Courage to Start. Strength to Endure. Resolve to Finish.

I write this phrase in my journal daily.  I have for many months now.  It applies to so many aspects of my life, not only training but parenting, business and more.  Signing up for my first Ironman.  Being willing to take the leap to pursue my dream of being a coach.  Moving forward with a hard decision related to parenting 3 teen aged girls.

Deciding to commit to the challenge is 90% of the battle. Executing that decision requires sticking to the plan and working through the journey one day and one step at a time.  Some days are definitely more challenging than others and taking that next step may be what feels like the scariest thing you have ever done.  Strength to endure and the resolve to finish are what keep us going through these challenging times.

I ran into an acquaintance at the pool yesterday as I was preparing for my usual Sunday swim session.  He had been encouraged to come out to our swim session by his coach to practice working on the techniques they had addressed in his latest lesson.  This would give him the ability to practice what they had worked on in the pool setting and check in with her for pointers as needed if he encountered any obstacles while practicing.  A change of plans had caused his coach to not attend this week and here he stood on the deck facing a challenge.  I explained to him about his coach’s absence and encouraged him to stay.  It took some convincing and I can’t say that I blame him.  The only guy among a crazy group of middle age swimmers!  He worried about not being able to keep up, not being good enough to swim with us and more.  But in the end, he got in and he swam for a full hour with us.  He followed his own routine and worked through his own challenges just as we all did.  It took great courage for him not to turn around and walk away when he did not see his coach.  He pushed through his challenges and continued to work toward his overall goal and he did just fine!!!  He took the step!

I challenge you to have the courage.  Take one day and one step at a time.  Know that I will support you in your start, your journey and your celebration.  You can’t reach the finish line or your big goal if you don’t have the Courage to Start!