Post IM musings

[teigyr]

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

I was thinking about this as I went to sleep last night/early this morning. I had been up 24 hours and had two glasses of wine (and benedryl) to fall asleep quickly but your post was running through my impaired head.

When I first came to TE I was a returning cyclist. I had problems and issues and this forum provided great support. By reading about everyone else's ventures, I started running again after a HUGE hiatus. I got orthotics (as an ex-runner I have a ton of old injuries) and started slowly.

I had a great awe of triathletes. They always seemed SUCH a different breed and they intimidated me. What I learned was that these are real people with goals; most aren't mythical creatures who automatically do things like IM with ease. I am now signed up for TWO tri's, albeit small ones.

What I learned about you, Wahine, is you are someone who takes your goals seriously. You also are a professional at work and greatly respect your marriage and friends. Anyone reading these forums can see that.

So while you think YOU might not have improved the status of your community, etc., what about the other people who you've impacted? Maybe there was a younger female watching you race or maybe there is somebody here who has become empowered to step outside of their boundaries. By doing that, it also affects other parts of their life. My logic is horrible I know but once someone realizes "hey, I can do this" I think they then are willing to take risks like returning to school or expanding other parts of their lives. Everyone has a role or a gift in life and maybe yours is to inspire others? I think SO many other parts of life require patience, dedication, and work. The IM is just a concrete example of it.

[Wahine]

Thank you everyone. I had not looked back at this thread until today. I hear what your saying and I believe it. I am glad I have helped others here. I just don't want anyone to every feel like they could not achieve something of equivialnt or greater importance if one put their mind to it. There is amazing strength here on this board.