During my week of training I had a couple of experiences that I would like to share with you all. The first was a discussion with Eugene during a cool down after a workout. We were talking about the differences between ourselves at the present compared to when we were younger competing in college athletics. I believe we all can be guilty at times of making the mistake of judging ourselves against a more youthful version. Possibly feeling that if we cannot get back to the shape we were once in that we have failed. Maybe I am being slightly dramatic but it is necessary to prove this point. Let's make it a priority to redefine or rediscover who we are at the present. I am no longer 20 years old wrestling in college. Competing against that version of me is pointless. It would be more productive and healthy to redefine who we are right now. I am 43 with a family and career. I am going to be the best I can be today. So if you were a runner your not going to beat your personal bests from college. You can however set new personal bests for your current age even if it's the masters :). It really comes back to the importance of living in the present and being happy of who and what you are today.
My second experience was during a training run on the trails with Tommy. We were doing an 8 mile run in High Rock. Midway through the run we decided to pick our pace up while we were heading up Moses mountain. We got to the top and took in the sites while we recovered. While we were recovering a lady was coming up the backside trail, which is pretty steep. She was walking with the aid of crutches while her husband walked behind her. It was one of those moments when you get to appreciate the human spirit. As she made it to the top Tommy and I congratulated her. I told her to never give in and she replied "I am still here." Watching her determination rubbed off on us as we crushed the last portion of our run. She was a reminder to me to not let the challenges of life prevent you from living. Inspiration can come from many things if we simply look for it!
what a great story jimmy!! zef (from the bar-barians) said that he sees that as 'mirror inspiration' which he explained is when a person inspires you purely thru their heart and effort. often people praise the high level only as the inspirers (not sure on spelling:) but as you clearly show it goes both ways, she sees others doing it and says why not me...then you and tommy see her doing it on crutches and 'that' kicks your ass!!:) mirror inspiration:) thought it was cool:) peace my friend!
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