Wow...I'm not sure where this post is headed, but I think I finally "get it".
We all have things come along that we can relate to. For some of us, it is watching shows like Biggest Loser. I can see myself in so many of the people on that show. But, there's just something about the word "loser" I don't like.
Today, I was broadsided and surprised by a show that came on NBC. The show? The IronMan Triathlon. I can't count the number of times a tear came to my eye as I watched the people try...and many succeed at finishing the "IronMan". For the IronMan, to finish is to win. From the guy with double prostethic legs, to the grandfather that is legally blind, to the 65 year old former IronMan volunteer...they all won. Because they finished what is quite possibly the hardest race known to man.
To say it is a "if they can do it, I can do it" moment, does not do it justice. It goes so far beyond that. To watch the pain on their faces turn to almost unlimited joy as they finish..."IT" is what I long for.
It is so easy to complain about getting up early or being tired or getting sore while running. It is so easy to find an excuse to not exercise. It is easy to justify why I haven't...fill in the blank.
What I'm doing is not easy, never will. But that is what makes crossing the finish line that much sweeter. I've already had a small taste..the last mile of the Tower or Terror race was not easy for me. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Not so much physically, but mentally. I did my fastest mile over the last mile of that race and beat my time goal by 11 seconds.
I think I finally have an appreciation of what it is that I long for...the satisfaction in completing the challenges that lie in front of me.
Till Next Time...Take Care!!!
in the dog house
20 minutes ago
2 comments:
Byron,
You are exactly right! In this month's Runner's World there is an article on the double amputee who did the IronMan. He was in an auto accident and had both legs severely crushed. One was amputated immediately. The other was several years later. He actually made the choice to have the other one as he felt it was holding back his ability to exercise. When I see something like that, I think, "mgreene, you really don't have any problems. Just think what he would give to be able to go out for a normal run." That's why I think exercising is something I do because I can. Sure it hurts sometimes, but I bet my pain is nothing compared to others. So I might as well take advantage of what I'm able to do.
I think a lot of your problem is strictly mental - you need to learn that exercise is just as important as other things in your life. And your body will adjust to the pain -
you shock it one day and it will become accustomed to that level and will allow you to go farther or push harder in the future. But you can't just always do what's easy because you won't improve if you do.
Byron, Glad you found new motivation.
Are you familiar Team Hoyt?
They are truly an inspiration as well.
Rick has cerebral palsy. He and his Father have participated in numerous races, including Iron Man competitions.
Like the other stories you mentioned theirs is a story of faith, comittment, and the believe that all things are possible.
Here is a link to their web site if you are interested in learning more about them.
http://www.teamhoyt.com/
Stay positive and have a great week.
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