Friday, October 21, 2011

~Why~ (and a giveaway!!)

The other night hubby and I had a discussion about triathlon and he asked me a simple question:
"why?"
I asked  him what he meant by "why". His response was WHY do you want to continue doing triathlon and training. You already did the half-iron distance so why do more?

I have been pondering this question for several days.
Why Tri?



Why do I do what I do?
Well, first and foremost--IT's FUN.
and
It's a challenge.
Every challenge I conquer makes me realize that I am strong.
I am capable.
I am determined.



Fitness for me is not about a size on a label or the number on the scale.
The triumph is in the goal setting, the planning, the achieving.
Don't forget that just 3 short years ago I could not run even a mile and that I was lugging an additional 100+lbs around with me. (Not including Lola! ha)
Being able to complete my first triathlon was FUN.
Learning to go faster was amazing.
Doing my first half-iron distance with a smile was awesome.
I want to keep going. Keep pushing myself. Keep improving.

It is those personal goals that motivate me.

It's not about the medals or the podium (well it is but it isn't) but it's about being a better YOU. Working hard for something and getting it.
Getting it may be finishing. Getting it may be winning.
Whatever it is, it drives you.
You gotta find your IT.

My other motivation??
This princess-doesn't she deserve to have a fit mommy? a mom who shows her by example that you can do anything you set your mind to? that life is about sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone yet finding peace there?


Why spend the time training?
Well,--I like it. (baby I like it!!)
I like how I feel when I tackle a tough workout.
or being out on the road for hours cycling or running.
I enjoy being totally spent and exhausted after a killer session.
I like how I feel physically and mentally.
Why do I get up at 3 or 4 in the morning to train (or blog about training? lol)
Because I strive to be better.


I have said it before (and I'll say it again)-
Triathlon has brought so much more to my life than sport or hobby.

Everyone has a story as to WHY-
Why they do it-Everyone has "their thing"
What is your WHY?

How this for a WHY!!
Did you read my post about James??
Go read it and then go like his FB page and come back leaving a comment.

Every LIKE he gets I'll put your name in "the hat" for a super duper
prize. I have all kinds of goodies-things you don't want to miss out on
like
Stuff from Triathlon Rocks, GU, Sweet Home Farm Granola, etc.
Lots and lots more!!
Spread the word!!

27 comments:

Christina @ The Athletarian said...

I liked him and told everyone to like him too!! SEND me your INFO by the way!!! I need to send it to Fashletics!

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

I liked him on FB! Awesome story!

Jason said...

oh the why. I love that question and I love to see people's faces when I tell them stories of people like James. Makes me look normal.

I just liked his page 3x because I could.

Aimee said...

LOVE this post! Everyone definitely has to find their own "why," but I feel I could have written the same reasons you did! :)

I already "liked" his FB page! He is just amazing!!

Suz and Allan said...

Oh my goodness, he is amazing! I really liked your interview with him and now that I'm following him on fb I hope to keep up with his journey. Can't wait to see the bike he is using for 2012!

StaceyL said...

Liked Iron Cowboy on facebook! The guy is amazing! (or maybe crazy...although arent all triathletes!)

~K~ said...

i liked his page on fb. [username karen r m] runner_girl5k at yahoo dot com

Katie said...

wow. he is fabulous!! put me in that hat!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

It is a life style, so plan for the long haul...

When hubby starts asking "why?", it might be time to pull out the "old" pictures and the "new" pictures and remind him of "why"...

Beth said...

LOVE this post! There are a lot of whys for me and triathlon, I went from not being able to run a 5k to training for an ironman in two years. At it’s most simple because I could write a book I would say I do it because it fills a void in me with joy. I love the training, the racing the planning, the data, etc. my type A personality is all about it

Anne-Marie said...

Great post Jen! You always put me back on track (except w/PB balls! LOL). I 'liked' IRon Cowboy, very inspiring. : )

mainely triathlon said...

I love giveaways!

Carrie said...

Fantastic! I like him!

Unknown said...

Why? gives me an excuse to take naps, blow off house work, avoid couples dinner parties, go to bed early, sit on my ass all day on Sunday and watch football b/c i am tired, skip happy hours and most importantly, eat a lot!

Anonymous said...

I liked his fB page and Love your post!

Erin said...

WOW! Pretty cool story! Especially since he couldn't finish 4 miles a few years back. AND, 5 kids!!! Talk about being a good time manager!

RunToTheFinish said...

ok first I agree that we are all just a tad crazy, but beyond that it is a completely personal thing as to why we are all willing to push ourselves for hours on end...there i some kind achievement and pride we all find it in!

Unknown said...

I liked him on FB...fantastic story. Maybe I'll get to say hello at Rev3 Cedar Point!! It's amazing the how the whys are so different for everyone yet it leads us to triathlon over and over!! Great post.

Caratunk Girl said...

I liked him. It is an amazing story!

The why. I am copying this and giving it to John, is that OK? He asks the same question.

Renee said...

I liked him on FB!!!!

misszippy said...

Love this post. Why? 'Cause it's never enough!

Liked him on FB. Amazing story.

Unknown said...

This is a great post... it's always fun to hear other people's "whys" because we all have different stories. My answer many times... because I can! :)

I liked James on FB - amazing story!!!

Unknown said...

Love your "whys". I liked him on FB

BFB said...

I liked him on facebook.

I feel like I don't really know my why yet. I get distracted during training and tend to show up to races under prepared, but for some reason keep signing up for races. I feel like I'm constantly chasing a feeling of accomplishment or some determining factor that will allow me to call myself an athlete. Two sprint triathlons, a couple of long distance charity bike rides, and I'm still searching.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Great Post!!!!

I still get and hate to hear the "Why?" question, its starting to irk me alot

Kabekona Tri Girl said...

awesome interview/story, I liked him right away.

Bluegrass Tri Chick said...

Great post & story! I liked him.