The past few weeks I’ve been really thinking about this statement. It started when Danskin asked us to write a short essay on “Why I Tri” for the upcoming race. I was actually at a loss for words (I know, impossible as that sounds…).
So I put a lot of thought into why I do what I do. Why do I get up early on weekends to put in many miles (whether bike or by foot)? Why do I go to bed before most 5 year olds most nights? WHY?
Several reasons… one of which is I found an inner strength I never knew I had. Endurance athletics (beginning with marathon training) showed me that nothing is impossible to accomplish. What used to be unfathomable was totally do-able.
I found I love goals. The harder, the better. I found a true enjoyment of having a timeline and working my way through that timeline (as hard as it may be) and finishing.
I found the best in others. I realize this may sound odd to those who know me since I have become a bit “grittier” since moving to the west coast… but it’s true. I find that those who push themselves are amazing people with incredible stories. Whether it’s finishing Ironman or walking a 5k… it’s amazing to see the goodness and greatness in others. So many athletes have a story on what they’ve accomplished, oversome, gained, lost…. Some stories have tears of joy, some tears of sorrow. Each one is amazing and inspiring.
On that note, I realize I do not need an organized religion to teach me about faith. All I have to do is look around me as I train and at races. When I see athletes pushing through with physical and/or mental disabilities (Team Hoyt, Sarah Reinersten among others) – that gives me faith that anything is possible.
And – maybe that is why I get so “crusty” at times. When I see those around me NOT living up to what they are capable of…and by that, I do not mean racing, running, athletics… What I mean is getting outside – taking a walk. Spending time with family and friends just a few miles away. Taking care of one’s self: if these challenged athletes can accomplish the “virtual impossible” when all odds are against them why do others kill themselves with food, denial, and lethargy?? That is more than just a pet peeve of mine.
We only have one shot at life – we better make it memorable.
Training also brought me closer to Super Husband. We did not need marital counseling. When two people have just each other and the pavement for 3 hours each Saturday, you bond and grow as a couple, as a team. Even though marathon training was the hardest thing I’ve ever done I think of it fondly because we shared such an incredible experience and grew together. We kept each other lifted when the other was down…kept each other motivated and always knew how to keep going.
I tri – so I can keep growing. So I keep improving on my inner strength and mental focus. Because I am so blessed and fortunate.
I tri because it makes me a better human on this incredible planet.
In the words of someone I know: I tri BECAUSE I CAN.
