Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Moving Forward or Standing Still?

Look at your past. Your past has determined where you are at this moment. What you do today will determine where you are tomorrow. Are you moving forward or standing still?

This is what I call my playground. That is Mission Peak, I can't count how many times I have been up to the top. To many! I love this place it is so beautiful, it's crazy how I lived in Fremont all my life and never went up to the top until I took up trail running in 98. I become obsessed with going up to the top every day.
I was afraid to explore more, of what beauty this place had to offer.
I decided one day to start from Stanford av. instead of Ohlone college. That was pretty daring since back then I was afraid of the cows and if I heard the coyotes I would cry thinking they would get me. I always made sure I was down by dusk because a wild animal might get me.

So the day I decided to go up a different way, I always thought I might get lost out there..but I just followed the trail to the top. I made and I didn't get lost. I started going this way and loved it. It was harder.
I noticed another trail off to the right and thought I will go that way one day. And I did..Pretty soon I was wondering all around.
I bought a book on Eastbay trails and decided to start exploring all the Bay area trails, a new one each week.
All along I was doing this alone. I had no running friends back then. Sure I was afraid but I was being brave.
The scarred little girl was coming out of her shell.
A couple years later I became the first person to run100 miles on the Ohlone trails.
There has been just two others who have run 100 miles out there. I have run 100 mile training runs 12 times on The Ohlone Mission Peak trails.
And way to many 100k, 50m, 40m and 50k training runs to count on those trails.

I guess my point is as woman we don't have to be afraid we just need to be brave and go do it.
Had I not learned this I would never have attempt a speed record Yo Yo trip on the JMT or logged 21 days on the trails mostly alone in the Sierras. Oh and lord knows I would of never spent 96 days out on the PCT trusting and hanging out with complete strangers.
Sure be smart and trust your intuition. I do! It's ok to let go and be out on the trails alone. Some people are held back by thier own fears. And will be stuck.
We need to all get out and live!


Crossfit wod
Catra's chaos
run 1 mile-50 squats
run 1 mile- 40 push-ups
run 1 mile- 30 walking lunges
run 1 mile- 20 burpees
run 1 mile- 10 handstand push-ups

14 comments:

Shannon said...

Good advice! Don't be afraid, just step out-you'll be blessed.

jb said...

yeah, no kidding. we have a culture of fear going on, esp for women.
and anyways, i have taken all my best photos in dangerous third world neighborhoods.

Unknown said...

Great story, great WOD, great Life! And great playground!!

Unknown said...

Catra ~
I think this is the most incredible post you have ever written. Thank you for touching my heart today.

avabee said...

Inspiring post, as always. That place looks so beautiful. :)

Leslie said...

Amen, Sista! Will we be seeing you at Diablo this year?

Sparky said...

Right On -- Get OUTSIDE Girls (and boyz)!!! All my yuckiest days were made better by a little dirt & trail run...Loved this post. Keep it up, Lady!

Unknown said...

I found my way over from Leslie's. Very cool blog! I love the quotes and your stories and attitude are so inspiring.

Brian said...

Great words of wisdom! It's definitely important to take on new challenges but also very cool to look back and see how far you have progressed.

FishermansDaughter said...

I'm not a runner but find your blog incredibly inspirational and universal. One of my all time favorite sayings is "Fear makes the wolf look bigger." Kudos to you for not just kicking it's ass to the curb, but continuing to do so.

YOU ROCK.

Stevo said...

Catra... it's not just a woman thing... we all need to grow together. You are an inspiration. Everyone need's to find their path... or trail... Stevo

Anonymous said...

I read your posts everyday and this one so hit home!! I just need to stop being afraid!! Thank you so much!

Sherist said...

You've grown to be one brave chic! Thanks for sharing your stories. You're an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Catra,
We know each other but I am remaining anonymous for now.
Being sober myself for over 12 years I know all too well the fear of striking out on a new, unexplored path.

“A know hell can sometimes be more comfortable than an unknown paradise.”

You help to remind me that change can be difficult, growth can be painful, but the rewards are unparalleled.