Eye of the Tiger

I signed myself up to do a Triathalon. Yes, the woman who couldn’t even run two blocks when I started this blog is pushing to do three sports in one. Who woulda thunk it?

There are different levels of triathalons and I am signing up for the easiest one. It’s called a Sprint. 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. To say I am overwhelmed at the thought of this undertaking is an understatement. I am pretty terrified. However, I do know that it is mind over matter and all about the preparation. I am determined to do this and the race is not until June 26th so I have lots of time to prepare.

What has been interesting to me is the reaction from people I love. Mr. 1969 was so supportive. I asked him if he thought I could do it back when I was first approached about the idea by my girlfriend. He looked me dead in the eye and said “Absolutely”.  My brother was the same way…”You can do it. I believe in you.”

Of course, I also heard from some of my other friends, my mama, my cousins, my co-workers. “Why would you want to do that?” “You’re gonna get big like a dude.” “You’re crazy. You’ll never finish.” “You are gonna come out of the Schuylkill River with three extra eyes.” Okay, that last one is probably true. LOL

I have always been the type to allow negativity to motivate me. So I laughed off all of their comments and kept it moving. I know my friends don’t really mean me any harm and I know they love me and want the best for me.

I can’t lie though. Hearing negative comments did put a small chink in my tough girl armor. As I thought about the comments, I wondered why we always feel the need to bring somebody down when they are attempting to do something positive? I know I am probably guilty of doing this myself. I admit, I have the hater gene in my DNA and it does surface more than I’d care to admit. I am sure I have made snide comments to many folks in the past not meaning them any ill will. Just being my highly opinionated self. Why though?

As I get older, I continue to come face to face with the ugly error of my ways. The lessons I need to learn become so much more apparent when they happen to me. I think that’s part of growing up.

For the record, when someone signs up for something like this race,  it’s a major endeavor. The physical preparation is tough but the mental test is even more formidable. They are already thinking all of those negative thoughts in their head…they don’t need you to voice it to them. If you can’t support the endeavor just say “WOW. Good for you.” and change the subject. For real, it’s like seeing someone with a not so attractive child. Why would you steal the mama’s joy by mentioning her child’s looks? You wouldn’t. You have home training.

So why would you make fun of someone else’s goal or dream?

For those of you who have had other people laugh or try to talk you down from a goal…do what I do. Laugh with them and go home and work harder.  Use those comments as motivation. I typed them all out and stuck them on my office and my refrigerator. Come June 26th, I will have accomplished a huge personal goal and those folks will have helped me to get there. I’m with Nike….. Just Do It.