So why am I doing this?

I’ve been meaning to post this for quite a while now. Really it was supposed to be my first post anyway but uh.. things happen I guess.


So why am I doing this?


Well, the story actually goes WAY back. I’ve always wanted to do a triathlon. I like trying new things and I enjoy training and I’ve always been amazed at how people can have the endurance to do these races, especially the ironman. But I was completely convinced that there was NO way I’d ever be able to do one. Not because I didn’t think my body would survive because that’s what training is about, but because there are so many rules and techniques and info about equipment that I was completely unaware of. How do you even get started on these things?!?


So when I was introduced to my friend Nate, I was also introduced to the world of triathlons. He spent a lot of time volunteering for Team in Training, the world largest athletic training organization. What TNT does is help people raise money for LLS and in turn they offer top notch training, coaching, and mentoring to participants. That’s when the light bulb turned on. There WAS a possibility!


In spending a little more time with Nate I learned more about LLS and what they offer to cancer patients. His grandmother has Lymphocytic Lymphoma I believe. She was doing great, and then she took a turn for the worse and it looks like today actually it’s gotten REALLY bad. I’ve seen the impact it’s had on Nate and his family and although I don’t know anyone personally who is suffering, I want to be involved in helping anyone and everyone. In a time when a loved one is possibly dying, the time should not be spent worrying about where the money is going to come from! Instead, people should be spending time with their families and friends enjoying life. I have plenty of time and energy (relative to them at least!!!) to raise money on their behalf. There’s only so much their family members can do to raise money, on top of the stress that they already have. I just feel like I have the ability to do it all, so why not?


Lastly, there’s just something about going all out and pushing myself 100%. When I run, bike, swim- when I push my self and discipline myself, I feel like I’m doing it all for God. I feel like I’m being obedient and focused. As backwards as it might sound, I’m happier now being crazy busy than I was in the summer when I had too much time on my hands. I train 6 days a week right now, work full time, go to school part time, and volunteer at the church. I might have a lot to do, but I’m busy doing positive activities and making progress in the meantime. I feel that the training has almost put me on a “schedule” and is keeping the pace. My focus no longer revolves around the next “high” but maintaining the cadence with friends, family, and God.


Although things with Nate have turned out a little different than I anticipated, I am still so thankful that I met him. I think that I looked into things a little deeper than I needed to because God put Nate in my life not to DATE but simply to introduce me to Team in Training and triathlons and hopefully be a good friend of mine. This is definitely not the last tri =) It takes a lot to raise all of the money, but maybe I’ll do it again as a mentor or even as a normal participant. I love it- the people, the practices, the goodies, the parties, the support, encouragement. Now that I have all of the information and training materials that I need, I can always do this all on my own too. Either way, I can’t wait for this thing to hurry up and get here!