Since my last entry (which may have also been my first, I'm not sure), I've gone through an injury, which resulted in taking 3 months off running and then subsequent knee surgery. I wasn't sure if I would be able to run again but I did and I am getting ready to head into training for my first full marathon! I'm super nervous and scared about not being able to finish but I also know how much of running is mental. I'm fortunate to have an amazing husband who supports me through all my training and is there to support me at the races, either by running alongside me or at the finish line.
Because my orthopedic doctor suggested I bike and swim more, I thought "aha, I'll do a triathlon". I don't think that's what he had in mind! I joined this kickass gym in February and continue to progress in strength, endurance and faith in myself. Because of the amazing women I've been training alongside, I was able to compete and finish my first triathlon this past weekend. I still am in a little bit of disbelief that I did it, especially when I think back to how much I HATED competing unless it was from a diving board. I swam for leisure, I wasn't a big fan of bikes and running has always been my nemesis. So I was going to put all three together?? Was I insane? Maybe. But I challenged myself and came out the other side. I pushed through my fears of swimming in water that wasn't a pool. I overcame my reluctance to pass people on the bike. And I made it through a 4 mile run that was akin to running through Hell (it really was that horrible).
I finished and I'm already signed up for another one! I loved every minute of it, even when I was hating it.
So it's not just asphalt that I'm addicted to anymore. It's the feeling I get when I do the thing I thought I could not do and overcome that voice in my head that says "you can't". The last 5 years have been a series of ups and downs, but I've managed to stay sober through them and the rewards have been endless. My circle of acquaintances and friends has grown by leaps and bounds. I have a better awareness of who I am these days. I am looking forward to my 40th next month and can honestly say I've not been this content with my life for as long as I can remember back. And through it all, my husband has been at my side, cheering me on and supporting me, loving me while I tackle the next training or the next challenge. I look forward to growing old with this man, who is now asking for his own bike so he can go riding alongside me.
My dear husband gave me a card the night I completed my first tri and it said:
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"If you can dream it, you can do it" ~ Walt Disney
Pretty fitting. Dream big and do great things! Anything is possible when you set your mind to it and follow through. For me, this has been the case over the past two years. I went from not being able to run for 30 seconds to completing 6 half marathons and a triathlon, even after having knee surgery. In December, I will hopefully be tackling my greatest challenge yet (besides getting sober). A full marathon. 26.2 miles of crazy. And looking forward to every minute of it!
