Having completed my first Ironman last summer, I have a new way of looking at events. I have been out there, seen the suffering, felt the pain, and understand the enormity of the undertaking. All of the preparation, training, time, sweat, blood, effort, and pain...all for one single day of self discovery. And that is what racing is about for me, self discovery.
You can have the perfect plan, coach, program...but if one thing goes wrong, you're fighting for survival and victory then is found in finishing. I have never DNF'd a race...I don't think I have it in me to do so.
I took on the task of an Ironman last year with much doubt about whether or not I was capable physically and mentally of doing it. I could not swim 50 meters, I had never run farther than 20 kms at one time, never ridden farther than 110kms. How could I possibly complete a 4km swim, 180km bike, and a 42.2km run in the same day?? How could I assume I would be able to stand along a very select group of athletes who have conquered the beast? I discovered the core of how strong If I set my mind to it. When I ran into problems during the marathon and got very sick...I should have quit. But I decided that I would kill myself to finish this race, gain the accomplishment. Standing on the other side, how would anyone understand wanting to push yourself to the brink, just to finish a race. It's not something you can teach.
So, this morning while out for a longer run...I started to hurt pretty badly. My former self would have backed off and walked, bummed about my state and do something shorter the following week "for recovery". This morning, I lengthened my stride, gritted my teeth, and thought of myself crossing the finish line and the pain seemed to dissipate and the pain became my badge of honor.
What can you challenge yourself to discover?
brad.
