I love training for triathlons. I do. But, I never thought it would change my life in the way it has the past two years.
There are several benefits of training for a triathlon with a team to help you succeed at your goal race, but have you ever thought about the impact of training would have on you personally and professionally? I think about it a lot -- because I have changed A LOT since I joined TWS and trained for this Ironman.
Fact #1: We have all committed ourselves to achieving a goal. We all made ourselves vulnerable and put ourselves out there. We all want to be the best person and athlete we can be. Given that simple commitment -- we are automatically bonded. Some more than others. (Just work with me).
Fact #2: While we all have one common goal and a significant common interest --- we are all VERY different. We grew up in different parts of the country, had different childhoods, went to different schools. Our career paths and professions are different. Family size and location, marital status, and age -- all different. Personalities -- while we are all highly motivated, goal driven individuals, we are vastly different. Some of us are loud (cough, cough), quiet, funny, introvert, extrovert. Our paths in life are just very different.
Fact #3: While we are not all best friends, we still share the bond (mentioned above) --- and want the best for each other. We are a support system.
I believe that the stated facts above place us all in an environment that sets us up all to succeed and improve as much as we want to. I believe that we are all strong individuals willing to share our information, help each other grow, and also have the cajones to call each other out. We are ALL STRONG individuals -- and while we may get on each others nerves -- this sets us up with an enormous opportunity for growth.
I can describe several personal situations this year -- that really have changed me and helped me make some huge improvements in myself and my life.
What I have learned this year -- is that I can continue to improve if I am willing to put myself out there, surround myself with people that don't want to just kiss my ass, but help me be the best Kristen I can be.
I am a loyal bulldog. I used to think that a friend should ACCEPT ME and LOVE ME for who I am without question, but after training with my triathlon team I have realized --- a true friend is going to call you out, bring an issue to light, and help you work on it.
This year... I have gained confidence, got a promotion at work, I went 20, didn't have a panic attack in the hardest swim of my life, taken responsibility for how I say things, completed an Ironman, got a new wardrobe and learned what and how important a statement necklace is, had FUN and smiled the whole time during Ironman -- but most importantly....
I have accepted that its okay not to be perfect. I have learned that my best is good enough. That my best is more than good enough, because I quite frankly --- I am awesome.
Thank you to every single one of you for being you -- because you have ALL influenced me the past two years. You are all awesome, too --- I hope you know that.
