'Tis the season, right? I like to give thanks everyday, not just this time of year. And yet Thanksgiving is such an obvious invitation to outwardly express what I am grateful for, Ironman-training-related and otherwise, so here I go.
I am first and foremost grateful for my supportive and understanding loved ones. They all would say "of course" but I don't want to ever assume that this is a given, to ever take them for granted. Triathlon, especially Ironman training, is a selfish pursuit. And yet Steve and my family know how important it is to me and how happy I am while pursuing it. Thus, they indulge me in what can seem on the outside like an obsession. They ask how it's going. They show interest. They listen to my stories. They are genuinely curious. And they are my biggest fans when I need them most. Steve drives me to races at 5 am and sits by quietly while I carefully and with single-minded compulsion gather and arrange my race gear. And then he maneuvers the race course, battling the other hundreds of spectators for the perfect photo. My other family members brave the rain and sun and the madhouse that is a triathlon race to applaud my efforts and see me as I cross the finish line. And then they all hug me and don't complain about how grimy and stinky I am. They aren't the ones who signed up for the race, and yet, by my request, they sacrifice during race season. Yes, I am clear: the unwavering support of those who have to live with my training schedule day-in and day-out is a crucial ingredient to my success.
I am grateful to have the time to train. This is due in no small part to the nature of my work. I do what I love and I work for a company that values and celebrates its employees' passions. I am able to fit training into my work schedule without anyone looking over my shoulder. Come March and beyond, I will be putting into Ironman training the equivalent of a part-time job. This will require long workouts before and after work. I am grateful that my job allows me to do this.
I am grateful to have the resources to work toward my goals. There are many, so I'll honor them by simply listing them. My massage therapist. The pool. My tri coach. The active-minded community that surrounds me. Books. Websites. The right gear. Lakes and reservoirs. Flexibility. Freedom. My yoga mat. Desire. Discipline. Knowing my limits. Knowing when I'm stopping short of my limits. The ability to break through false barriers. Miles and miles of paths and trails. Never forgetting what's most important.
I am grateful for my wide, strong training network. Having this network helps in so many ways. I spare my friends and loved ones constant talk of nutrition, heart rates, and race gear. I have an endless supply of training partners. I gain valuable advice on all things triathlon. I have people with whom I can commiserate--people who also have suffered whatever it is I'm complaining about. And not only will they empathize--they'll one-up my gripe with their own just to help me feel better. :)
I am grateful for my health. Despite not being superstitious, I always knock on wood when I express appreciation for having been free of serious injury and illness. Some days, I am in disbelief at how my body doesn't revolt against what I put it through. Yes, I take very good care of myself. And yet I have friends who take very good care of themselves and still suffer debilitating injuries. Some things are out of our control. I am conscious of how I treat my body, and I also know that I am lucky.
I am grateful that people care about my "hobby." I am always deeply touched when others inquire about my training, how it's going, what I'm doing now, etc. Of course I am more than happy to oblige their curiosity :) and I make a distinct point to thank them for asking.
I am grateful that you are reading this journal. I have said it here before and it bears repeating: even if you don't write comments, I know you're reading and caring about my journey. That alone is enough. Thank you.
What are you grateful for, at this and any time of year? Please share with us!
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