Trek

I was told by some friends that going on Trek is kind of like "giving birth". There is the pregnancy part (months of preparing, meetings, planning, wishing it was over, etc.) and then the actual Trek part (labor/delivery). It is hard, painful, and terrifying sometimes . . . but so worth it in the end. And when you are done you think you can never do this again . . . and a few months/years later you want another one! ;-)

As the event gets closer, I am growing more excited and nervous -- at the same time. It is becoming forefront in my mind. I am starting to dream about it, I wake-up thinking about it, and I plan for it during the day. It occupies an entire section of my brain -- always.

Trek, trek, trek, trek, TREK!!!

Yesterday, during my morning run, I went up the foothills (pushing my double-stroller). I decided to put the stroller behind my back on the way down the steep hill -- to feel what it is like having something to pull/support/pushing on you, downhill. It was "fun". Actually hills are my favorite. I love hills. They make me work harder and something inside me rises to the challenge. Good thing Trek is uphill both ways, this year. ;-)

Women's Pull

One thing I want to be ready for is the "Women's pull". All the men will be called away to war, and only the women (and girls) will be left to push/pull the handcarts -- uphill. It will be me and 4 other girls. And though they look like they are in good shape, most of my girls are pretty small! So I think this "Ma" had better be ready to PULL!! I am starting to train for it -- so glad I have my double stroller. Maybe I should load it up with rocks??? ;-) wink!

I love in the videos below how the boys want so badly to help them . . . You can see what an effort it is for those ladies! Oh boy! (I don't know if we will have any boys around us at all. I have heard they will be watching us from on top of a hillside.)

Therefore, this Mama better be able to haul the load! (Excited and nervous!) Gives me the shivers just thinking about it! I think that will be about the time I will be asking for my Scottish-strength to begin flowing through my veins, and for my ancestors to pull with me. They will. I know it.

The woman I am representing, Elizabeth Steele (my great, great, great, great Aunt) watched her husband die of weather/starvation -- because he gave all of his food/clothes to his wife and children. She carried on by herself, carrying her baby the whole way.

It is because of her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that I live and love the very same gospel today! (She converted her husband James Steele and he converted my great, great, g, g, grandpa, John Murray Murdoch -- the gospel has been passed down by every descendant since! Thousands of people!)

Thank you Elizabeth! I adore you! I will forever be grateful! Please, dear Elizabeth, take some time to come and help me during the Women's pull!

I will need you!

Don't forget to bring my Wee Granny with you. :-) Thanks!

I have 3 months to get my bootie in trek-shape. I am not completely out of shape, but I have not been as diligent in my running/exercise as I normally am. It has been a challenging winter. (And I feel it!) But I want to be really ready. I NEED to be ready. I know I have it in me . . . now to let it out! Time to start lifting heavy objects and walking/running miles and miles! I can do it! I have to do it! Time to start climbing those hills!! And re-discovering my strength. I am going to NEED it!!!

Onward!