- To push myself further than before
- To gain the confidence that comes from reaching such a big goal
- To get healthier and be a part of the community of endurance athletes (Yeah - I did sort of squeak four reasons into three numbers, didn't I? I suck at following instructions sometimes.)
To see if I can
To have something no one can take away or minimize because I'll always know I did it
To have a focus/anchor for my training season
To get stronger
To get faster
To get leaner
To move through the world intentionally
To race (relatively) locally
To race period
To reach for something other people don't
To meet the people who do reach for it
To learn new skills - technical, mental, physical
Does anyone else have their big WHYs morph on them like that? Does anyone else write down their WHYs to motivate them on days when the training mojo ebbs? (Does it help? Because I have to tell you - on the days when I get in "aw fuck it" mode - I can't imagine my shiny, peppy, hopeful answers to the big WHY helping me do much. I could probably use some growth there, what do you think?) Do you think your WHYs narrow and/or deepen or broaden as you get more experience in this sport? I'm particularly interested in that last one. Does what brought you to triathlon turn out to be what keeps you?TODAY I LOVE: the big questions
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17 comments:
I love seeing your reasons and think it is great to have them written out like that for days you aren't feeling so hot.
I don't have enough experience to know so I am curious to see the responses you get.
I'm not particularly seasoned as an athlete, but I've observed my own WHY change over time. What got me into triathlon doesn't seem to be keeing me into triathlon, but it keeps me 'athletic' and has caused me to do different things thatn I would have otherwise and keeps me intersted in the possibility of still trying new things...
As it turns out for me, it really wasn't ever really about triahlon per se. I guess that's why the WHY is so important to understand. :-)
p.s. Reading my comment leads me to another conclusion. It's a darn good thing I'm not a counsellor by profession. My clients would end up leaving more confused than when they came in because sometimes when I think I'm making a point - I really don't end up making much sense. :-)
the reasons kinda float in my head, i wonder if it would do me any good to write them down my whys! i've written down my goals, but these seem more powerful! Great post!
My "whys" have changed over time. Most definitely. I'm still waiting for the "why" to tri though. I don't know . . .triathlons scare the HECK outta me LOL
I love it all, and I keep it simple. That is good enough for me :-)
i like your questions. i haven't written down my why's to examine but i do think about them when i run (sometimes, anyway). reminds me of 'a room with a view', the guy george was searching for an answer to the the everasting why and the answer was yes!
Interesting.
I like your list - it's a good reminder for those tough days.
I guess I've never thought of why. Hmm. I don't know. I just do. I think if I thought of 'why', I might realize that perhaps all this training isn't so rational.
i've never run a triathlon, and i don't intend to really, but i have practiced 3 hrs/day + lifted weights + played doubleheaders both weekend days for 4 years, and then before that practiced 2 hrs/day and played on weekends 3 sports for 4 years and even then played sports before that. so i feel justified in answering.
why did i run over a mile in 100 yard wind sprints in 32 degree weather at 10pm? why did i run 5 texas miseries to end practice? why did i endure 8 hell weeks?
quite simply, for the love of the game(s). the rush of pulling on my uniform and running out onto the field/court to prove i was the better contender. the thrill of victory and the self-control to focus my wits on doing what needs doing rather than letting my nerves get the best of me in a tough, close situation.
but, i don't know that i could have done it without my teammates. i'm a team sport girl. i would encourage you to use your running mate for inspiration.
What a great list! My reasons include (but are not limited to):
To prove that I can.
Because it's hard.
Because it's there.
Because it's fun - sort of.
Because doing this makes me part of a great community of people.
Because if I can do a half then I might be able to do a full, and I really want an MDot tattoo!
Because I'm insane.
Because I'm an addict.
Because someone suggested I should!
I could write an essay on this! Don't worry I won't.
When I first volunteered at Silverman I "knew" that I "had" to do the Silverman Half. I felt it in my gut. It was like I was pulled toward that race like I was in a tractor beam. The "why" at times was unclear I just knew I had to do it.
Now, post Silverman, the why is about the triathlete lifestyle and setting a bunch of PRs in 2009! I still want to push myself, still with the half iron distance and continue to improve my athletic ability my food intake and just enjoy KNOWING that I'm doing everything I can to be healthy and have a fabulous life!
Those are all great reasons why.
My why is always looking for the next big challenge to go longer, to push beyond what I thought I could do
All of those are mighty good reasons. Mine's usually simple.. Why not?
Very interesting questions! I think we often write down our goals about what we want to accomplish but often do not ask ourselves why we do it. I know I got into tris mainly to learn to swim and to have a reason to cycle more with my husband. And from there, the whys have taken on a life of their own. I think if you're going to stick with anything for a long time, your whys are likely to vary over time but the main reasons you do it are likely to stay the same.
Great post and great introspection.
I have been thinking lately about things that I am proud of that are NOT the reasons I do endurane sports.
For once in my life, I am NOT doing it to be a number on the scale or a number on the tag of my jeans.
I am NOT doing it to look a certain way or be more attractive to others.
Right now that feels pretty good.
I do think about the whys quite a bit....it's funny that I started all of this to lose weight but now I enjoy the community and friendships so much that I could never leave. So that leaves me with my why. Sometimes to have fun and sometimes it's back to being healthy.
My whys have also changed with time. Sadly, I never seem to remember any of the whys when I'm not feeling in the mood to work out. Poopsicles.
I like the idea of making a list though. I should do that.
wow, that was a brilliant post. I'd have to spend weeks thinking of reasons for why I do anything. I might have to steal some of your answers. I especially liked "to meet the people who DO push themselves."
Well said!
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