Just think about it for a second, if you look at your face every day when you get up and think you’ll never be great, you’ll never be great, not because you’re not, but the hate will always find a way to cut you up and murder your faith.
NF “The Search”
In a lot of movies there’s the moment where the hero has a choice to make. Will the hero rise up to the challenge he or she faces or back down, fading into obscurity? These heroes are often people just like you and me. You work with them, pass them on the street, they’re a friend of a friend. I had one of those hero moments last weekend. I was faced with a choice. Would I, just a simple man, rise up to the challenge or stay comfortable? Only, I’m not the hero of the story! Plot twist… I’m part of a group of triathletes who I admire so much and in my moment of doubt, these people showed such strong character. They were the heroes all along.
The short story is that there was going to be a group cycling ride on the weekend. I anxiously, and unconfidently, signed up to go… wondering if I’d be holding the group back. I desperately want to get along, to blend in, to be my best without being a burden. Sounds noble but it’s really a fault and it can be crippling sometimes. Besides that, I’m not a very fast cyclist and the night before the ride, I was restless and worried. I woke up that morning and gave in to the doubt, texting the group that I’d try to catch the next one. Just for backing out I was disappointed in myself, having very little confidence because these athletes are pretty great at all the disciplines; swimming, biking, and running. Who am I to think I can even try to keep up? But then something crazy happened.
I sent the message to the group and it wasn’t met with condolences. I fully expected a thumbs up or an “OK, see you next time.” Nope. These amazing athletes didn’t give up on me, even though I had already. They didn’t accept my withdrawal, but instead they encouraged me to try.
So I did.
It is easily the most special moment so far in my triathlon journey because not only did I finish, I did well. It’s nice when people believe in you even when you don’t, isn’t it? From the encouragement of other athletes and the satisfaction of finishing the long course… I hope I can keep surprising myself more by taking chances. By doing things I didn’t think I could. By believing in myself, even just a little more. By thinking that I have the ability to be a greater version of myself tomorrow than who I am today.
I love this season of my life. I love the triathletes who continue to inspire me.
-Out of the Wilderness
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Out of the Wilderness 