Dreams and Goals

Many people are motivated by dreams and/or goals.  Some people know what they are right away, some people stumble upon them, and some people are still figuring it out. I'm a very goal-oriented person. I think it's important to set goals for yourself and work towards them. When I was a little girl, I always knew I was meant to teach.  There was never another option for me, at least in my mind.  I grew up playing school, helping out in my grandmother's classroom and dreaming of being a teacher.  Some people dream of becoming a professional athlete, I dreamt of teaching kids.  As I am getting older, I'm realizing that our time here on earth is limited.  If you have a dream you want to chase, now's the time.  I saw a Facebook post about an 87 year old woman who completed a triathlon.  You're never too old to dream.  

Fitness has always been a passion of mine, but never did I think I would be given the opportunity to combine my two passions of teaching and being a fitness instructor (what I almost consider 'coaching'.)  Today I got the opportunity to be a personal trainer. I was a little nervous at first, but the minute we started, it felt like I was meant to do it.  It felt comfortable, challenging and fun.  I'm now hooked and only hope I can find the time to do more of it. 

You might wonder what this post has to do with the 70.3.  Doing a half ironman has never been a dream of mine.  The thought of it actually made my stomach turn-even after signing up.  There are times while I'm training or even just thinking about the race that my stomach turns, just a little.  But I always go back to that idea that our time on this earth is limited.  Competing in this triathlon in memory of Bryce has inspired me to put myself out there-make myself vulnerable-make the most of this life.  It's not the actual triathlon itself that has become the goal or the dream.  It's knowing what it symbolizes.  I don't have any experience losing a child, and I hope my children long outlive me, but I can imagine all the unrealized goals and dreams that parents who have lost a child feel on a daily basis.  By completing this journey in memory of Bryce, I hope it will inspire others to dream big.  I hope it inspires others to take a leap of faith.  I hope it reminds everyone that our time on this earth is limited and we have to appreciate each day and live life to the fullest.  

This journey will end 49 days from today.  Along the way I've made new friends.  I've further explored opportunities in the area of fitness that I may never have had the courage to try.  I've learned how to ride a road bike, on a highway! I've realized that if you set a goal and you are determined to meet it, that all it takes is a little creativity to fit it in.  If you ask my kids or my husband, I don't think they'd say their life has been altered much by my training.  There have been many early mornings and many trainer bike rides long after the kids are in bed.  I've learned that there are people willing to help you...all you have to do is ask.   I've learned who are the biggest supporters in my life. 

This is going to be a monumental week for me!  I will be heading to Governor Dodge to do my first open water swim in a wetsuit.  I will be competing in my first ever open water triathlon on Sunday in Lake Mills.  I am hoping that these two training milestones will continue to give me confidence in this journey.  Hopefully I will have some positive experiences to share in next week's blog!  Wish me luck!

Kelly, Joe and I after our 32 mile ride