One Year to IMWI 2010--WrapUp

Since Sept 1st, 2010:
SWIM: 159821 yards (90.8 miles) in 72.71 hours
BIKE: 4176.49 miles in 248 hours
RUN: 1221.46 miles in 188.08 hours

While the progress towards this race is often measured in miles, and I really can't deny that those numbers are impressive, the real reward can't be measured. I am a different person.

I spend the past year alternating between doubt and confidence. The year began with the Redman Incident, the low point in my 5 years of triathlon. It took time to move beyond that and I learned so much from it about myself. As time passed, my confidence returned to normal and I decided that I was much stronger than I ever realized.

I trained though pain, doubt, and fatigue. I pushed myself beyond limits I thought I'd never be able to test. I broke new barriers for myself. I found a new eating lifestyle. But that still doesn't cover the changes.

I developed an Iron Self Confidence (or Smugacity!) that is now a part of me. Having a bad day? I did an ironman race, I can get through a bad day. Someone pissing me off? I did an ironman race, this one person can't ruin my mood. Tired, hungry, hurting? I did an ironman race, I've seen it all before and took it with a smile. Sure I still have my doubts and low points, but I'm more upfront in dealing with them.

I'm confident now, I confront people and speak my mind. I'm not afraid of my thoughts or body, in fact I'm more one with myself than ever before. I'm stronger than I ever realized.

People keep saying "Oh I could never do anything like that!". I beg to differ. Yes you can, but only if you really want it. And it doesn't have to be ironman. It can be a 5K, quitting smoking, or just making positive changes for yourself. Because what I really did is challenge myself with this race. And all you need to do is challenge yourself. Find something that excites you and GO FOR IT.

And that's the big lesson I learned for myself. GO FOR IT. Don't hold back. Don't doubt so much. Quit complaining and finding excuses. Recognize your unmutable limits and learn to work with them. Love who you are and what you have. Take your fears, your reservations, and your doubts, take them and grind them up under the foot of determinations and just GO FOR IT.