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.