The Unexpected Lessons I Learned in Costa Rica
Today is one of my favorite racing days of the year — my running buddies, Mike and I do a local 10K which we still call the “Old Pros” race even though the name has changed. There’s an epic beer garden at the end with craft beer and we all get tipsy, analyze our races and plan future adventures.
I usually have mixed feelings about my performance at the race because it’s hot, it’s a weird time of year when I’m not actually training for the race, and generally, I tend to compare my time year over year — sometimes excitedly and often with disappointment. My goal this year is negative split the race for the first time and ideally beat last year, though honestly, after 2.5 weeks in Costa Rica & the “travel hangover” I’ve experienced this week, I’ll try not to beat myself up if I don’t.
We All Have More Than One Identity
That intense Type A runner above is just ONE side of me. The coach and business woman you often see in these emails is also one side. We All Have More Than One Identity
The Different Sides of Me That Came Out in Costa Rica
The side that came out in Costa Rica?!
My Adventurous Side
That’s the brave side of me – the one who explores new trails in places she’s never been and walks into the small butcher shop full of Costa Rican men and orders steak in Spanish to bring back to the house for dinner.
It’s the adventurous side of me who books a 2.5 hour horse back riding jungle trail ride for my entire family even though they have almost no horseback riding experience.
My Relaxed Side
It’s the relaxed side of me – the one who reads 5 books in 2 weeks and eats costa rican cookies out of the sleeve.
My Playful Side
It’s the playful side of me – who did cartwheels on the beach in my bathing suit with my girls.
My Dreamer Side
And it’s the dreamer side of me – the one who starts to imagine living in Costa Rica – and even finds a real estate agent and tours homes. (We wouldn’t actually live there until the kids go to college and use it as a home base for other travels as well – I want to go EVERYWHERE!)
My Bilingual Side
And my personal favorite on this trip was the bilingual(ish) side of me – the one who finally got over being judged for trying to speak Spanish and responded “Espanol” every time a server would ask “English or Spanish?” Although I am not fluent, I can get by. And the only way to become fluent is to try.
Why Travel Helps You Rediscover Yourself
One of the best parts of travel is the self-exploration that comes when you’re away from your traditional roles and responsibilities and you just get to be.
And often this comes with the discovery of lost parts of yourself and new dreams and goals to explore later.
Looking Ahead to My Next Chapter
While San Diego living mom of 3, marathoner and coach Nicole is thriving now, I see a future that also excites me in my later years – living abroad, going on epic multi-day hikes (Patagonia, Nepal,etc)— one that I want to have a strong body & good health to enjoy.
What Side of You Comes Out on Vacation?
What is a hidden part of you that comes out on vacation? Feel free to reply and let me know.
Happy running,
Nicole Dobransky
You must be logged in to post a comment.