The hardest part might not be doing it — it’s just showing up.

By Alicia Wood – Contributor

You know when you get all excited about something? You’re like, “Yes, I’m gonna do
this!” Maybe it’s taking a fitness class, joining a new community or literally anything else.
You start looking it up, researching the gear or checking out reviews… and then, almost
as quick as the excitement hits, you talk yourself out of it.

For me, that was trail running.

Now, I am not a runner. Running on the road? No thank you. I’ve tried it, I’m bored, and
it’s just not for me. But the idea of running in the woods felt different – you need to be
super present watching out for tree roots or rocks while also being able to take in the
beauty of nature all around you.

I had this idea six years ago. Six years! I researched shoes, pictured myself in the
forest—and then fear rolled in: I don’t know where to go. What if I get hurt? I don’t have
time. I’ll get to it later. So, the idea just sat there dormant in the back of my mind.

But, this past summer, hiking with my husband, the thought came back, “I want to start
trail running.”

Clearly the Universe heard me, because I scroll Instagram a couple days later and see
Joro Outdoor Spa starting a “Joro Trail Runners” group. Free runs, 50% off the spa
after. Umm, yes please.

I bought myself some trail shoes (shout out Shoes! Factory Outlet), told my friend I’d be
there, told my husband, my mom, Instagram—because if I tell people I’m going, I’ll
actually go.

But on the day of the trail run, the fear set in again: I’m not a runner. What if I can’t keep
up? What if I slow everyone down? What if no one likes me?

Thankfully I told everyone what I was doing. I know myself well enough to know that I
would rather do the thing I said I would do than admit that I got scared and didn’t show
up.

So, I showed up.

I was uncomfortable, but I showed up. That alone was powerful.

Before we started running, Drew Ferris (the owner and operator of Joro) led a short
stretch and kicked us off with an icebreaker. I know what you’re thinking: “Nope! I’m
out”, I hate them too, but before you leave… this one was kind of perfect. “What’s your
favourite taco ingredient?” So doable right? Easy, light, can’t get it wrong. I felt myself
relax.

Now, I don’t want you up all night wondering: “What did she like on tacos?”, so here it
is…Jalapenos. I like spice. Sleep well!

We set out on our 3km run, which sounded so simple to me, but there are hills and
twists and turns – so it ended up being harder than I thought it would be.

And guess what?

I was the slowest runner there! And that’s not because my shoe was untied right at the
start (although it was), it was entirely because – it was my FIRST time. And I’m
supposed to suck at it. I would run for a bit and then slow down to catch my breath and
run a bit more, feeling the fallen leaves crinkle under my feet.

Drew ran at the back of the pack with me, chatting while I huffed and puffed, and not
once did I feel judged.

He started the run club to build a community of likeminded people. People who love the
outdoors and want to focus on their health and wellness.

AND, like me, he wanted to hold himself accountable to starting his own trail running
journey. And if he invited everyone to run, he would have to show up twice a week.

Looks like I wasn’t the only one who needed the community support and accountability.

When we arrived back to Joro, we all sat around the campfire. I didn’t do the spa that
first time, but I left feeling proud.

I like being good at things, I think we all do, but sometimes in order to do the things we
want to do – we have to be bad at them first. (That’s what I kept reminding myself)

After my second run, I did the spa. And wow. Sauna, cold plunge, outdoor shower—it
was gorgeous, and the hot-cold cycle has so many benefits (better sleep, circulation,
less stress).

It’s also incredible to be outdoors in the evening, with the sun setting and the lanterns
glowing, and so many stars above your head. It’s a magical little spot.

The biggest thing I gained from this experience was that feeling of being proud of
myself. We don’t give ourselves that often.

We tell our kids we’re proud of them, our friends, our partners, but rarely ourselves.

From one little thought: “I want to start trail running” I gained community, laughter and
time in the forest.

Those magical experiences are waiting for you on the other side of your comfort zone.

Think about that thing that’s been tugging at you for years. What if now is the time?
What if your someday is today?

Showing up is sometimes the most important part – even when we’re nervous and
uncomfortable.

You’ve got this!