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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. 

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