Winston, Lance and Me ...

I have several inspirational quote magnets. Some have been gifts from loved one (my mom, my sisters...) and others have been gifts to myself.

When my Ironman journey first started, my sister Heather gave me this magnet...it sits on my desk right next to my monthly Team Z training schedule and has provided me with plenty of motivation.

The first magnet that I bought for myself turned out to be a little "prophetic." Ironman USA was just a few months away when I bought this magnet ... It spoke to me then without my knowing why but it would comfort me later, when I needed it most.


Upon returning home from IM USA, still in talks with my husband, coach, family and friends (and anybody who would listen to me for a few minutes....), I found myself at Borders. I love books and I love book stores. They have provided me much comfort over the years and when I am down or need to recharge, I will often just spend hours browsing the book stores.

It was in Borders, the week after IM USA when I found these magnets...



Now I know the context of these quotes come from a different situation entirely (World War II and the bomb raids on London) I was drawn to them instantly. This is my "frame of reference" and my "state of mind." This has been what has kept me in the pool and on my bike and on the road, running mile after mile for the last 16 weeks.

Because we all have both voices in our heads, the quiet voices that calm us and ease of through the pain of disappointment and allow us to say "I will try again tomorrow" and the loud, strong voices that reach out when we need it and tell us "Never Never Never Give Up."

In the midst of my own "Ironman Fever", I am reminded daily that my own "fitness goal" is something I am choosing to do - A fight that I willingly took on.

I have friends and teammates who are in the fight for their lives right now. Who are living in "Hell" via Cancer. I can not take away their pain, I can not help them make the tough decisions on what treatment to try next, and truthfully, I feel a little selfish even comparing Ironman to Cancer but I have traveled that path so I do have a point of reference.

When it all comes down to it, Winston Churchill has a good point...and so does a fellow cancer survivor and former triathlete by the name of Lance Armstrong...

Cancer or Ironman...."If you going through hell, keep going..." and "Live STRONG!"

Taper...6 days to race day.