What a beautiful day it was. After a very difficult Friday night, Saturday embraced me as a new day should. Like a deep fresh breath, relaxing, calming, and energizing all at the same time. Today was destined to be a better day, a good day, and yes, a race day. Sharon and Heather were running a 5K in Mukilteo and invited me along. How can a guy say no to that? Maybe it was the need to run that made me agree to go with them. Maybe it was the chance to hang with them. The friendship I've seen grow between them has been very special, they click, they don't judge, they just have fun together. Shouldn't all relationships be like that?
We took off early in the morning, lattes in hand and time on our side. I like to get where I'm going early. It reduces stress and allows me to relax and enjoy the moment. Early doesn't work for everyone and I appreciated the girls accommodating me. We saw the most beautiful sunrise. The clouds were billowing with fire and the mountains had this incredible silhouette against the rising sun - the beauty of it made everything else disappear. God knocked it out of the ballpark with that one, I could have stopped and watched it forever.
We did however have a race to run and it would be interesting on two counts. The first being that I needed to run. I didn't feel like I could run hard, I just needed to run. To get lost in myself. To disappear to that place that only a runner knows. The world is gone, noises exist but aren't heard. You feel your heart beating and you become aware of every motion your body takes. It's one stride at a time, focusing on one point on the course and just prior to reaching it, quickly looking and landing on the next point. Those points you use to pull yourself forward while at the same time pushing yourself harder when you already feel taxed, strained, uncomfortable. These moments speak to you. Your brain tells you to slow and rest so your heart won't explode. Your lungs beg for oxygen. It's at this moment you succeed or fail. I've failed more often than I like to admit. Success changes you. Once you realize you didn't actually meet your maker, it becomes easier to do it the next time. Never easy, but mentally it's easier.
The other reason was that today Sharon was going to pace Heather to a personal PR. A sub 34 minute 5K. Sharon shared her plan with me - she would lie to Heather along the course, telling her she was running her target pace when in fact she would be pacing her much faster. Fool the brain and the body will follow. Lock and load baby, this was going to be fun! Maybe not for Heather but when it worked, the PR would be met. Sharon has trained me for some time now and I have learned to shut up and listen. She knows what she's talking about - even when I have to pull out the dictionary to understand exactly what she's said. She's freakin smart and doesn't forget anything....so be careful what you say! Think Einstein meets Rain man.
Between chit chat, potty breaks, and more chit chat, the next thing we knew the race was about to begin. What!?!?! I hadn't warmed up. No jog, strides, sprints. I zipped to the start line and hung up toward the front. I could see the course stretched out in front of me, the first half mile or so. I stared at it knowing that at that very moment I wasn't going to take my time, run at a semi relaxed 8:30 pace and enjoy it. I was going to run hard. Ok, so this run wouldn't feel good, it was going to hurt some. Then bam, we were off. I was sub 8:00 and feeling ok. Pushed it and soon was passing the one mile mark. Hit the turnaround for the out and back and pushed harder. It was no longer a choice, it was necessary to run harder, I had to run harder. Mile 3 was flat to slight decline and I managed a 7:03 pace. The final stretch had another in my age group hanging with me. He'd been slightly ahead the whole time but there was no way he'd finish ahead of me. I got shoulder to shoulder with him and picked it up. Sprint time. Everything in the tank had to go and the tank was low. I moved forward and never looked back. Hey, there's nothing wrong with small victories - we should all have more of them. I finished in 22:36, not my best but within 20 seconds of a PR.
I grabbed some water and moved back to the watch runners come in the final stretch. Figured I had 3-4 minutes before Sharon and Heather would run by. I figured wrong, there they were. I could hear the announcer calling out the time. Heather is pushing it now and I can see by her face that she is in the pain zone, the anaerobic zone. That wonderful place where you feel like crap and continue to ask your body for a little more. The announcer is speaking the impossible....29 minutes and change. Heather comes across UNDER 30 minutes, shattering her PR by over five minutes - incredible! That girl has guts and she showed them today. She was sweat drenched, spent, and the smile on her face reflected her success and sacrifice.
Our coach had done it again, helped another person cross over to a new plane with new expectations and promises of chasing dreams that weren't possible just minutes before. With that we grabbed a few freebies and headed off to Starbucks for the usual. We all felt great. Heather locked in her fastest run ever, Sharon's plan worked out as perfectly as she had planned it, and I ran fast and mentally I was feeling better. We got to Starbucks and Sharon's phone rang. It was Shelby from Run26. Turns out that I took first place in my age division and he had picked up my medal for me. Frickin A, what a surprise that was. The latte would taste even better now.
Today had become a very good day. Racing aside, I had the choice to struggle and let life pull me down or use today as an opportunity to make it a better day. I chose the better day. Heather had a choice to run her normal race or find something inside her that she wasn't sure existed - she dug deep. Sharon chose to help a friend reach a dream - her heart is massive. Maybe all the choices we make aren't the right ones. Sometimes they hurt others. Sometimes they seem selfish. Some may question your choices. Sometimes they put you on a path you didn't expect. At the same time those choices may be exactly the right ones. Listen to your heart, trust in yourself. Surround yourself with friends that won't judge but will support you. I'm lucky. Lucky to have people in my life that I can turn too, that turn to me. There are things I wouldn't change, things that I can say from the bottom of my heart that I'm all in. Today is a good day. Tomorrow will bring another choice. Whether you race or not, make your decisions and move forward, don't press the pause button and hope something happens. Run...don't jog.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Vision, Journey, and the Triple Threat
Saturday's Triathlon marked the end of our journey. A journey that started with a vision, determination, and a passion for helping others. It started with what became the soul, the heart, and the personality of the program - Sharon. It ended 16 weeks later with strangers who became friends, individuals who not only became athletes but became triathletes, and heart, compassion, and support woven into each and every success and struggle.
Sharon was our maverick - as defined by Webster as "an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party". She was exactly what the doctor ordered. You've heard the phrase "thinking outside the box", well Sharon doesn't even know where the box is - and thank goodness for that! Her drive, enthusiasm, personality, and unfiltered view on life began to slowly break down barriers between a group of people, most who had never met before, and set the stage for us to become a team - each one looking out for the other, caring about one another.
The first week seems like yesterday. Albert and I helped coach the running portion of the program. There was a lot of walking - which was fine. Run...walk...jog...walk. I remember running at the track a few weeks later and seeing these same people run without stopping to walk or rest. I know it was hard for them - their breathing was rough and their form a little off. But the day was bigger than that. What I saw that day was the heart and guts that would define this team. They dug deep, hurt, but no one quit. It hit me so hard seeing them overcome that barrier that at that moment I decided to overcome one of my own. Water. Swimming. My success in the water came as a direct result of that day, those people, this program.
I began to change. Running wasn't just about going as fast I could any more. Slipping from one event to the next, one training plan after another. A sea of 400's, 800's, tempos, and long runs. It was about helping others. Realizing how great it felt to see the success of others. Watching them run a little further, shave a few seconds off their time, getting excited about a new pair of running shoes. At the same time I was learning from them. I believe I will be a stronger runner - stronger person because of them. How do you thank someone for that? I guess I'd start with Sharon and work my way through the entire team. There wasn't a single person who didn't have an impact on me. So to those who may read this, I thank you from the deepest part of my heart.
Flash forward 16 weeks to Saturday. 16 weeks of hard work, tears, sore bones and bodies. Workouts that sucked. Workouts that started so early no one has slept in on a weekend for four months. 16 weeks that shaped bodies, minds, and taught us that stretching and rest days were just as important as the workout itself. Some of us (me) still can't touch their toes but all of us can reach further than before. I think I'm limber but simply have been cursed with short arms.
Saturday morning we met at the Y where it all started. A chilly morning. Sleepy and nervous we almost didn't think about it being 5:00am. We approached Monroe and the site of the triathlon. There was a fog over the lake so thick you couldn't see more than 10-15 feet. Over time it dissipated though it did delay the start. Bikes were racked, transition areas set up, and the day old race tradition - having to use the bathroom a billion times begun. What is it about a race that causes your bladder to work overtime and your ah, other function to post an out of order sign on your butt? Think what you will but both end up impacting your race one way or the other. Many of the team simply peed in their wetsuit - you could always tell because of the peaceful calming look that came over them.
I was lucky to participate in this triathlon. While my swimming had greatly improved, the distance was too much for me at this point. The solution - a relay team. Steve had trained hard but ended up with a foot issue that prevented him from running. Kerrie having knocked off her first Tri the weekend prior wasn't ready to do another one. Triple Threat was born. Steve would swim, Kerrie on the bike, and I would run. Perfect. What was also cool about doing the relay was that I was able to watch most of the team swim and take off on their bike.
One by one out of the water they came. Smiling, tired, and focused on getting to the transition area. The mix of fatigue, numb fingers, and feet make for an interesting transition. Change clothes, put on socks and running shoes (try to tie shoes with numb fingers) and strap on the helmet. I didn't see to many transitions but I was able to witness Sharon. Somehow during her transition her timing chip shot off like a rubber band - no timing chip, no time. No time, you are DQ'd. I should mention she also had an infected thumb that had swelled to something from a horror movie. Maybe not that bad. Anyway, our unfiltered leader shot off some colorful words until it was located and then she was off. She did have the help of our cheerleader and her personal porter - Albert. Albert is well on track for the Portland marathon and cheered everyone on and today is running 20 miles....wow!
Steve came in from the swim and looked great. Handed off to Kerrie who grabbed her bike and tore out of there. It was a first for Steve and he did great! I loved the look on this face and hearing him talk about the swim. I look forward to doing a full Tri with him next year. Next thing I knew Kerrie was coming into the transition area and it was my turn. She was barreling in and yelled out a "MOVE!" to the person standing in her way. I loved it! We put the timing chip on my ankle and I was off. I'd struggled with a sore back and thought I'd go slow. But the BioFreeze I had applied numbed my back and half a mile down the road my trusty Garmin told me I was hitting a 7:35 pace. I felt good so kept it up. Finished my run in 22:36 (one of my fastest). We finished 7 of 12 relay teams. Not last but if we'd been last, so what. We had a blast. Thank you Triple Threat partners!
Three of the Tri team took home a medal! Sharon took 3rd in her division, 20th overall, and 5th of all women!! Wow! Paula took 2nd in her division, and David took 1st in his. It was so cool seeing each of them go up for their medal - we couldn't have clapped any harder. Through the celebration there was the reality that the end had arrived. 16 weeks in the blink of an eye. I have come to respect each of them and celebrate in their individual victories. 20 or so weeks ago Sharon approached me about helping with this then soon to be pilot program. I'm glad she asked - I'm glad I accepted. I received more than I gave. Have new friends I don't want to lose. Experiences I won't forget. Next on the docket is Sharon's next vision - Multisports. I'm sure she knows this by now but I'll say it again. I'm all in. Until that time I will continue to train and push myself hard. If Multisports delivers half of what the Tri program did, I will be a lucky man, a better man. This goes out to all of you and you know who you are - Thank you!
Sharon was our maverick - as defined by Webster as "an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party". She was exactly what the doctor ordered. You've heard the phrase "thinking outside the box", well Sharon doesn't even know where the box is - and thank goodness for that! Her drive, enthusiasm, personality, and unfiltered view on life began to slowly break down barriers between a group of people, most who had never met before, and set the stage for us to become a team - each one looking out for the other, caring about one another.
The first week seems like yesterday. Albert and I helped coach the running portion of the program. There was a lot of walking - which was fine. Run...walk...jog...walk. I remember running at the track a few weeks later and seeing these same people run without stopping to walk or rest. I know it was hard for them - their breathing was rough and their form a little off. But the day was bigger than that. What I saw that day was the heart and guts that would define this team. They dug deep, hurt, but no one quit. It hit me so hard seeing them overcome that barrier that at that moment I decided to overcome one of my own. Water. Swimming. My success in the water came as a direct result of that day, those people, this program.
I began to change. Running wasn't just about going as fast I could any more. Slipping from one event to the next, one training plan after another. A sea of 400's, 800's, tempos, and long runs. It was about helping others. Realizing how great it felt to see the success of others. Watching them run a little further, shave a few seconds off their time, getting excited about a new pair of running shoes. At the same time I was learning from them. I believe I will be a stronger runner - stronger person because of them. How do you thank someone for that? I guess I'd start with Sharon and work my way through the entire team. There wasn't a single person who didn't have an impact on me. So to those who may read this, I thank you from the deepest part of my heart.
Flash forward 16 weeks to Saturday. 16 weeks of hard work, tears, sore bones and bodies. Workouts that sucked. Workouts that started so early no one has slept in on a weekend for four months. 16 weeks that shaped bodies, minds, and taught us that stretching and rest days were just as important as the workout itself. Some of us (me) still can't touch their toes but all of us can reach further than before. I think I'm limber but simply have been cursed with short arms.
Saturday morning we met at the Y where it all started. A chilly morning. Sleepy and nervous we almost didn't think about it being 5:00am. We approached Monroe and the site of the triathlon. There was a fog over the lake so thick you couldn't see more than 10-15 feet. Over time it dissipated though it did delay the start. Bikes were racked, transition areas set up, and the day old race tradition - having to use the bathroom a billion times begun. What is it about a race that causes your bladder to work overtime and your ah, other function to post an out of order sign on your butt? Think what you will but both end up impacting your race one way or the other. Many of the team simply peed in their wetsuit - you could always tell because of the peaceful calming look that came over them.
I was lucky to participate in this triathlon. While my swimming had greatly improved, the distance was too much for me at this point. The solution - a relay team. Steve had trained hard but ended up with a foot issue that prevented him from running. Kerrie having knocked off her first Tri the weekend prior wasn't ready to do another one. Triple Threat was born. Steve would swim, Kerrie on the bike, and I would run. Perfect. What was also cool about doing the relay was that I was able to watch most of the team swim and take off on their bike.
One by one out of the water they came. Smiling, tired, and focused on getting to the transition area. The mix of fatigue, numb fingers, and feet make for an interesting transition. Change clothes, put on socks and running shoes (try to tie shoes with numb fingers) and strap on the helmet. I didn't see to many transitions but I was able to witness Sharon. Somehow during her transition her timing chip shot off like a rubber band - no timing chip, no time. No time, you are DQ'd. I should mention she also had an infected thumb that had swelled to something from a horror movie. Maybe not that bad. Anyway, our unfiltered leader shot off some colorful words until it was located and then she was off. She did have the help of our cheerleader and her personal porter - Albert. Albert is well on track for the Portland marathon and cheered everyone on and today is running 20 miles....wow!
Steve came in from the swim and looked great. Handed off to Kerrie who grabbed her bike and tore out of there. It was a first for Steve and he did great! I loved the look on this face and hearing him talk about the swim. I look forward to doing a full Tri with him next year. Next thing I knew Kerrie was coming into the transition area and it was my turn. She was barreling in and yelled out a "MOVE!" to the person standing in her way. I loved it! We put the timing chip on my ankle and I was off. I'd struggled with a sore back and thought I'd go slow. But the BioFreeze I had applied numbed my back and half a mile down the road my trusty Garmin told me I was hitting a 7:35 pace. I felt good so kept it up. Finished my run in 22:36 (one of my fastest). We finished 7 of 12 relay teams. Not last but if we'd been last, so what. We had a blast. Thank you Triple Threat partners!
Three of the Tri team took home a medal! Sharon took 3rd in her division, 20th overall, and 5th of all women!! Wow! Paula took 2nd in her division, and David took 1st in his. It was so cool seeing each of them go up for their medal - we couldn't have clapped any harder. Through the celebration there was the reality that the end had arrived. 16 weeks in the blink of an eye. I have come to respect each of them and celebrate in their individual victories. 20 or so weeks ago Sharon approached me about helping with this then soon to be pilot program. I'm glad she asked - I'm glad I accepted. I received more than I gave. Have new friends I don't want to lose. Experiences I won't forget. Next on the docket is Sharon's next vision - Multisports. I'm sure she knows this by now but I'll say it again. I'm all in. Until that time I will continue to train and push myself hard. If Multisports delivers half of what the Tri program did, I will be a lucky man, a better man. This goes out to all of you and you know who you are - Thank you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
