The Journey

After my disqualification, I felt depressed and inadequate.  How could I have missed a turn?   In 25+ years of running, I had never had a disqualification, DQ, on my official results. I had two choices, give up or get up.  I thought about giving up, but it is just not my style so I got up.  I signed up for a triathlon with a course that included hills beyond my ability. See,  I needed a redemption race.  I needed to erase the DQ mentally. So, I decided to challenge myself. Today, I joined a local triathlon club to practice my next triathlon course.  I was scared. What if I missed a turn?  What if I can't do this?  Anxiety was setting in, especially about the bike course. Just take a peek at the course. It was quite steep. Was I scared? Yes. I was worried that I couldn't make it up the hills.  Then I started thinking of  my favorite Mary J. Blige song, "Just fine."  I love that song and the words. "No time for mopin...

Today I must admit was an extra-ordinary day. I had the opportunity to do something I had never done before. I completed 2 endurance events back to back. I participated in the Maryland Sprint duathlon on Saturday and Olympic Distance on Sunday. This consisted of 39 miles of cycling uphill and 10 miles of running in back to back within 24 hours.  For a few, this seemed like a walk in a park. See these events bring out the most talent athletes around. They look fast and have fancy bikes.   I signed up for this race because a buddy asked me to do so.  There I was. No fancy shoes. A bike that is 11 years old. No fancy outfit. NOTHING.  I just said to myself, " Oh well, you defined what you want to get out of this." Oh course, I was totally intimidated by all the racers.  I had not planned on doing this event.  The course is very tough.  I have not trained for much in the past few months, but exercise regularly for sanity.  All I could do is ...