Perspective

-3000 swimmers starting the race at 7am-

This past weekend I attended the 2010 Wisconsin Iron Man Triathlon.

This was my 3rd I've been to as it was the 3rd my Father has participated in. For those who may not know... An Iron Man Triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile swim in open water, a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a full 26.2 mile marathon. All back to back non-stop. You have from 7am until 12 midnight to complete this unbelievable endurance trial.

Over the years I've attended, I have seen some incredible people participate in and finish this event.

For example...

There was an individual who was there this past weekend competing in his 5th Iron Man with a prosthetic leg. There was another competitor who was blind, and had a friend to hold onto for guidance as he went on this incredible journey. I've seen the elderly, overweight, and disabled cross the finish line with tears in their eyes.

It's an incredible atmosphere to be a part of too. There were 3000 competitors this past weekend, so you can imagine how many thousands of supporters there were there as well. Everybody cheers for everybody.

Nothing but positive energy from 7am to Midnight.

So many of these competitors with disabilities are achieving this incredible task in spite of physical setbacks. 

They do so because they have set there mind to determine to succeed.

Now stop for a moment and ask yourself... what's holding you back from achieving your goals?

I saw a blind man come running out of the water after spending and hour and forty five minutes swimming 2.4 miles in a lake of 3000 people... if he can do that... what's stopping YOU from putting in that half hour of cardio?

I saw a man with one leg running a 26.2 mile marathon after completing a 2.4 mile swim, and a 112 mile bike ride... What's stopping YOU from making sure you get breakfast in each morning?

I saw 75+ year olds cross the finish line completing the entire race. How old are you? What's stopping YOU from achieving your fitness goals?

Be grateful for all that you have. Use it to it's utmost potential. Whether you realize it or not, whether you believe it or not, there are many out there who would trade places with you in a second and take full advantage of what you take for granted. You may have setbacks. You may have to work harder than others to achieve your goals, but none of this means that any of it is impossible. It's a matter of will and determination. Truly anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and put for the honest effort and time it takes to succeed.

These people have and succeeded in spite of the cards life has dealt them and so can you.