Afterthoughts.

Its been five weeks since I finished my run across Ireland and there are many thoughts and lessons that will probably stay with me for some time to come.

• The first one is acceptance, it is emotionally crippling to be in a situation where you have worked really hard but still face what seems insurmountable. Letting go of the fear and the disappointment and the anger when I got injured was both hard and easy to do. It seemed easy once I had surrendered to my fate, it only seemed difficult when I went against it and fought the inevitability. Realising that I am accountable for my decisions became the only factor in choosing to continue on a bike and I know I chose well in the end.

• The second is fear, where there is a will there is most certainly a way. Embracing the unknown and turning uncertainty into a voyage changes everything. As long as you are moving forward, regardless of the pace, you are still moving.
  

• The third is belief, if you truly believe and visualise the goal you can achieve it. A lacklustre attitude or outlook never inspired or accomplished much in this world. From day one I never doubted that I would complete the trek, it just was not something that ever crossed my brain waves. If you project an image of failure chances are it will come true.
  

• The fourth is positivity, surround yourself with people you believe in and who believe in you. I have an amazing group in friends in all areas of my life from people who run to people in Autism circles to people I have never even met in person. I think that once we are accepted and respected for who we are as individuals we can fulfill our greatest potential and truly make a difference in the world.

My running has been pretty low as of late and I now find myself rebuilding again and preparing for other adventures. I wanted--at my lowest points during and after the run-- to strangle the people who said "It's all happening for a reason" or "It will make you stronger these lessons you are learning". The reason for my frustration? Because I knew these people were right. It takes a while once you step out of the eye of the storm to get some perspective. I have that now and although my bottom line feeling is one of disappointment for not completing the trek as I had planned, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Accept the things you cannot change.