So, did you ever see that Geico commercial with the pig flying through the forest on zip lines? You probably have, but just because I love it so much, let’s all watch it together again, shall we?

Until about two weeks ago, I’d never been on a zip line and never ever thought I’d find myself suspended up in the air on a course filled with crazy obstacles like suspended bridges, swaying rope ladders, and zip lines. But then when I read about Catamount Aerial Adventure Park in upstate New York, I immediately sent the link to my boyfriend and said, “We must go to this!” It just looked . . . fun!

That said, I’m not a very big person (there’s only five feet of me in total!) and although I do lift weights at the gym and do push ups at least a few mornings every week, I’m not exactly what you’d call a body builder. Knowing that ropes courses take a ton of upper body strength, I worried about my ability to get through it all without a) falling or b) needing to be rescued by a helicopter–but I figured, what the hell. I’m not too proud to ask for a hand if I need it; and once I can’t go any farther, I’ll just let my boyfriend finish the course and I can meet him at the end, ice cream cone in-hand.

I can't WAIT to go back!

But you know what happened once I got on the course? I loved it. AND?! I was really pretty good at it! Since I’m quite short, I had to come up with different strategies to climb up some of the taller obstacles, but I just got creative and found a way with every one. Before I knew it, I was balancing on tight ropes way up in the treetops and soaring across zip lines like I’d done it all my life.

My awesome boyfriend (who is over a foot taller and much stronger than me!) offered tips on how to balance when I was stumped by tricky parts of the course, and I shouted out strategies on how to stay upright when he looked a little shaky. And when I’d hook onto one of those zip lines, knowing he’d be waiting for me at the bottom made my voyage even more fun. He told me I was doing great (even when I was pretty sure I was just barely getting by), and made me feel like I really was the strongest, most awesome girl out there. Not that I didn’t know it before, but that day was even more proof that we make a pretty kick ass team. Like Kermit and Miss Piggy or Hall and Oates–but flying through trees. Yup. That good.

By the time we left, I was sweaty, sore, and totally wiped out–but I also knew a lot more about myself. In the past, I’ve shied away from things because I didn’t think I’d be good at them, or I thought I’d look dumb trying. If I’d done that with zip lines, I would have never had such an amazing time or learned so much about my own strength.

So all you other big challenges out there? You’d better watch out, because I’m feeling way too bold to be scared anymore. Sure, I might end up with a sprained ankle or a few skinned knees from trying new things–but what’s life if you’re not pushing your limits and having the most fun possible? Lame–that’s what!

Have you ever tried zip lines? What’s the biggest physical challenge you’ve ever given yourself? Tell me everything in the comments!

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