All around me, I have been watching and hearing about friends, colleagues, and customers getting out and racing their first events of the year (or of their life). From 1/2 marathons to sprint tri's to trail races and beyond, it has become another season of hearing personal stories of triumph, determination, and discipline.
To me, it's always really cool to hear about someone who has pushed themself and reached their goals. It also seems that along the way, things are learned that are lessons in the old adage "getting there is half the fun"-you learn new things about yourself and your body, your mental determination, when you are in the midst of training. You listen to your body and respond to its signals that maybe you need to change this tempo run up a little or maybe you need a rest day after all, and that the actual training process is to be enjoyed (as painful as it may be some days) as much as crossing the finish line at the end. Your motivations can vary as well. I know some amazing athletes who raise money to help fight cancer and have raised tens of thousands of dollars over the past several years and continue to have new PR's in their races, and others who have always dreamed of accomplishing a race on foot and have now crossed that finish line and reached a personal goal.
In a short while, I am embarking on training for a marathon that is about 4 months away-I have been cross-training the past few months and taking a break from daily running. I have to admit, I am a little "am I up for this?" at the moment. Now comes the time to mentally switch gears and start to enjoy the process. After all, getting there is half the fun.
Aimee Bone
Gear and Training
"Attacking Life and Sport Since 2001"
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