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Have inspiration you'd like to share? Send it to 17281posse (at) gmail (dot) com
CARATUNK GIRL
This is one from a fellow blogger. Her friends all asked her why she does what she does (she is an endurance biker - she does some neat stuff) and she wrote this, which I thought was really cool:
I want to take the image of something impossible to me and make it real, make it possible, just for the sake of creation. In that, I feel a glimmer of what it's like to fully live. ~ Jill Outside
My buddy Steve (who talked me into my first marathon after I ran 5 miles. Once...long story) told me this when I was worried about finishing, and it has gotten me through a lot of tough training and races since:
It is simple. Go until you stop. Then go some more. ~ TreeMapper
And my favorite, which is on my blog, because people always want you to conform into their mold of who they think you are, and this tells you, screw them, just be yourself.
There will invariably be people who do not accept you. And in that case you must be your own badass self, without apology. ~Katie Goodman
www.midwestmultisportlife.com
Live…
More than your neighbors.
Unleash yourself upon the world and go places.
Go now.
Giggle, no laugh.
No… stay out past dark,
And bark at the moon like the wild dog that you are.
Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal.
This is it… your life.
Face your fears and live your dreams.
Take it all in.
Yes, every chance you get…
Come close.
And by all means, whatever you do…
Get it on film.
More than your neighbors.
Unleash yourself upon the world and go places.
Go now.
Giggle, no laugh.
No… stay out past dark,
And bark at the moon like the wild dog that you are.
Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal.
This is it… your life.
Face your fears and live your dreams.
Take it all in.
Yes, every chance you get…
Come close.
And by all means, whatever you do…
Get it on film.
John "Blazeman" Blais (1971-2007)
KC
The following excerpt is from one of my very first blog posts back in December of 2009 and it speaks volumes, at least for me:
In a nutshell, sport mirrors life. It isn't just about another workout, it's so much more than that. It is a steady dose of sanity without having to pop a pill. It is the place where I find my inner peace. Somehow a good run or bike ride erases the craziness of everyday life and then you wash, rinse and repeat.
DIANA
One of my favorite quotes right now is a Tacfit quote that's on the wall. I probably find it inspiring because it makes it feel like killing myself in that room is worth something haha.
'Be more prepared than the challenges you face'
For whatever reason, when I see that it just makes me work harder reminding myself that I'm working at something for a reason, not just to be looking cool in the gym!
LUKEHere are some thoughts from me. I wanted to write something to help others, originally at 197 words, I shortened it to 91, then 63, and now 46. I believe it gets my point across.
I have learned when it comes to setting goals you must determine what is possible and what is probable. To me the largest victories are not when I reach my goals, but when I set new goals that include things I formerly thought to be improbable.
QUINTON J.
What inspires me the most in life and in training is summed up in one of my favourite quotes from Madiba and is included on the front page of my blog…
"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living" - Madiba (Nelson Mandela) –
It reminds me that my time here is fleeting.
It reminds me that it is my responsibility to seize every opportunity to be the best that I can be, in every area of life.
It reminds me to exhaust my human potential.
It’s a message that resonates with me and one that I hope my children will one day grow to appreciate.
BRENT RUTHER
"Each day of our lives we make a deposit on the memory banks of our children" - Charles Swindoll. I and my wife try to stay healthy and make good choices (me in triathlon) so that these two wonderful children (hopefully) do the same thing. Hawaii 2005 - 5 years later so far so good - fingers crossed.
AIMEE (I TRI TO BE ME)
1) Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau
2) Commitment leads to action. Action brings dreams closer. Marcia Wieder.
I like these quotes because I think they embody how I try to live my life, not only in the world of multisport, but in life in general.
ANGIE B.
After finishing my first barefoot marathon and already looking for more races to run, it occurred to me that I truly do love to run.
Even in the midst of discomfort and long hours of hard work, I did it because I enjoyed it. So if training, regardless of the sport, doesn't make you happy, then why do it?
Its not about what I get out of it when I am done, although thats lovely too to fit into pre-baby jeans and get a nice endorphin rush. I enjoy being outside, breathing, smelling, hearing, touching the ground with my feet. I love the act of propelling myself forward through time and space with my own two feet. The pump of my blood and the beat of my heart in my ears.
If its not fun then why do it?
LINDSAY
"in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication,
-jesse owens
-jesse owens
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." – Muhammad Ali
this i posted on my blog once: (but it's originally from Ultra Brad - http://ultrabrad.blogspot.
it takes something extra to be a runner. to willingly subjugate ones self to daily punishment for seemingly no reward. that honest defiance of today's "i want my results now" mentality is what sets us apart. there is no magic pill. as runners, we know we won't be better tomorrow from what we do today (in fact, tomorrow, we'll probably be worse than we are today). tomorrow is not the goal. the goal is weeks from now, months from now, years from now. the acceptance of deferred gratification is what sets us apart and makes us unique. (the fact that the overwhelming majority of us do it without ever being paid a penny just makes us weird)
lastly this one is long, maybe too long for what you're looking for, but thought i'd email it anyway:
JULIE REYES
www.hotlegsrunner.com
Every other afternoon, as the sun begins to set, I stick my feet into my running shoes, turn up the volume on my iPod, step outside my apartment ...and RUN. From there it's like I slip into another world -- It's just me, my iPod and the pavement. Everyday I have this urge to get out of my place for a while if only to run. Running alone gives me time to think and it somehow offers me a sense of tranquility. And sometimes, I think I come back a better person than I was before I stepped out. - Julie @ HotlegsRunner.com
www.hotlegsrunner.com
Every other afternoon, as the sun begins to set, I stick my feet into my running shoes, turn up the volume on my iPod, step outside my apartment ...and RUN. From there it's like I slip into another world -- It's just me, my iPod and the pavement. Everyday I have this urge to get out of my place for a while if only to run. Running alone gives me time to think and it somehow offers me a sense of tranquility. And sometimes, I think I come back a better person than I was before I stepped out. - Julie @ HotlegsRunner.com
JAN COOPER
I'm a big fan of inspirational quotes, and have several delivered to my inbox daily. If you're looking for a daily dose of inspiration, this may be the way to go.
Some of my current favorite quotes are:
"The difference in winning and losing is most often... not quitting."
Walt Disney
"I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me." Erica Jong
"Don't be afraid to take big steps. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." David Lloyd George
KATHLEEN
“when your legs give out, run with your heart”
-Dick Dime.
From a friend who is fighting Cancer, knowing that it is “incurable”
She wrote this after seven days of battling the effects of chemo
She is an amazing woman and a true inspiration. I think of her daily and always when I am training and think that I have it tough.
“It's a curious thing for me that with age and my current life's challenges that over a quick 7 days, the goals become more focused.
This week, I got to see my kids smile as they quietly tip-toed into my room and over to my bed to tell me about their first day of school and all the wonder that single day brings to a 5 and 7 year old.
So at the end of today, take a moment to recognize all that was important to you in those 7 days. Did enjoy some laughter or see something that made you smile? Did you share a cup of coffee or a meal with your favorite person? Did you plan something fun or without a thought, make time to see someone you value in your life - More importantly, did you forget about what you didn't do - an not worry about it.”
JANALYN LARISH
“The mere fact that your body can swim, bike and run its way through any triathlon and still remain standing at the end means, quite simply, that it’s perfect!”
JASON
For me I have on my Road ID .....'Finish Strong or Go Home'
but recently I have been telling myself.....'The Journey of 70.3 Miles Begins with the first step'......people can substitute their own distance obviously.
KJ
www.kjcallaway.blogspot.com
We all have choices in life, whether to take the easy way out or the harder, less traveled way. I have always chosen to take the road less traveled, as have most other athletes/musicians I have known. Like Tom Hanks said in "A League of Their Own" - If it was easy, everyone would do it!
This is my mantra, my inspiration for having the courage to do things most people wouldn't even try, and for trying things people say I can't do. My favorite line of this poem is the last one - "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." I am who and where I am because of these words.
I hope others can take something from this too.
DOCRUNNER
www.tri2thrive.blogspot.com
What about me? Ok, in no particular order..
I am a... Christian, husband, father, doctor, son, friend, walker, runner, swimmer, cyclist, heart patient, clydesdale, tweeter, and now.. blogger.
I know what day I was supposed to have died: February 22, 2006.
Why didn't I? 12 hours of emergency open heart surgery, 19 minutes on the "pump" (bypass at a chilly 22-degrees body temp),10 units of blood, my wife's strength, lots of prayers, and God's grace. Since that day, I went back to more-than-full-time work after only 7-weeks recovery. I was blessed with an awesome new baby (#3), got another chance at my "perfect" job, and picked up my family and moved (again). Every day since that day has been a wonderful gift from God (and every day up to then also!).
Before this date, I was presumably "healthy" with the exception of being a bit overweight. Sadly, even after this humbling ordeal, I not only stayed overweight, but actually got heavier! A tiny part of this was the severe activity restrictions and some of my medications. But, mostly, it was work, family, stress, sedentary life and dismal eating. I was my own worst enemy. In the blink of an eye, I was 260lbs, sluggish, headaches, with daily pains in my feet and lower back. In the initial years after my heart surgery, my cardiologists advised extreme caution in my exercise, and pretty much approved just walking. He showed me this table, and approved anything in the upper left corner and a few things across the first row. Archery? Golf? Bowling? Are you kidding me?
Watching my wife train for marathons has been a daily inspiration to me. Helping and watching her at this year's 2010 Los Angeles Marathon, I saw so many inspiring stories and athletes. I remember how after our third child was born.. three kids born pretty much within 4-5 years, she said she could not even walk fast. She just walked slowly pushing a double-stroller, and trotted or jogged across intersections only. Then soon, she would do short sprints across the intersection. That's how she started her road back to fitness. Now, she's trying (& close) to qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I am so proud of her!
I said "how cool would it be if we both did the LA Marathon next year (2011)?"
So after the LA Marathon, I started walking and watching what I eat (sometimes).
The rest of the story is a work in progress...
www.kjcallaway.blogspot.com
We all have choices in life, whether to take the easy way out or the harder, less traveled way. I have always chosen to take the road less traveled, as have most other athletes/musicians I have known. Like Tom Hanks said in "A League of Their Own" - If it was easy, everyone would do it!
This is my mantra, my inspiration for having the courage to do things most people wouldn't even try, and for trying things people say I can't do. My favorite line of this poem is the last one - "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." I am who and where I am because of these words.
MEGAN FAY
There are 2 mantras that I live by that are mostly applicable to endurance training. The first being "my body loves me for doing this." While doing workouts my body is working hard, my heart is pumping, I'm sweating out toxins, my lungs are exhaling stale air, my muscles are getting stronger, endorphins are being released - my body is SO happy and thankful that I'm making it do this horribly tough, yet awesome run, bike or swim. It is what it needs to stay healthy and fight off illness and other weaknesses.
The second mantra comes from Dean Karnazes, the Ultra Marathon Man. He said in his book something along the lines of "keep you chest high and put one foot in front of the other until you reach the finish line." This is so simple and when I'm on a long run and don't think I can go any farther I break my run down to it's simplest form - one step in front of the other.
The second mantra comes from Dean Karnazes, the Ultra Marathon Man. He said in his book something along the lines of "keep you chest high and put one foot in front of the other until you reach the finish line." This is so simple and when I'm on a long run and don't think I can go any farther I break my run down to it's simplest form - one step in front of the other.
MIKE RANSICK
This story still cracks me up and I use it as motivation sometimes when training.
One of the neighbor boys was walking by on the side walk pulling a riding toy about 10 years ago (I think it was a tractor) and talking to himself. I was in the garage working and I overheard his conversation. He said, "Come on Mr. Rabbit, it's just me and you and you push". Several times on long runs when I'm running out of gas, I remind myself of that, say the same thing and smile. I guess long runs do make you goofy :-).
FWIW that kid is now in high school on the track team and runs 18 minute 5k's.
CHRIS K
CHRIS K My #1 favorite, quote, mantra, for your page:
We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.
-Kenji Miyazawa
D ROG
Have to go with a native Minnesotan!
Herb Brooks
"Great moments are born from great opportunities."
BARBIE
A friend of mine sent me this book called "Keep Believing in Yourself and Your Dreams" edited by Patricia Wyant and Published by blue Mountains Press, Boulder Colorado.
It is jam packed full of inspirational quotes by different people and when I feel a little down or lacking the drive needed to keep up with my schedule I open up on any page and it gives me the push I need to keep striving forward.
This one really strikes a chord with me every time I read it.
"Every goal that has ever been reached began with just one small step....and the belief that it could be attained.
Dreams really can come true, but they are most often the result of hard work, determination, and persistence.
When the end of the journey seems impossible to reach, all you need to do is take one more step.
Stay focused on your goal and remember that each small step will bring you a little closer. When the road becomes hard to travel and it feels as if you'll never reach the end...
Look deep inside your heart and you will find the strength you never knew you had". Jason Blume
It is jam packed full of inspirational quotes by different people and when I feel a little down or lacking the drive needed to keep up with my schedule I open up on any page and it gives me the push I need to keep striving forward.
This one really strikes a chord with me every time I read it.
"Every goal that has ever been reached began with just one small step....and the belief that it could be attained.
Dreams really can come true, but they are most often the result of hard work, determination, and persistence.
When the end of the journey seems impossible to reach, all you need to do is take one more step.
Stay focused on your goal and remember that each small step will bring you a little closer. When the road becomes hard to travel and it feels as if you'll never reach the end...
Look deep inside your heart and you will find the strength you never knew you had". Jason Blume
I hope others can take something from this too.
www.tri2thrive.blogspot.com
What about me? Ok, in no particular order..
I am a... Christian, husband, father, doctor, son, friend, walker, runner, swimmer, cyclist, heart patient, clydesdale, tweeter, and now.. blogger.
I know what day I was supposed to have died: February 22, 2006.
Why didn't I? 12 hours of emergency open heart surgery, 19 minutes on the "pump" (bypass at a chilly 22-degrees body temp),10 units of blood, my wife's strength, lots of prayers, and God's grace. Since that day, I went back to more-than-full-time work after only 7-weeks recovery. I was blessed with an awesome new baby (#3), got another chance at my "perfect" job, and picked up my family and moved (again). Every day since that day has been a wonderful gift from God (and every day up to then also!).
Before this date, I was presumably "healthy" with the exception of being a bit overweight. Sadly, even after this humbling ordeal, I not only stayed overweight, but actually got heavier! A tiny part of this was the severe activity restrictions and some of my medications. But, mostly, it was work, family, stress, sedentary life and dismal eating. I was my own worst enemy. In the blink of an eye, I was 260lbs, sluggish, headaches, with daily pains in my feet and lower back. In the initial years after my heart surgery, my cardiologists advised extreme caution in my exercise, and pretty much approved just walking. He showed me this table, and approved anything in the upper left corner and a few things across the first row. Archery? Golf? Bowling? Are you kidding me?
Watching my wife train for marathons has been a daily inspiration to me. Helping and watching her at this year's 2010 Los Angeles Marathon, I saw so many inspiring stories and athletes. I remember how after our third child was born.. three kids born pretty much within 4-5 years, she said she could not even walk fast. She just walked slowly pushing a double-stroller, and trotted or jogged across intersections only. Then soon, she would do short sprints across the intersection. That's how she started her road back to fitness. Now, she's trying (& close) to qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I am so proud of her!
I said "how cool would it be if we both did the LA Marathon next year (2011)?"
So after the LA Marathon, I started walking and watching what I eat (sometimes).
The rest of the story is a work in progress...
LAURALYNNE
The first one to cross my mind...
What do you call the last person to cross the finish line? A Triathlete!!
PATRICK MAHONEY
www.theroadmultisport.com
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. And sometimes, a picture is worth more than a thousand words. But in those rare moments when the stars align and the Universe is in perfect harmony, a picture has the power to bring forth a lifetime of inspiration. This is one of those times.
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I have a couple of quotes I refer to:
1. You have a choice - you can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face
2. Suck it up Buttercup
I have always struggled with the mental side of running...and have hopefully began to chip away at how its negative talk can bring me down. I am determined to own my finish at my upcoming marathon and kick my mental self in the ass.
TIINA LUNING
Do it now because it will be too late one day.
ALLISON
www.theroadmultisport.com
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. And sometimes, a picture is worth more than a thousand words. But in those rare moments when the stars align and the Universe is in perfect harmony, a picture has the power to bring forth a lifetime of inspiration. This is one of those times.
.jpg)
LAURA MUISE
www.lolasrunning.blogspot.comI have a couple of quotes I refer to:
1. You have a choice - you can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face
2. Suck it up Buttercup
I have always struggled with the mental side of running...and have hopefully began to chip away at how its negative talk can bring me down. I am determined to own my finish at my upcoming marathon and kick my mental self in the ass.
My mantra is short, sweet, and to the point. "If it was easy, everyone would do it." It's easy to get caught up in the competitive spirit, but it's important to take a step back. One must remember all the people that aren't putting the blood, sweat, and tears into training. It's supposed to be hard. If it's easy then you're not doing it right.
ANDREW OPALA
www.runningmanwannabe.blogspot.com
www.runningmanwannabe.blogspot.com
Do it now because it will be too late one day.
ALLISON Every time I workout (run mainly) I think, “one foot in front of the other”. Running is my least favorite discipline in multi sport so it’s also how I get through each run. It’s also how I get through life.… slowly, steadily, one step at a time.
I’ve dealt with some pretty hard times in my short life, but I always remember that with each step you learn something and experience something new, but most importantly you are continuing to push yourself. You have to keep moving when it’s hard, when it hurts. It’s easy to do it when it feels good and when you feel strong but it’s when life/or that workout is not fun, when you feel weak that you have to remember to just keep moving, one foot in front of the other. Eventually, you will get through it and be better on the backside…be stronger…and feel more accomplished than you ever have felt!
"I've freaking got this."
EMZ
HEATHER
It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is
against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.
-George Sheehan
"I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart."
"I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart."
- Mike Fanelli, club coach
"The marathon's about being in contention over the last 10K. That's when it's about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what's left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon."
- Rob de Castella
JEFF WEIR
Jeff’s Wisdom
1. Did you not know that in a race all runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24
2. With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable. - Thomas Foxwell Buxton
CHRISTINE JENSON
www.stickyfingerprints.com
This is is kinda silly, but I heard it years ago and it really made sense to me. It is so simple, yet so true!
Do not worry that your job is small and the rewards are few, remember that the mighty oak was once a nut like you.
I sometimes struggle with feeling unimportant, and inadequate, and these simple words remind me of what can become of the simple and seemingly unimportant. -Christine
JIM GOSSE
www.flatoutbuddy.com
During masters swim practice one night, on of my lane mates was talking with the coach. She was commenting on how annoying it was when swimming open water, and you can't break free from a pack that seems intent on following and drafting off you, to which I replied "If you can't get away from them, YOU ARE THEM!"
Not sure if it's really inspirational, but at the time it seemed profound.
SHAWN CROCKETT
Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. ~William James
LAURA MOUNT
As a mother .. a stay at home mother.. this crazy endurance life style gives me something that is JUST MINE. Once I leave the house for a work out it's just me and that task. No nothing else. I run alone quite a bit partly for the convenience of just getting out there whenever the opportunity is right for me and my family and partly because this will be the only time in the day that I am ALONE! I work hard out there. I sweat and breathe heavy.. and I come back rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything that this life might throw at me.
I swim, bike, run for the health benefits, for the goals and successes, for the camraderie, to set an example, to make me feel like I am accomplishing something, to motivate and inspire and for ME!!
When the going gets tough the one word I need is BELIEVE! Believe in myself, believe in my bodies ability to do this workout to move to the other side of this temporary pain, believe in the goals I have set for myself. Or if it's one of those 'easier' workouts that allows me to think about other things in my life believe turns into, believe in my marriage, believe in my family, believe in my ability to cope with whatever it is I'm worried about, believe in my husband, believe in my kids, believe in whatever it is I need a little push in.
Another of my favorites is this little chart. It is a reminder of the WHY I'm doing this. Happy trails everyone! You CAN do THIS! (whatever your 'this' is)
I swim, bike, run for the health benefits, for the goals and successes, for the camraderie, to set an example, to make me feel like I am accomplishing something, to motivate and inspire and for ME!!
When the going gets tough the one word I need is BELIEVE! Believe in myself, believe in my bodies ability to do this workout to move to the other side of this temporary pain, believe in the goals I have set for myself. Or if it's one of those 'easier' workouts that allows me to think about other things in my life believe turns into, believe in my marriage, believe in my family, believe in my ability to cope with whatever it is I'm worried about, believe in my husband, believe in my kids, believe in whatever it is I need a little push in.
Another of my favorites is this little chart. It is a reminder of the WHY I'm doing this. Happy trails everyone! You CAN do THIS! (whatever your 'this' is)
www.stickyfingerprints.com
This is is kinda silly, but I heard it years ago and it really made sense to me. It is so simple, yet so true!
Do not worry that your job is small and the rewards are few, remember that the mighty oak was once a nut like you.
I sometimes struggle with feeling unimportant, and inadequate, and these simple words remind me of what can become of the simple and seemingly unimportant. -Christine
www.flatoutbuddy.com
During masters swim practice one night, on of my lane mates was talking with the coach. She was commenting on how annoying it was when swimming open water, and you can't break free from a pack that seems intent on following and drafting off you, to which I replied "If you can't get away from them, YOU ARE THEM!"
Not sure if it's really inspirational, but at the time it seemed profound.
14 comments:
Only one word can describe this:
AWESOME!
LOVE this :)
Very nice. Just linked this page as a favorite.
I have totally linked this on my blog. I love it.
I have just found your blog and I love this post! Thanks for giving me more inspiration!
Excellent Work! That banner is up on my blog! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Nice collection Patrick, hope it keeps growing. Love the pic you shared - Chris K is a good guy!
Just found this blog post from "Q's" blog. Good stuff. I'm guessing it's a wee bit too late for me to send my inpspiration so I'll just post my inspiration on my own blog in the next few days. Fun to read everyone's. Thanks for putting it together.
AJ
Brilliant! really this is so nice to have...to be able to read it whenever I need some inspiration. Thank you. (I'm adding the link to my blog.)
This is awesome!! Thanks for putting it together. What an amazing idea.
Omgosh. Maybe mine should be shorter?!
Emz, I love it. I'm laughing! it's a good one though!
shared this on Facebook and on Twitter. This is an awesome collection, Patrick =)
what a fantastic section!
I love this!
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