Not a lot to report. Today is my last day of recovery before I start training for Ironman St. George.
I'm going into it with a much different mindset than Ironman China. For Ironman China it was "do the training and the results will come", for Ironman St. George, it's "there's more to it than just doing the training".
Rarely do I do this, but I went to the movie "Hot Tub Time Machine" for a second time in two days. This time, it was with Alyssa and Nazaire. All afternoon Alice and I were sitting around the home bar and watching sports on TV and after quite a few beers I wanted to see the movie and relieve the 80's again.
Alyssa drove, and I snuck a couple beers into the theater. When your drinking and watching a movie staged during your prime teen aged years, you reminisce. During the movie I was thinking that someone my age is watching this movie and it will be the turning point where they turn their life upside down. They'll realize they didn't "become all they could be".
As much as I'd love the excitement of turning my life upside down, I couldn't. I wouldn't want to screw up what I have. But if I was in a dead end relationship and a dead end job, that movie would push me over the edge. Tomorrow, someone, somewhere, will be making a life choice that will radically change their life. My hat goes off to them. Better late than never.
Talking about the passage of time, I can't believe that I'm 44 years old. I was watching the UFC pay per view this weekend, and in my minds eye, I think I'm still young and strong like the fighters. When I said that out loud, Alyssa thought I was delusional. I've come to the conclusion that I think I look like I'm in my mid 30's, and others think I look like a middle aged high school principal.
Coming back to the present, I want to give a big kudos's to Nina Jack for completing the LA Marathon. I met Nina and her husband Dana when let me stay at their home during my California training camp. They are two big hearted people. You can check out Nina's race report at http://triathleteintransition.blogspot.com/
Nina is a charity money generating machine. For the LA marathon she was running to raise money to cure Pancreatic Cancer and I made a donation to support her efforts. Just before the race, I got an email from Nina, asking if there was "someone in memory" whose name I'd like to have written on her racing bib.
It got me thinking, who do I know who is deceased. Someone who I can "honour" by having Nina put their name on her bib as she pushes herself to finish her first ever marathon, which is added pressure to not an easy task. It took me some time to come up with a name, especially since I didn't have any family that has died from Pancreatic Cancer.
The person I came up with was Mary Payne, my grandmother. Some would think it was an odd choice. Mary didn't die of any type of cancer, she died in her sleep peacefully. She went to bed fine, looking forward to the next day, and woke up dead.
It was a tragedy. I don't think "people dying in their sleep" gets enough attention. You often hear of people working to raise money for things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, but who's working to raise money for "elderly sudden death syndrome"?
I choose my grandmother Mary for one reason and one reason only. She'd be touched by it. If, from her perch in heaven, she could see someone running a race with her name written on the bib, she'd be honoured to tears.
Mary, who we called "Granny", did everything for everyone else except herself. Whatever you think an awesome grandmother should be, she was. When I started getting into shape and did my first ever race, a 10 KM run. She was there. It was just her, Alice and I.
And when I did my first Ironman, she was there. Granny thought I was crazy. She didn't think running or biking for long distances was healthy. She'd tell me, "why are you doing this crazy stuff, it can't be good for you, it's crazy, your going to wear out your body". She'd complain a lot, but she was always there to support and watch.
Never in a million years would "Granny" think that someone would run any race with her name on the racing bib, let alone the Los Angeles Marathon. Knowing her, she probably thought no one would even remember her when she was gone. She was wrong.
Rest and Recovery - No Training.
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6 comments:
Great post B.. I can't believe you snuck beers into a theatre, maybe you ARE 16. I love that you put Mary's name on the bib, it is really touching.
You 'better late than never' bit about life changes really struck a nerve with me. I'm 44 and just starting out and most of the time I hear this stupid voice in the back of my head whispering 'It's too late you for, what's the point, you're making a fool of yourself'. Thankfully I can ignore it more often than not but I probably shouldn't see that movie.
That's it for confessional Monday, look for more fun comments on Tuesday! haha just kidding
A, thanks. I'd say I'm 17 years old, although some do think I'm a mature 16. haha.
A, your 44 years young. In today's world, 40 is the new 20. I could easily give you the advice "forget how you think, forget the past, start fresh, LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST", and that would be good advice and I'm sure you've heard it already.
Rather than highlight philosophy, I'll give you an exercise. I do it all the time. "Face your Fears". When you start talking to yourself as a no fun adult and your going to do the responsible thing, don't.
Ask yourself, is this going to take me out of my comfort zone? If yes, DO IT. What's the worst that can happen? I'll make a fool of myself?
If you want to have fun and live life to the fullest, it's just a matter of choice. Behave the way you WANT to, don't worry about others or whether this person will like me or not?
Never look for a relationship or force it. Be yourself and it will happen naturally.
Given the same circumstance that you find yourself in, another person with a different attitude and courage to "open themselves up" can take your life to a different level and make your life seem exhilarating
From 40 - 60yrs old you are still young. After 60, your health can be iffy. (sorry mom and dad). So you have 20 years of fun living. Right now it sounds that you don't have much baggage to deal with; husband/wife(if you swing that way) or kids.
You know how fast time went by from 20 - 40 years old, and I'm told it even goes faster from 40 - 60 years old. You don't have any time time wait and think. In fact, you need to "think less" and be more of a "free spirit". I've never went wrong taking myself out of my comfort zone or not care what others think. It's a great way to "weed out" who your true friends are.
Sorry for the long reply, but I felt compelled. From what I know of you through our high touch internet contact (haha) you seem like a really great person. I can tell and I think I'm a good judge of character.
You seem like you have a lot going for you. You seem smart, have a good sense of humour, want to better yourself and your not handicapped. All great traits.
It pains me when I hear about someone not "feeling it". But unfortunately I also know that my words can't change things, only your state of mind can.
Some advice my mother gave me was "you can do anything you set your mind to". It's advice that has never let me down.
Adena, what you want is in you.
Cheering from the sidelines,
Bryan
Wow.. just wow. B, what a well worded, well thought out, motivating and kind response. If it's ok with you I'd like to post this in my blog as an entry so I can keep it. These words are resonating loudly with me, very loudly. You are right in so much of what you wrote and I will take it all in.
Bryan, you are awesome. Thank you very much for this not to mention always being around for a supportive word for me (and always a good laugh).
And to think, our internet friendship all started because you were posted that you didn't like your friends!
A, no problem, post away.
Also, I still don't like my friends. No matter what I do or say I just can't get rid of them. Any advice for me? haha.
Drink more beer, then you won't care if you like them.. ??
A, I do that now, still doesn't work. haha.
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