"It's a Long Way"

since i've started this triathlon business, i've been consistently intrigued by the various reactions of people when they learn of my quests.

the majority, are positive; "Wow! A Triathlon! That's Incredible!"

the majority, also, then proceed to internalise; "Oh I could *never* do that. My swimming/biking/running is terrible. I might be okay at the other two... but no, I could never- "

since i've committed (mentally) to the Half IronMan, there has been a distinct shift in the response of others. Positive exclamations have been few and far between. It seems the word 'ironman' - even with the 'half' tacked onto the front - provokes responses much more complicated in nature.

the majority, now, are doubters. "Ohhhh, no, really? That's *such* a long way, that's crazy, do you really want to do that, how long will that take?"

this is only the start of my journey, so it will be with great interest to reflect as the journey progresses. however i did find this incredible quote from http://www.ironjack.co.nz/blog/.

(it's smaller print, i know, but worth the squint effort!)

The Ironman will try and psyche you out and wear you down over the course of the year. If you know what to expect then each swing Ironman takes at you will have less effect. The way ironman can beat you is with self doubt. If your self doubt gets to a point where you decide not to take on the challenge then Ironman has beaten you. This is where it beats most people even before they even get close to the start line. The first self doubt weapon is in the form of other people. They will constantly either tell you or imply that “you can’t do it” when they have no idea if you can or not. They will tell you “it is a long way” which is not rocket science. They will tell you they had a friend who has done Ironman and make them out to be much better than you. If they have done it themselves and are really self absorbed they will even imply how much better they are than you. The other even more deadly weapon is Ironman intimidating you directly. This will be you telling yourself you cannot possibly do something like that. What where you thinking? Are you insane? Don’t tell anyone or they will laugh, your not good enough, etc. This is all ironman trickery and not true at all. Be ready for it and know that this is what prevents everyone else from taking on the challenge.

nicely said.

for me it touches on the core of why i can shrug to the concept of longer distances; because it's about seeing something seemingly impossible, and working towards that goal until it's very possible.

essentially; life's not tailored to sit on the sideline and tell yourself all the things you can't do

:)