Do the Things You Think You Cannot

The Goal
For some time now I've had a secret goal to be an Ironman. At the beginning of the past two years I've considered if that would be the year. This year I have been seriously considering entering an Ironman Triathlon. The thought of it scares me and it seems impossible to me- 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile swim for a total of 140.6 miles. As I was seriously contemplating if I should commit or not this year, I heard a quote in church by Eleanor Roosevelt(Mrs. R wasn't there.) This really helped me to decide. So as I was pondering about this challenge in church that Sunday, the speaker quoted, "You must do the things which you think you cannot." Why would she choose this quote, on this day, at this time. I felt confident that day that I would do it. So I would like to further commit myself to reaching this goal by writing it down and saying it out loud. I am going to be an Ironman August 1, 2009 as I finish the Vineman Ironman in Sonoma County California. I am constantly on the verge of quitting this plan, but its something I really want to do. I've been training since the start of the year to meet this goal. Every time I finish training I think there is no way I can do this. It really does seem impossible to me. I must do the thing I think I cannot do.

Positive Attitude
They say that after the training is done, and the nutrition is right, the reason people don't finish is mental. Positive thinking gets you to the finish line. Negative thoughts keep you from it. I need the support of friends. This week I begin the Peak Training Phase, it requires 15 hrs a week with long bike rides and long bike runs. I look to my friends and family to help me keep the positive mental outlook I need to be successful. Among the several reasons, I have a specific reason for doing this. When I need to dig deep to continue I can go to that thought, but encouragement from my family and friends will be most important to me as I train and race, when the doubts, or fear, comes.

The Quote
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do...
I believe completing this personal goal will help me gain strength, courage, and confidence by doing something that seems impossible. So August 1st I will stop to look fear in the face, and I'll do the thing I think I cannot do. I could use all the encouragement I can get.330