Big or little I find goals motivating. Some days I need that goal to get me moving in a positive direction. Sometimes my goal is simply to get through my to do list. Sometimes its something bigger like riding up a mountain.

Last Fall we were visiting our sons at college. We stood outside the church visiting with various people.  One of them being Cheri. She casually commented that she had noticed on FB I had been doing a lot of riding. I said yes,  I had been helping my friend Denise train for a triathlon. Cheri then asked if I would like to do a Triathlon with her?

There are a couple of things you need to know. First I barely knew Cheri. She was the wife of a high school friend of my husbands that I had only spoken with a handful of times. The second, is I have never considered doing a Tri. So feeling fairly safe that she was being flippant I flippantly said “sure” 🙄  

Before I knew it she was sending me links to sign up for a triathlon in Sun River the next June. I mentioned this to Denise’s brother who is an uber athlete competing in Iron Man triathlons and kicking butt! He seemed concerned for me. As in he didn’t think I had fully understood what I had signed up for (and I hadn’t). 

The bottom line to all this is I LOVED IT! But I doubted myself until I crossed the finish line. I burst into tears when I saw the finish and my husband. I really did. I was so flippin relieved that I could get off that bike and so relieved I had finished and not failed! 

I started the race with so many fears!

1. I wouldn’t be able to finish – I would be the weak link that broke the chain
2. I would have mechanical issues, flat tire or something else that would keep me from finishing
3. It was going to hurt (it did)
4. My knee had been bothering me and I was scared it would keep me from finishing (it didn’t hurt at all!!!)
5. The heat and altitude would overwhelm me (almost)

Now I realize I have made a big deal about this. The reality is I AM A WIMP!!! The VAST majority of those competing with me last weekend were doing the entire tri themselves not just one part like I was. My teammate that got us into this was AFRAID OF THE WATER when she agreed to be the swimmer. Denise had to begin her run in 95 degree heat. 😥 Everyone competing that day had fears but we all showed up!

It is incredibly empowering to decide to show up, face your fears and just do it! I’m so glad I did. I’m thankful for the experience to be on a team with some very inspiring women. I’m thankful for the experience of accomplishing what I set out to do. I’m thankful for a body that allowed me to do it. And I’m thankful for friends and family who cheer me on. 

I’m thankful…

I now have a new friend for life in Cheri

I now know I can climb a mountain on my bike in the heat

I now know to carefully consider when strangers invite me to do things.

I now know how good it feels to be on a team and compete in a triathlon.

I now know that getting a big cool medal (or two) at the end of a ride is freaking awesomel!

Thanks for the cheering! You guys are appreciated!

-S