As I go into marathon #2, I have been challenged to contemplate what defines me. A friend of mine is working through a reoccurring/lingering injury, and has an endurance duathlon this weekend. She was talking to a {non-athlete} friend, and she said, "Nicki, it's ok if you aren't able to participate this weekend, doing triathlons isn't what defines you." I would say that statement has some validity to it, but as athletes we are defined by what it takes to be an athlete! I am NOT defined by having the title of runner, triathlete or marathoner {or by the time/speed in which I accomplish all of those}....but I AM defined by what it takes to earn those titles. I am a firm believer that anyone {with the exception of those with physical limitations} can run, do a triathlon, and complete marathon...but you have to WANT it! The race is not the time it takes you to get from the start line to finish line, rather it starts the second you sign-up and make the commitment to do the event! It takes dedication & commitment to stick to a training plan, a willingness to make sacrifices in order to make time for the training, & perseverance to overcome obstacles that WILL arise {injury, schedule/time conflicts, weather, lack of motivation...just to name a few}
I am a runner, triathlete & marathoner, but more importantly...
I am DEDICATED
I am COMMITTED
I am PASSIONATE
I am STRONG
I am FOCUSED
I am CONFIDENT
I am MOTIVATED
I am DRIVEN
I am COURAGEOUS
Yes, the marathon is going to be challenging, but so has everything else been leading up to the marathon! And yes, Nicki will compete on Saturday {not in the stupid-get-more-injured kind of way, but she will cross the finish line}! We both know what it takes to get to the finish line, and no matter what the numbers on the clock read, we will both be proud of a FINISH! There is victory in the finish!
