Someone's 5k Is Their Ironman

You don't become an Ironman overnight; the journey is long, the journey is hard. Not many set out with the initial goal of becoming one. Most set out to make a change, any change. Everyone's reasons are different. Everyone's journey is unique.

But inasmuch as we're different, we're all so similar.

Our journey usually begins innocently, very innocently. For me it began with the lacing of the shoes. For others it could have been with a lap in the pool or a ride around the block.

We never thought of entering a race, but we allowed a well intended friend to convince us that this is the best thing we could do. I know I did. I registered for one even though I didn't know what to do.

The task of running an organized race was beyond anything I could wrap my arms around. The pure thought of getting from start to finish, and having someone officially "time" my performance was not something I would have ever done, but there I was.

It's all about baby steps. One step in front of the other. One block at a time. One mile at a time. We grow steadily and methodically. We set our goals, we plan our day, our week, our month. Race day is just around the corner. It could be six months out but in our mind, if feels like the race is tomorrow.

It was posted yesterday in facebook that "someone's 5k is their Ironman". This could not have been said any better, any clearer. When I finished my first first race, I felt like an Ironman! (relax, I know I wasn't, I didn't even know back then what an Ironman was).

We progress from one distance to the next. Our confidence grows in direct proportion as our mileage increases. Before we know it we're considering a 10K, a 10M or even a Half Marathon. A Half Marathon? Yes a Half  Marathon. And then a Marathon.. I could never do that.

We find heroes amongst us. Those that do distances that we would like one day, to be able to do. They give us a helping hand, a word of advise, but mostly encouragement. They understand that they were in our shoes once in a past not to far removed. They know that a pat on the back or a kick in the butt are needed; they know when they are needed.

And just like that we become that person. Someone is looking at us, looking to us. They don't quit, they don't give up because they've watched us grow, they've traveled our journey and now they too believe that it can be done. They believe that they can do this as well.

I believe that an Ironman does not ever disparage the accomplishments of others. Ever! Not even in jest. Ever! Remember that "someone's 5k is their Ironman". We applaud the efforts of each and everyone who is giving it a go, no matter the size.

Yes, what we do in impressive. We have the right to brag, we've earned that right. But we must do it with humility and we must never disparage. Ever.

When you reach this point, then you too my friend will know that you ARE ... an Ironman!

"All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being,

not just with my hands but with my heart." ~ Tahere Mafi

Disclaimer:  I tried to find the source of the inspiration for this post to give proper credit, but I could not.  If you happen to be the person that commented on a post and said "someone's 5k is their Ironman", please let me know, so I can do so.

Please come over and "like" my facebook page for more on my "Journey Beyond Ironman".  Click here.

Conquer Chattanooga 2014

PLEASE consider supporting the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and the fundraising efforts of my daughter, Juliana Sanchez and our good friend Robert Phifer by purchasing one of these great looking tee shirts.  They both will be racing Ironman Chattanooga on September 28, 2014 on behalf of Team Challenge and have each committed to raise $5,000 to benefit this worthy cause.

If you're not interested in the tee shirt. but still like to help, please read on...

All the profits from the sale of this Fine Knit, 65% Polyester, 35% Tailor Fit Tee Shirt will go towards this worthy cause. Available in Heather Fuchsia or Heather Purple with Dark Purple print for the ladies and Heather Gray or Heather Blue with Dark Grey print for the gents.

Click here to get your very own tee shirt!

To learn more about Crohns and Colitis, please click here.

To learn more about CCFA and how they're fighting ulcerative colitis and Crohns; CCFA's Pathways to Cures: Game-Changing IBS Research, please click here.

And your donation / contribution is well protected. The Charity Navigator has given CCFA a 4 Star (best possible) rating for good governance, sound fiscal management, and commitment to accountability and transparency.  To review the rating, click here.

But, if you'd just like to make a donation, any donation, you can directly contribute to Juliana's efforts by clicking here. Or to Robert's efforts, click here.

We are doing this because we have several folks in our lives that battle with the disease daily. One is a fellow triathlete; a two time Ironman training as well for IM Chattanooga. Another is a fellow cyclist who has not been able to return to somewhat a normal life since his diagnosis. Currently he's waiting for an experimental drug to come his way. Our good friend's son, also struggles with the disease on a daily basis as does another friends mom. So you see, this is all around us and its debilitating.

Can we count on you?