I sometimes have to remind myself that I need to live in the present, meaning here and now. We all make plans whether it be for a holiday or a race in the future, but somehow the actual event disappears before you know it. Ultra Race Romania was just like that. We spend a long time planning it and were excited as we sat in the departures lounge thinking about arriving in Romania where it was 15/20 degrees warmer. Before we knew it, 2 weeks had past and the adventure was over. Our memories of the people, the beautiful countryside, the mountains and the challenge are stored in our heads and constant reminders come up on FaceBook, but life has to return to normal. That's not so easy but a transition we all have to make. We can't live in the past - it's a reference library to dip into when required, not lived in.
I've been thinking this over since returning and gradually switching from adventure mode to business and normal life mode. Last night I had friends Martin & Elizabeth Schwitter, from Grand 2 Grand (2017) visit me from Geneva and stay over. We shared memories of the race and the people we had met and it took me right back there. I helped them plan their tour of Scotland and again, when looking at locations to visit, my memories kicked in as though I was there.
But if I live my life in the past or thinking "one day....." then I am missing the most important part, today, right now. It came to me this morning as I was walking Poppy around the Hamilton Race course. Her nose was twitching as she picked up the scent of deer and started searching for them. Nose to the ground she went back and forth. They were hiding in the undergrowth fortunately or I'd have been pulled off my feet! It's happened before. But Poppy was living in the present, making the most of her early morning walk, Not like me, I was on auto-pilot, walking Poppy before our breakfast and then off to work. What I should have been doing is taking in my beautiful surroundings, the noise of the birds singing and the sight of the deer running for cover. The morning dew makes the fragrances come alive and I remember my first run when I came back from Romania and I was overwhelmed with the fragrances of the flowers and the trees. Something I rarely noticed because I'd become accustomed to them.
Living in the present means appreciating the here and now. Take time today and discover what fragrances have been under your nose that you haven't noticed. Look up when walking and take in the horizon. Unplug your headphones and listen for the birds. Feel alive because it's a privilege to be fit and healthy. The simple pleasure in life can be the most precious and sharing a home cooked dinner with a friend who I hadn't seen in 6 years reminded me how quickly time passes. Go and enjoy today.
