Round Two Baby!

*Brazenness -  a behavior in which someone does something in a very obvious way, without trying to hide it*

It took almost a month, but I was able to retrain the pathways in my brain that previously led to a panic attack in the altitude of Colorado. I promised myself that this story wouldn't end up there. I would find a way to get back into the altitude and this time do something even more #brazen. So here is part two! 

I rented a mountain bike and went up to Park City, Utah to retrain the neural pathways that had previously told me I couldn't do something. You see, I had a previous bad experience and then it was confirmed the next time I encountered the same situation. Proof right? Nope! 

When you've had multiple experiences that are not good, how do you break through and correct them? For me, I have to remind myself that living in fear is no way to live - especially when you want what you're afraid of. From there, make a plan and decide what you're going to do. All that's left is to execute.

I drove up highway 80 and at about 6,500ft I started feeling a little funny. What I've come to learn is that for whatever reason, I'm unusually in tune with my body. I sense and feel subtle changes, like altitude. Not this time I said to myself. These sensations are going to have to knock me out because I'm not turning around. 

Prior to leaving I picked a trail that I really wanted to ride. As a Freemason the trail I chose was perfect. It was called Freemason and Lost Prospector Trail. It was 8 miles total, with a few extra offshoots included. I gained about 1,000ft in elevation which was also a first and interesting compared to my Florida road biking. I am still not used to pacing myself up hills, but I am definitely learning. 

There were some amazing views of the Park City Mountain and Deer Valley slopes. I hadn't ever been to a ski town when there wasn't snow so this was pretty cool. It's exactly what you would imagine. Runs with no snow. I wondered why they didn't find a way to monetize the runs during summer for increased revenue, but that's for another blog. The way all the mountains come together to create a long wall of lush green peaks and valleys is special and I couldn't help but feel lucky and grateful to be there.

It was about 2pm and the bowl of cereal I had at 8am was definitely wearing off. I looked at my AllTrails map and found an alternate route down the mountain on the Park City side. I figured I could find a local and ask them for a recommendation. I saw this guy getting ready to get into his beautiful black Tesla. I stopped him and asked for his name and if he was a local. He said, "My name is Greg and I just moved here from San Fransisco. What do you need?" I told him I was looking for a good restaurant with outside seating and he told me about a place called Five5seeds. We chatted for a bit and then I headed to lunch. He made a great recommendation. 

I don't share this story with you because I like talking about myself. I share this because I think it's important to highlight the second part of this whole experience. Stuff is going to happen to us in life. Whether that's anxiety, depression, loss of a loved one, getting laid off from work, and so many other real-life situations. What matters is how quickly you can pick yourself up and keep going. Giving up can never be an option because you don't know what you might be missing out on. 

For me, I wouldn't have biked that cool mountain, met Greg, and had the best ginger glazed salmon and soba noodle salad. Hell, I didn't even know what soba noodles were before that. We get one chance to live our most full life. Is there anything you have been putting off that you want to do? Is there someone important to you that you've been meaning to spend more time with? Get out there and do it, go see them. 

I appreciate all the Brazenites that read my blog and follow along. I have had so many people invest in my life and I don't want to let any of you down. Thank you for everything you do to enrich my life and I wish you health and wealth.

Your Friend,

The Brazen Traveler