Over the holidays I travelled to a tremendous location in southern Mexico. Of course, as usual, I began to have concern regarding how and where I could workout while there...weeks before our departure. And, as usual in the end, it was unnecessary concern.
On the website of the resort, it did list a "fitness center" on location, so I had hoped for the best. Upon arrival, I sought out the "fitness center" and found that it would be of no use.
So...I went old school.
I would simply do functional things to get some sort of physical activity each day. And, although many activities now come much more easily to me...I had the opportunity to really challenge myself as well. My son Jack is approaching his 5th birthday, and his interests are wide ranging. Particularly, he loves to explore, hunt for treasures and in all seriousness, do very "risky" things.
One of our first mornings in Mexico, he and I headed out and down the beach exploring. I wanted to try and get some exercise as well. As we approached one end of the bay, we were met with rocks (as seen in the photo above), leading around and up a small cliff. So, in the spirit of adventure, we pushed forward over the rocks and headed for the top. The view from there would be spectacular. Initially, Jack did well over the first grouping of rocks, but as the we continued to incline, he started to have some trouble (keep in mind we were barefoot and in our bathing suits).
So, what was a Dad to do...we certainly couldn't turn back now.
Jack climbed onto my back, gripping tightly around my neck as we proceeded upward. It took about 25-minutes or so for the main part of the climb. But 5-minutes in, with the weight on my back, I was sweating. At least I was getting a "workout" in.
After reaching the top, Jack and I sat on the cliff and looked at the incredible views. We talked about many things, but mostly pirates. As I sat atop the cliff, I kept thinking about what a great experience this is for he and I to share. At one point, in mid-conversation, Jack looked over the edge and asked what would happen if we fell off? I told Jack that we could get very hurt. He then asked, could we die? Although a possibility, I assured him that I would not let us fall.
Climbing down was much more difficult then going up, particularly since I had 45 pounds on my back once again and could not turn around very much to assist with navigating. We walked back over the rocks and eventually to the resort to meet up with the family. While walking, I turned back and looked at terrain we had just traversed. I realized that I had just accomplished something I would never have even considered attempting before. I didn't think twice about the challenge of going up the cliff. I never even considered that I may not be able to get to the top. Incredible, considering that it was not all that long ago that a flight or two of stairs seemed daunting.
A new door had opened.
A door that I did not even realize was closed. I have gained true functional strength. I had just applied all the hard work in the gym to an activity, a challenge, an experience.
I can't imagine how many other doors in my life were closed, but I now have the keys to open them.
Of course...there is always another part to the story. Jack did feel necessary to run to my mother and grandmother and share the details of our "adventure". They of course were not fond of the activity or risks involved (and said as much), but we managed to sneak back there another couple of times...Jack had to find the pirate treasure of course...I had already found mine.
Josh Neimark - Agent of Change
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