Finding What Inspires You

I have been very fortunate to have Kim Hager help coach the Luke's Locker Ten For Texas Training Program. I send out two group training messages each week, one for the Luke's Program and one for the Team In Training Program. (the TNT group message can be viewed at the Team Woodlands link on this blog) Kim writes a tip each week that I include and this week I would like to share her tip on this blog.

Kim is a professional triathlete who races for Team Timex. Part of her profile on the Team Timex website reads as follows.....

Nationality: U.S.
Age: 33
Pirimary Sport: Triathlon

Career Highlights:
Qualified for 2004 Woman's Olympic Marathon Trials, Competed at Olympic Marathon Trials in April 2004, 2nd Overall Female Mexico Half Ironman 2004 (pro race debut)

Favorte Race:
Ironman Hawaii

Other Info:
When I am not training, I am driving my kids to all of their activities! I am your typical "Swim Mom." I also like to sit at Starbucks and debate politics with my friends (while drinking coffee of course!).

I try to live by the words of Vince Lombardi, "If you will not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives. It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."




Kim's Tip - Finding What Inspires You
There comes a time in one’s training routine when our motivation level plunges and that inevitable question pops up, “why do I run…why do I do this?” For some, the motivation is weight loss or general fitness, and for others it might be the thrill of racing or just getting some time away from the children. Most of us have many reasons that prod us out the door to train but sometimes we need that extra push and we have to look a little deeper for inspiration.

I admire the athletic feats of those who are considered legends in my sport, but I am inspired by individuals who must demonstrate perseverance every day of their life or must overcome a major setback or obstacle. These are individuals such as Jon Blais, a.k.a. “The ALS Warrior Poet.” Jon was 34 years old when he was diagnosed with ALS. An active, young individual, Jon has basically been given a cruel death sentence. However, he demonstrated his tenacity when he finished the 2005 Ford Ironman World Championship last October. He reminds me to never take my health for granted and inspires me to use the body I have been given.

Marc Herremans placed 6th overall at the 2001 Hawaii Ironman with dreams of one day winning the event. A few months later he was involved in a tragic training accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. While he no longer has the use of his legs, he continues to compete and founded the “To Walk Again” Foundation. Marc has shown me that sometimes on the way to fulfilling a dream we ‘get lost’ and find a bigger one; thus I am inspired to be part of something bigger than myself.

Another individual who is a source of inspiration is my aunt. My aunt was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes 45+ years ago, and recently, over the span of three separate surgeries, had to have both legs amputated due to complications related to diabetes. She still has more surgeries to face and has a long road of rehabilitation ahead of her. Her daily rehab protocol makes a 100 mile bike ride seem like a cakewalk. And, she has to do this everyday. For my aunt, there are no “days off.” She reminds me to look for the light in the midst of darkness and inspires me to be tough as nails when faced with adversity.

However, I am most inspired by my daughter…Lauren. Lauren has spent half of her young life competing on a swim team. She has a competitive spirit and so it was difficult for her to sit out part of her swim season due to the injuries she received earlier in the year. She was learning some valuable lessons at a young age…yes, life is not fair. When she came back to swimming, I noticed that she did not make excuses. At the state championship, she was not expected to make finals in her events, and yet, she did not let that discourage her. Rather, she truly believed in herself, swam her heart out, and achieved great things. She told me (and no, this one did not come from me, she said she found it on the internet), “why settle for average when it is just as far to the top as it is to the bottom?” Lauren is only eleven. Lauren reminds me of how fortunate I am to be a mom, and inspires me to let go of the setbacks and adversities I have encountered in the past.

So, what inspires you to do what you do? When things are rolling along smoothly the answer seems simple, but when boredom sets in, you suffer an injury, you become frustrated when you do not see results fast enough, or when you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, the answer may not be so clear. However, by finding inspiration in others you will find yourself being motivated and encouraged in ways you never imagined.



(The injuries to Kim's daughter were due to being hit by a car while riding her bike to school. Lauren, made finals in several events and finished 2nd in the 200 IM.)