10 year transformation? Worth it.

I grew up in competitive sailing, and it was always serious.

I loved running because it was fun. I never wanted to go fast, I enjoyed it.

It’s just an opinion

Over 10 years ago I had 2 sports medicine doctors tell me I should never run again.

I got upset and sad.

I’m the kind of person that listens to doctors, but this was a tough one to accept.

After talking to other doctors, and doing extensive research…

The reason they said this was because I was overweight then.

All things considered, it was a bad idea to continue running at that point.

So, I developed a goal to be able to run again.

I took my time over the years to improve my diet, lose weight, and strengthen my muscles.

I will never forget the indescribable happiness. I felt no pain running in the Collingwood sun.

On to the next one.

The next incomprehensible goal was, to complete an Ironman.

So the big reveal is…

I completed an Ironman!

What a day.

I started before 6:30 a.m. and swam the 3.8 km well.

Yet, coming out of the water I broke my toenail in half. Big bruise and some bleeding.

On the 180 km bike with a 2000m elevation, I had to do a clothing change and fix a flat tire.

Because of training a tad too hard in the season, I developed some knee pain and wasn’t able to run much.

But I walked like the terminator for 42km and sprinkled in a few km of running.

I finished at 10:13 p.m.

I was very happy with the result all things considered.

This is such a huge life step for me. I want to do it justice.

I have dedicated more time to writing a long-form post next week on my lessons along the way…

The Magnitude of Mindfulness

The biggest thing is how powerful a mindfulness practice can be.

Building mental toughness requires deliberate time practicing self-discipline.

Saying no or yes intentionally.

Limiting stimulus.

Giving time and space for your thoughts to ruminate.

Embracing the moment to transcend your feelings.

Pain trapped most people on the run.

What helped me was the mindset I practice.

I kept a big smile on my face and reminded myself I was so fortunate.

There are people all over the world who suffer every day to be able to get by.

I choose to experience it, to become a better version of myself.

Why not choose something today out of your comfort zone to be more comfortable tomorrow?

Ari