Let's talk...and be HONEST

It's time to talk. I'm a talker. I think communication is critical in a relationship, and this is a relationship, without a doubt. From the moment we get started, I expect you to talk to me. To tell me how you're feeling, where you're at, where you've been. To tell me your doubts, your strengths and weaknesses. It's time to be HONEST. And this is where it gets HARD. Because I'm learning that it's a lot easier to be dishonest than it is to accept and tell the truth. Here's my truth:

For the past 15 years, I've been participating in endurance "events". Not everything is a race. I've climbed throughout North America. I've climbed in Alaska, GUIDED by one of the best (honesty, you see), but it was still Alaska and it wasn't easy. I've soloed moderate (Grade 4) ice routes in New England. Nothing too bold by elite standards.  A walk up for many. But a mistake, a fall, likely would have had serious consequences and I understood the risks involved. I've been a participant in a few 100 Mile Mountain Bike races.  Never a threat to stand on the podium when I was "racing" in them 10 years ago, I wasn't embarrasing myself, either...or at least that's what I was telling myself. I look back now and I realize I was framing my truth, painting a bigger, bolder picture, when in fact it was barely a thumbnail. I cracked the door to those worlds 10 years ago, and then closed it, locked it up and nearly threw away the key when the "real world" beckoned.

My real world came first in the form of a "real" job. I won't bore you with the details.  It's been a good job.  Stressful, exciting, with it's fair share of success and recognition. I met my future wife a few years after I entered the real world.  It was one of those things where I just knew.  It was easy. She is wonderful. We have two children now. We are getting older. And for a myriad of reasons, I found the keys to the door and I've decided to open it wide.

Here's my truth now. I've learned a lot. I recognize I have a lot to learn. I'm in better shape now than I've ever been. I realize I can be a lot stronger. I know what it's like to have a "real job", a family that depends on you. I know what it's like to suffer heartbreaking loss and have it change you, to reshape your perspective on what's important. I know my limits and what I must do to expand them or overcome them. And I'm confident I can find a way to make you stronger and better. But you MUST BE HONEST with me, and more importantly, YOURSELF.