Training Hard

Training for Impossible

So....I must go back to the summer of 2012 to start my story. My hubby announces to me, “Babe, I think I’m going to train for Ironman”. Cue my heart stopping and jaw dropping. But he is gone so much as it is! But I’m pregnant! But we have three kids!! BUT....BUT....BUT!!!.........

I kept those thoughts to myself (for the most part) and silently prayed for God to help me be the best wife for my “crazy” husband. Weeks and months went by with my hubby spending enormous amounts of time training. Thankfully, he took a short hiatus while we had baby #4, but he was back at it before long. I could not understand WHY he wanted to do an Ironman, the training just didn’t seem worth the outcome. It was just a silly race, in my mind.

Move forward to race day, May 18, 2013. I was only A LITTLE more understanding of why he wanted to do an Ironman. I was very proud of his hard work and couldn’t wait to watch him race!! Mostly though, I was proud that we had survived the “ridiculous” training and our life was about to get normal again. Or so I thought.

Something changed in me that day. As I watched those athletes get in and out of the water, ride for HOURS, and then run a FULL marathon.....I was inspired. Half-way during the race my heart was encouraged, motivated, and ready. I had this deep urge that I HAD to do this “impossible” thing. I have coined myself with the “give-up” gene. I hardly ever follow through with anything. I hardly ever accomplish what I set out to do. I hardly ever give myself credit. I hardly ever keep going when things get tough or when I get too scared. However, this race....this race could give me what I have never allowed myself to have. I knew deep, deep down that this race could change me. 

I cried like a baby when my hubby stepped over the finish line. I have never been more proud of an accomplishment. I had never looked at my hubby with so much respect and admiration. That moment will forever be seared in my brain. I need that memory to penetrate my thoughts as I move forward with MY training, keeping in mind that as I cross the finish line, he too will be looking at me the same way I looked at him. With respect, admiration, and love.

Philippians 4:13

 “I can do ALL things with Christ who gives me strength”

“Everything is impossible, until it’s not anymore” 

“Impossible is not a word, it’s just a reason not to try”