Skip to main content

You Define Success*****

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 show up and go.

On Saturday, I ran 2 miles cycled 13 miles (uphill) and ran 2 miles.  It was hot, but I was rested. On Sunday I ran 2 miles, cycled 26 miles (uphill) and ran 4 miles.  Crazy right?  Sunday was tough. I was tired and did not want to go, but I thought about my friend who invited me.  I did not want to disappoint her.  I decided on Sunday, I would re-define success for this event.  Success meant showing up and giving a good effort with no time goal.  So I did.  I ran with my heart the first 2 miles then quickly jumped on the bike.  I knew the bike would be difficult.  My bike is old and heavy. This makes for extra difficult riding uphill. Then I lost all my fuel.  My water bottle full of fluids and electrolytes fell off my bike but then my chain fell off while riding up hill.  I thought about stopping and calling for support, but I said, "Stacy-girl, you are out here in the middle of nowhere. You must finish this." So I fixed the chain and rode with no fuel.  By the time I got to the run course I was exhausted. All I could think of was sitting down, but then my buddy called to me and said, "Let's go."  So, I did. I love to run. It makes me happy.  I ran and ran and ran.  I caught people and passed them like I was in school age kid.  I just kept running.  I knew if I kept running I would finish.  And I did.

I did this course in 2011 and came in almost last.  Today, I finished in the top 3 in my Age Group 45-49 females.  Moral of the story--You must define your own success.  Whether it is to show up and finish, get on the podium or try something new; DEFINE IT and DO IT.  I would have been happy just finishing. The podium was an added bonus indeed.  At the end of the day, we all have to be happy with our effort. We can't compare our successes to others. For some people, their goal is to run 1 mile while other want to run a marathon.  Who cares?   Just get up, show up and go.  That is what I did.  Just know you can do it too.


It's all about the Journey,
Coach Stacy

*** I learned shortly after posting this that I missed a turn on the course.  I reported myself to the race director and requested to be disqualified.  I love this sport and want to maintain the integrity of it.  Officially, I was disqualified, but in my heart I won. Whenever I do the right thing, I win.  Today was not my day on the course, but it was my day in the course of life. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Healthy Tips for the Night RN

Imagine yourself walking into a hospital cafeteria between 6am-7pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and proteins are available to patients, families, visitors and staff. Flashing signs decorate the café with slogans to remind customers to choose healthy options. By 6pm or 7pm, the café is closed.   The lights are dim and all is quiet. The hospital personnel dwindles to essential staff only.   Then here comes the night shift.   All the doctors, nurses and personnel, who keep the inter-workings of the hospital functioning, begin their “day.”   For night shift employees, their “day” begins at night.   As a night nurse, you arrive at 7pm prepared to care for patients and handle any emergencies that may arise until shift change at 7am.   Traditionally, the beginning of the shift is the busiest with night medication passes; preparing patients for surgery for the next day; conversing with family members prior to the end of v...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rock n Roll:DC- Tired, Train, Trust-March 2016

After the long months of cold and over 30 inches of snow, I arrived at the Rock n Roll:DC half marathon.   It was a blast. I had been tired from working consecutive night shifts and this event was on a Saturday unlike other half marathons I have run in the past, except Baltimore.   I spent 2.5 hrs in traffic to pick up my packet on a Friday night .   Between the traffic, security and all the training to get to this event, I was simply exhausted.   Saturday was a brisk Spring day. I decided that I had done all I can to get me to the event healthy so I matters we'll have fun.   I did. I listened to the sites and sounds of the bands and cheers of the spectators. Around mile 5-7, I turned up the music in my iPod. I knew what lay ahead. A huge hill by the National Zoo was gonna trying to beat me down. I felt like an old car with a manual stick shift gear system and powered it down. I made it up the hill and conserved energy for the second...
Post a Comment
Read more