Post IM musings

[KnottedYet]

What I achieved did not improve the status of my community, society or the earth.

Yes, it did.

We are part of your community, society, earth. We got the thrill and excitement of "one of us" doing IMC. A few of us are thinking, "hey, maybe it would be fun to do a sprint tri, hey, maybe a BUNCH of us could do it TOGETHER."

And look, the community is thereby strengthened. (literally and metaphorically)

A person's actions seem to always be farther reaching than they expect.

Yeah, maybe it was "just" a race, but: You done good, Yoda!

[Running Mommy]

Yeah, what knotted said!!

And you are right. Sometimes we get caught up in things so much that we don't look at the big picture. And no, triathlon is not going to solve the worlds problems.
My ten year old is good at bringing me back to reality. He'll say "Mom. Calm down. It's just......(insert issue here).... It's not going to end/change the world...

And yeah, he's usually right.

BUT- you are special! I've never met you in person, but from your posts I can say that I know your a kind, caring, insightful person.
And seeing your performance in Cananda gave me hope. Hope that with some good training and mental toughness maybe I could pull out a somewhat decent time next year.

We are very lucky here on TE, we have a unique and special "family" here. I hope it always stays that way!
Love to all
Denise

[LBTC]

Wahine - you made me cry this morning! Thank you!

Knott said it very well, but, well, I like getting my two cents in, too.

You know how this works. We all have our turns in the spotlight of sorts. Please take our praise in the manner in which it was intended: to encourage and support.

We know that you'll be there (as you have already many times) to pass it along in encouragement and support.

Iron is not something to take lightly. Nor are any of the other life things you mentioned. You're right. We All Rock!

Thanks for pointing that out!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Starfish]

Yep, everyone has said it well, but I just add my "Amen" to it.

You are right...everyone has a special life, a special gift...is a special creation.

And, what the others said about your maturity and balance is a big part of what makes you special. Maybe not "above." But, a leader in some ways.

I agree with Knot. Not only did your IM journey impact this community, I believe for sure that by inspiring others, you have dropped a stone in the waters that will ripple to shores unknown to you.

Every time I achieve another athletic milepost, I am empowered in all the rest of my life to take more chances and act with more integrity and intention. So, with your maturity and your presence and your achievement, who knows how your inspiration will impact a life, a community, a world?

This is not just feel-good BS to me...I believe it.

[blueskies]

I agree with Knot. Not only did your IM journey impact this community, I believe for sure that by inspiring others, you have dropped a stone in the waters that will ripple to shores unknown to you.

Every time I achieve another athletic milepost, I am empowered in all the rest of my life to take more chances and act with more integrity and intention. So, with your maturity and your presence and your achievement, who knows how your inspiration will impact a life, a community, a world?

This is not just feel-good BS to me...I believe it.

So true!

Starfish, a ripple from your Shasta century came to my shores.

I've been training since February for Cycle Oregon, returning to cycling after a 15 year break. When I came across the TE forums, it was during a week when I was sick, discouraged, and worrying... I read your account of your Shasta century & I felt so uplifted & inspired by reading the story of your ride. In particular, you wrote about having multiple goals... which was just the reminder that I needed. It helped me to remember my reasons for wanting to do this ride, and the way that I want to do this ride... with open eyes and an open heart. And that's completely within my control. Doing all the miles is a tier 2 goal... I hope to, but I don't have to.

This is a wonderful community, and I'm grateful to all of you who have made it what it is.

[Starfish]

It helped me to remember my reasons for wanting to do this ride, and the way that I want to do this ride... with open eyes and an open heart.

Let us know how it goes!

[Over50Newbie]

As a beginner, what I appreciate the most is that you more experienced riders (Wahine, etc) take the time to encourage the newbies.

I posted earlier this season about doing a sprint triathlon, and I was SOOO appreciative that you guys were willing to take the time to answer my questions. Then when I posted my results, you treated me just like I had finished an Ironman.

So, that is what makes you guys so special in my book!

And, Wahine, I am one of those that didn't leave my computer all day while I watched you compete in the Ironman Canada. I thought you were absolutely incredible and very, very inspiring!

Lynette

P.S. And now I am doing my very first century ride on Sunday. Yea, me!