My girlfriend Sarah completed her first Ironman Triathlon last Sunday. An amazing feat. It was a long, tough day. But, Sarah is strong, made of iron you might say. Below I've posted the letter I gave to her the morning of the race. Of course, she didn't quit, and many times in life, that makes all the difference.
Ironman Arizona
November, 23 2008
Sarah:
I’m so proud of you. Today you embark on a journey relatively few have known or will know. The journey to this day has been long and fraught with adversity, but you’ve made through one of the toughest challenges, getting to the start line. Today you will be tested in ways heretofore unknown. There will be highs, lows, and lower. But remember, there is good on the other side of bad, always. You will learn much about yourself today, much about your character, and much about the human spirit.
There is a tremendous challenge that lies before you. No, this is not hunger, or disease, war, or death of a loved one. Those are real challenges, real-life obstacles. However, today’s struggle is significant because you have CHOSEN it. Usually in life, adversity finds us. Today, you’ve chosen to seek-out adversity, hunt it down, confront it, and become its master. Today you’ll explore the wonder that is the human body in ways few ever dare. You will struggle to mediate a raging war between mind and body, but you must keep both at the table, working together, to complete this challenge. When it’s over, you’ll marvel in your resilience, have an indescribable sense of accomplishment, and you’ll have no doubt in your mind that there is nothing you can’t do. 140.6 miles to supreme confidence. I believe in you, believe in yourself, DON’T QUIT, and Godspeed.
With Love and Respect,
(Iron) Brad
November, 23 2008
Sarah:
I’m so proud of you. Today you embark on a journey relatively few have known or will know. The journey to this day has been long and fraught with adversity, but you’ve made through one of the toughest challenges, getting to the start line. Today you will be tested in ways heretofore unknown. There will be highs, lows, and lower. But remember, there is good on the other side of bad, always. You will learn much about yourself today, much about your character, and much about the human spirit.
There is a tremendous challenge that lies before you. No, this is not hunger, or disease, war, or death of a loved one. Those are real challenges, real-life obstacles. However, today’s struggle is significant because you have CHOSEN it. Usually in life, adversity finds us. Today, you’ve chosen to seek-out adversity, hunt it down, confront it, and become its master. Today you’ll explore the wonder that is the human body in ways few ever dare. You will struggle to mediate a raging war between mind and body, but you must keep both at the table, working together, to complete this challenge. When it’s over, you’ll marvel in your resilience, have an indescribable sense of accomplishment, and you’ll have no doubt in your mind that there is nothing you can’t do. 140.6 miles to supreme confidence. I believe in you, believe in yourself, DON’T QUIT, and Godspeed.
With Love and Respect,
(Iron) Brad
No comments:
Post a Comment