Every once in awhile, when things get really hectic and it is tough to balance work, life and training, I have to remind myself why I do this crazy sport called triathlon. Is it because it gives you amazing legs (though I am not quite there yet)? Or maybe the privilege of ingesting foods of weird consistencies - liquid food, gel food, baby food, etc? Or perhaps it is being surrounded by scantily clad athletic bodies (or in the not-as-much-fun cases, scantily clad non-athletic bodies)?
I could have a closet full of Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, and Gucci shoes that would rival Victoria Beckham's for how much I spend on things related to this sport. But not me. Instead, I have Ironman entry fees, plane tickets, race wheels.
For me, I think it comes down to three things:
1.) It is a healthy, active lifestyle (some could probably argue points to counter this!). To me, there is no better feeling than working out, getting sweaty and being exhausted to the core afterward. It mellows my high-strung nature out, and this is a good thing for everyone around me. It forces me to make better eating choices, because if I don't, I will ultimately suffer the consequences one way or another.
2.) The people. I have met some of the most amazing people through this sport. It has helped forge friendships all over the globe. There were those that were there for me when I was just starting out - I will never forget them. And, I do not think my move from New York to Miami would have been as easy had it not been for people I met here involved in this sport. It makes me want to get up out of bed and workout knowing it will be with incredible people who I am lucky to have in my life.
3.) Setting a goal, putting it out there and going for it. Triathlon mimics life for me. It simulates the ups and the downs, the challenges and the pitfalls that you ultimately encounter and need to push through. It teaches you to work through them, and in my opinion, prepares you for the road ahead not just on the course, but in life. Sports have always been invaluable to me in this way. There are days when you simply do not want to workout, but you put your head down, get to it, and grind it out. At the end, you feel better. To me, that teaches you a work ethic that is easily translatable in real life (like when I just don't want to go to work, or finish a project!). It teaches you that your mind and body could handle more pain than you thought, that you are stronger than you think. And that, as painful as things can be sometimes, it does eventually pass and you are ok in the end. And stronger for next time.
So, I am 59 days out from Ironman Maryland, and things are a little insane across the board in my life at this current moment. It was time to take a step back, give myself a little reminder as to why I do this, and be grateful that I have the physical and mental ability to be able to do it at all. I am thankful that I have family and friends who still love me even if they don't see me for long stretches at a time. And super grateful for those around me that push me and inspire me everyday.
3.) Setting a goal, putting it out there and going for it. Triathlon mimics life for me. It simulates the ups and the downs, the challenges and the pitfalls that you ultimately encounter and need to push through. It teaches you to work through them, and in my opinion, prepares you for the road ahead not just on the course, but in life. Sports have always been invaluable to me in this way. There are days when you simply do not want to workout, but you put your head down, get to it, and grind it out. At the end, you feel better. To me, that teaches you a work ethic that is easily translatable in real life (like when I just don't want to go to work, or finish a project!). It teaches you that your mind and body could handle more pain than you thought, that you are stronger than you think. And that, as painful as things can be sometimes, it does eventually pass and you are ok in the end. And stronger for next time.
So, I am 59 days out from Ironman Maryland, and things are a little insane across the board in my life at this current moment. It was time to take a step back, give myself a little reminder as to why I do this, and be grateful that I have the physical and mental ability to be able to do it at all. I am thankful that I have family and friends who still love me even if they don't see me for long stretches at a time. And super grateful for those around me that push me and inspire me everyday.
I never want to take any of this granted. So today, and everyday, I am grateful.
