize!

But before I delve into any of that, I would simply LOVE to share some images from my recent trips in an effort to illustrate the majesty and absolute beauty of what I have seen.

As I have written before, the Nordic Challenge was difficult because it truly pushed my physical and mental boundaries in ways I did not expect. I thought that I could just strap on some cross-country skis, carry a backpack and groove right along. I felt like I was in decent shape and assumed that I wouid get by because I tend to do well in physical challenging situations. 4 days and a reality check later, the greatest obstacle was coming face to face with and accepting my physical limitations (NOT helped by the cold, which many people know is not my element).

However, now that the physical pain has subsided, I can just look at photographs and think "I did that!"

After a Day 1 that made me want to pack my bags and go back home, and the morning of Day 2 that saw me push on (but involved carrying skis and snow-walking as much it did skiing), things somehow sorted themselves out. Granted, I am truly indebted to my dear friend and fellow Nordic Challenger Farhad (from NYC, now also living in London) who was my official "Pack-Buddy" and who allowed me to get used to off-track skiing without worrying about an extra 50 lbs. on my back. But it was more than that.

Somewhere along the way I realized that I could either focus my mental energies on all of the things that I would want to change about the situation (cold temperatures, heavy packs, slightly chaotic organization) or I could "shut up and deal". Once I chose to get on with it, I believe the Nordic Challenge began to serve its original purpose: To enable us to cross new geographical boundaries in a spectacular part of the world, to transcend physical limitations by making us reach for goals once thought unattainable, and ultimately to foster mental growth by blatantly placing us in an uncomfortable spaces and seeing how we react and cope.

For all of these reasons and countless more, I feel blessed to have been a part of such a fantastic expedition (thanks Stephen!) and to have met some of the loveliest people this side of the Atlantic. Can't wait for the next one... and I promise I will be ready!