Allow me to elaborate.
In the middle of 2005 I made two life changing decisions:
1) that I would celebrate every day that I was blessed with good health by getting up off my rear and moving my body and 2) that I would complete a sprint triathlon the following year.
Unlike many of you, I was not an athlete in my younger years. I couldn't swim across the pool, didn't own a road bike, didn't have a decent pair of running shoes, and had spent the better part of 40 years sitting on my rear.
I bought some running shoes. I took swim lessons. I bought a road bike. I started off slowly and gradually built up my distances. It was challenging, but I never gave up. If you've ever wondered why I use the Slow&Steady moniker, now you know.
This morning I plotted out three things: the number of events that I competed in, my longest run, and my longest bike ride. I wanted to include something about my longest swim, but I couldn't easily find that information, so I left it out. It starts with all zeros in 2004, but shows progress year on year. For that, I am truly grateful.
You've got one life. Live it and enjoy.
I love these reflective posts. You (and I) are proof that slow and steady rocks! Go GQ!!
ReplyDeleteYou have made such enormous progress and most importantly, you have had great fun along the way. Congrats and here's to a happy and healthy 2009!!
love the slow-and-steady motto :) I think it's awesome that you went from no athletic experience to TRIATHLETE!
ReplyDeleteNothing like upward progress!! You've had a fabulous couple of years ;D ;D
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun to see the progression every year!! Way to go and I love the attitude
ReplyDeleteVery cool chart!
ReplyDeleteGreat progress, you are so right, one life, live it to its fullest!
ReplyDelete"You've got one life. Live it and enjoy."
ReplyDeleteAmen to that.
Also.. Congratulations on your athletic progress :o)
Slow and steady is a great motto. I live by it. Your progress is inspirational and it shows that as long as we are moving forward we are progressing...even if slowly.
ReplyDeleteThat's a steep spike for just a few years! Congrats on all your progress!
ReplyDeleteThis post really spoke to me. I was not an athlete in my younger years either and learned to swim at 38.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to be 40 (almost 41) now and feel as young and healthy as ever and in the best shape of my life.
Thanks for the post and Happy New Year to you!
P.S. Your 2009 schedule looks great!
That is some seriosu progress. Good on ya!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to reflect on how far you've come. Good luck in 2009!
ReplyDeleteAmen soul sister!!!
ReplyDeleteYou've come a long way and should definitely be proud of how far you've come! Congrats on being a superstar and keep it up! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing Lisa - well done! You are justifiably proud of yourself
ReplyDeleteAnd we love YOU for the way you are, Slow and STEADY!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing so much of yourself in '08.
Have a wonderful, healthy, Happy New YEAR!!
I love the anaylsis. You have come a long way baby... and you are still on the journey. Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteYou've come a long way. Great progress! I see good things for you this coming year :)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the progress on the chart. This was a really nice post, and you certainly have a lot to smile about :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is something to be so proud of. You are right....there is only one life so we had better be living it. Cheers to 2009!
ReplyDeleteGreat progress! You should be smiling.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing this graph on New Year's Day 2010 ... :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Lisa. I wish you and your family and very happy and healthy 2009!
Yup. Slow and steady. Huh. Almost Iron distance :-)
ReplyDeleteI battled with the whole "I'm not fast, I don't do the hard races" etc etc . . .
ReplyDeleteAfter 8- plus Olympic and Sprint triathlons I have come to realize through my friends that don't enjoy this crazy tri life, that WHAT WE DO IS A LOT! (comparatively)
You just keep doing what you're doing and every year you'll get faster and do harder races . . . That I guarantee! It's called an addiction!!!!!
I am taking on my first 70.3 and IMFL in 2009. WOO HOO!!!!
Kick Butt in 2009!
YOU CAN DO IT!
I love the graph! No doubt about the upward progress. Way to go! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou have come along way.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI am so very proud of your accomplishments girlie!!
YOU ROCK!!!
Congrats on being awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt's so inspirational when people who've never done something take it up later in life. My mom has been an accountant for the past 20 years, and now is wanting to become an artist...I'm all for it :)
Congrats on how far you've come!
ReplyDeleteI too was never really an athlete when I was younger and am convinced that it is never too late to become one. Keep up the great attitude and look forward to hearing more successes in 2009!