Journey Through the Great Sadness

It was an ambitious goal. Some might have considered it a ridiculous goal! It started in late May 2008. Kurt was on the couch, surfing the net when I sat down next to him at the end of a long day. I happened to glance at the page displayed on his Mac. The information revealed something about a triathlon. After a double-take, Kurt smiled at me shyly.

“Don’t you think you should start working out before you run a triathlon?” I asked sarcastically and jokingly.

He went on to explain that this was a sprint triathlon – an abbreviated version of a full triathlon. It was something he’d often thought of doing and wondered if I would particpate with him.

“Sure!” I shouted before I realized what I said.

Once it sank in, we both got pretty excited. Kurt, ever the researcher, put together a workout program that would suit the two of us; a program that would take us from couch potato to at least managing to finish. We started our workout routine in June.

You never really know how out of shape you are until you are forced to realize how out of shape you are. Ugh! It was a miserable experience initially, but Kurt’s plan eased us into the process. I found that I loved swimming and riding the bike. Both of us struggled with the running portion of the training regime. In fact, I was unable to continue that part of the training thanks to shin splits or, perhaps stress fractures. I never found out, and in part, I didn’t want to know. Two-and-a-half months into our program, I determined I wasn’t going to be able to compete in the event. First, I was too out of shape to be ready for a competition in just three months. And my shins screamed at me with every running/walking step.

For someone who hated exercising, I was proud of how far I had come and decided that, for once, I really enjoyed the workout program we used. I would continue to work out, although not at the same pace as someone training for a triathlon.

Kurt was simply amazing! He trained diligently and deliberately. He ate much healthier foods (for the most part), and drank more water. His body toned – not that it really needed to though! And finally, race day arrived.

I had the pleasure of volunteering at the event, which took place on a hot, humid morning. I wasn’t able to watch Kurt begin the water race or the bike race but I did see him start his run. The other volunteers joined me in a chorus of cheers for Kurt, which seemed to startle him just a bit. Before long, my husband crossed the finish line.

I couldn’t have been more proud in my life than in that moment! He had worked so hard. He had been diligent and determined. He finished in one hour, 18 minutes, just shy of his one hour, 15 minute goal. But those three minutes didn’t matter. Kurt’s finish was a reminder of just what you can accomplish when you set your mind to something. Even if it is a bit ambitious – or even ridiculous – go for it! You never know until you try, and you might just surprise yourself.

Crossing the Finish Line – I’m so proud of you, Kurt!!