The
last time I used this quote was Sunday, August 18, 2013 and my friend, Krista,
just finished her 1st Ironman in Mont-Tremblant. Now I am just weeks away
from doing my first Ironman in Coeur d'Alene and the above saying takes on a
whole new meaning for me.
A
long time ago,
approximately 9 years, little did I know that my journey to Ironman started in
the Running Room of the Glenmore Landing in Calgary. I was planning my
wedding and thought running would be a good way to shed some pounds for the big
day, so signed up for a Learn to Run class. It it was the most difficult
thing I had every done. I started my running career with 1 minute walking
and walking minute running for 20 minutes.
This
class lasted for 10 weeks and each week we had someone come and talk to us
about different subjects, food, clothing and form etc…but the subject that
really fueled my desire to eventually do what I am doing was a motivational
talk (rather lack of). The instructor (whose name I have forgotten or
don't care to remember) asked us all to write down our running goals (weekly goal, short term, long term and
ultimate).
We
were all asked to read these goals out and when it came to me I read:
Weekly Goal: attend the running class and do my
runs;
Short
Term Goal: 5K
race goal; Long Term Goal: train for a 1/2 Marathon; and
Ultimate Goal: run the London Marathon.
Guess
what the instructor said when I read this goal out - oh you'll never be able to do that.
Well
you know what I want to say to that instructor?
THANK YOU
because
your negative comment has helped shape me to be the strong, confident person I
am today and the above saying "The
two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you
find out why" will take on a whole new meaning June 29, 2014.
Since
that day in the Running Room LTR clinic I have not run the London Marathon -
not because I cannot do it, but because it is a lottery entry system and after
the 3rd go I got bored and gave up (I have other goals to accomplish). I have, however, done 7 other
marathons and will tackle number 8 on June 29, 2014.
On June 29, 2014 I will cross that finish line (up right and smiling) and I will be declared an Ironman!
