Friday, February 24, 2006

Focus, you can do this thing.

The amazing thing about the multisport community is that they truly are a community, and thanks to the blogosphere, all are welcome. We read about each other's training and lives and we virtually involve ourselves daily. I recently listened to
Get your geek on!
podcast and as usual found it very informative and encouraging. We have podcasts. I'm doubtful that there are podcasts for the NBA or NFL. Yet, Mad Mel McQuaid, World Champion Triathlete was enthusiastic about sharing her coaching tips and life story. All to inspire the little people. Most pros don't care so much about inspiration as notoriety. Simply Stu drove the point home when he pointed out that the pros are among those cheering at the finish line at Ironman Wisconsin-at MIDNIGHT! Then there are athletes like Steven who is a great coach and nice guy who left this comment after my last post:
"I tri, and I can swim, but I cannot swim fast. Nor will I ever. I'm stuck at 1:20-1:25 IM swims forever I'm pretty sure.
But it's all in perspective, right? I wouldn't trade my sub-6'ish IM bike nor my 3:40'ish IM run for a 1:10'ish swim.
Just put in the laps and the rest will take care of itself." The fact that an elite Ironman athlete pops by my blog and makes comments, with the proverbial pat on the back, underscores my point. Lest you think his comments are self indulgent, this is the first I knew of just what a stud athlete he is- check out his site.
Then there are the ever consistent Keryn and Flatman who are just everywhere, all the time, cheering and encouraging. Athletes in their own right, and sadly not on the IMFL team- I've named them the official cheerleaders (of course without asking first) of my training team.

I'm officially rushing now, time to get the Tribe to school, or I would list more sources of inspiration-but I've got to fly-can't really write an excuse note-please excuse HG's tardiness, I was busy blogging....-

I've participated in a lot of sports, and I follow a lot of college and pro sports, and I've never seen the type of open, encouraging athletes as what you see in multisport.

Definitely worth the price of admission.

12 comments:

Hollyfish said...

I am daily inspired by the humor and grace you demonstrate in your day to day life...4 great, active kids, dedicated training and all the rest...thanks for sharing YOUR world with us...

:) said...

I would be honored to be your "official" cheerleader...!

I am humbled to even be mentioned.

Like Spence said...you are quite an inspiration yourself. Thanks for putting it all out there for us.

Born To Endure said...

Nice post!!! These people rawk!! I can't wait to meet them all in person...

Nancy Toby said...

Go go go!! WE CAN DO IT!! And I'm committed to bringing up the rear so that you won't be last!! :-)

Cliff said...

All i see is Steven's tatoo. :)

How often do u see a pro athelete share about their life and training tips? I never see Michael Jordan do that... :) we are in a good sport.

Bolder said...

*sniff*

i cheer for you too.

*sob*

Trisaratops said...

Awesome post, Trimama! Thanks for inspiring US! :)

Chris said...

The comradery between triathletes is the primary reason that I love this sport. It's so rare to find anyone that has a bad attitude in this sport.

I hope I can fit a Florida trip into my schedule this fall. Even if it's just for the day, I'd *love* to be there for your first IM!

Scott said...

I agree 100%.

Papa Tweet said...

Cheers to that. When I first started blogging, I was doing it to partially satisfy my wife, but also to have a place to write down some thoughts. Before long, people were actually reading my posts and providing helpful tips and thoughful encouragement. The next thing I knew, I had tons of blog friends that I love to communicate with on a daily basis. I know it sounds wierd, but I feel like I know every one of them. Even though I've never met most of them. For this, I'm very thankful.
Benny

Anonymous said...

i wholeheartedly agree...i've never gotten so much support at ANYTHING than what i've gotten here. pretty amazing.

Papa Louie said...

Yes, it is amazing all the support we get from one another in this sport! Great post!