This is not a dress rehearsal

 "Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal.  Face your fears, live your dreams.  Take it all in, yes every chance you get, come closer.  And by all means, get it on film."

There is only one life.  One life to live to its fullest.  Take those risks, learn to step far outside the comfort zone.  Do things that are scary.   In March of 2014 I was given a second chance to live this life.  To eventually take risks, enjoy all of its wonder.   Step outside my comfort zone - eventually so far I think I need to put it up for sale.   I went from being isolated to knocking out close to a half marathon a day, scaling an indoor rock, and conquering downward dog on a paddleboard.  

I conquered my first triathlon recently. Blame my over confident enthusiastic mind.  Choosing an all girl race and the shortest distance, I thought it would be something I could handle.  It fell under something new, risk taking, and further outside the comfort zone.  Swim. Bike. Run.  The three parts of the multisport.  At first glance, 200 yd swim, 8 mile bike ride and short 2 miles seemed doable.   My vintage Huffy was about to get a work out.   

"What will get you to the finish line is nothing compared to what got you to the start line." 

Despite the abundance of encouraging words, I was focusing on the one task that might give me difficulty.  The bike.  I hadn't hopped on the old Huffy in about a year and a half.  What's the quote?  It's like riding a bike - you never forget.  Well, it was a little more difficult than that.  I focused too much on this giant (yes although short, giant) task in front of me.  My first multisport "race."  I fail to look at how far I've come.  To see the work that got me to this point. 

The morning started with me setting up in transition.  I forgot my flip flops but a runner friend loaned me hers.  Made mental note to include flip flops in next triathlon bag.  I stood at the shore line watching the support kayaks position the buoys.  Along with the other orange capped ladies, I slowly made my way into the water.  I swam about one third to the buoy and it hit me I was in open water.  The cliff notes version of the swim is that I did finish and make it to the shoreline and headed towards T1.

With some assistance, I successfully mounted my vintage Huffy and took off on the 8 mile course.  I wasn't out to win anything or even try to finish in record time.  I pedaled my way along the course repeating I can do this.  I forgot to mention I was the LAST cyclist out of transition.  So the only thing for me to follow was the orange cones.   I was in tears  as I reached the finish.  I had completed the bike.  What I thought would be the easiest was the most challenge. Two miles.  Should be no problem.  My legs thought otherwise.  But some amazing women made sure I would not quit - coming to find me on the course.  This is the point where I usually run across the finish line.  But on this day, I was just happy to walk across the finish line.  I got that medal and knowing I didn't give up.  I conquered something new.  

Will I do another one?  Most likely with more training.  And a new bike. After all, the road to the red carpet has to start somewhere.   And it's not without struggles.   I was reminded that I CAN do great things.  Sometimes the struggles take center stage and the progress we make takes a back seat.  It sits there quietly, sometimes gently nudging you.  

By the way, yes I got it on film.  Well my friends did.  The next one I do, I'll be more confident and better, and as always, will do it with glitter all the weigh.  

 

Remember to face those fears, live those dreams most of all...get it on film.

Christina 

I try therefore I am

It seems I have become emersed in a community of people that enjoy testing the limits of what they can do.  They push themselves every day and make the most of their dash.  They are marathoners, Ironmen, and champions.  Lately I've found myself motivated and inspired by them.  They have crossed the famous finish line with the unicorn at Boylston Street and reached the red carpet finish line.  

Every year, where I live becomes the center of one of the biggest races.  Athletes come from all over to compete, to test their limits, make their dream come true.  Swim 2.4 miles.  112 bike course and then an entire marathon.  Reach the red carpet and become an Ironman.  

I am training for my next secret project and adventure.  To dip my toes in the water of the sport or multisport you could say.  Not sure how I'll fare, but I'm willing to give it a try. 

Last week I was more a spectator than a participant.  Wanting to soak up all the motivation and inspiration I could.  I'm still chasing her.  The vibe she has.  I want her paces again and her undying enthusiasm to try anything.  My mind has no shortage of being enthusiastic and wanting to do hard things.   But what it overflows with enthusiasm, it lacks in motivation and sometimes confidence.  

The fact I lost 202 lbs. should be motivation enough.  Not to go back to the beginning.  And it is.  But there are days I need that extra push.  The adage of "if she can do it so can I."  

As I watched these first timers enthusiastically run towards the table to pick up the important info needed for race day, I couldn't help but imagine myself being on the other side of the table one day.   I chatted with a woman who was so excited to be doing this race, she couldn't stop smiling.  The questions that formed in my head to ask those that were doing this for the 13th, 20th, or 100th time overflowed.   

They were making the most of the dash - between those two dates that we all have.  Even those I knew that made their way to Boston to run that marathon were crossing something off their bucket list.  

Several years ago, I wasn't one to jump in and volunteer.  As part of making the most of my dash, I volunteered at our local marathon and met people I had been following on Instagram.  You would have thought we had been friends from the start.  I felt proud to hang the medal they were running for around their neck.   I still say there is no better place than the finish line. 

So on a picture perfect Saturday afternoon, I stood poised at the famous red carpet finish line, water in hand, ready to catch that tired athlete.   The roar of the crowd, cheers, noisemakers, added to the excitement.   I looked down on the athletes still making their way through the marathon and would later read of the tough and dark times they encountered.  But also the angels that just happened to appear along side of them.  That's the beautiful thing.  There will be people, strangers and friends, who will encourage you along the way.  It's happened to me.  When I think it'd be easy to just stop, there's always someone nudging me and telling me I can do this.  

There was a time I wasn't interested in the sport.  But that all changed when I started losing weight and participated in my first half marathon.  I tried, therefore I am.   One medal led to two, three, and you get the picture.   When I lack the motivation or inspiration, I watch prior race recap videos.   People with more serious obstacles are out there crossing things off their bucket list.  Living the most of their dash.  

As the night fell, it was as if the sun set and excitement exploded.   After many long hours, athletes were making their way home - sometimes 5 or 6 at a time!  I saw so many smiles, tears (no doubt from exhaustion and happiness), and looks of finality.  If that doesn't give one motivation and inspiration I'm not sure what does.   I've said before I run on emotion.  I cry every time I cross a finish line.   

My mind was in overdrive with thoughts of challenging myself.  To be honest I think part of me just wants to run through Hippie Hollow - because as one knows the rule, there is no walking through Hippie Hollow.   That psychedelic vibe can give you fuel to finish anything.  

I try  therefore I am.  There should be no fear of failure.  Only fear of not trying.    Something I should repeat to myself.  I will not make a PR at my next adventure, I may even finish last, but I'm out there trying.   

We all inspire people but even the ones that inspire need motivation and inspiration at times.   How are you inspiring?  How are you living the dash between those two dates?

Can't wait to join the rest of you on the magical finish lines in the future.    I'll be doing it with glitter all the weigh.