It's here, the Moment of Truth....................
That phrase has been playing over and over in my head as I taper down in my training, leading up to this Sunday, because I know it's here. No more talking about it, no more wondering what it will be like. It's here, time to get on a plane and go race...the moment of truth
I thought about what that phrase meant. So I went to the Internet and did some research. I found that it originated as a Spanish phrase 'el momento de la verdad', referring to the climax of a bullfight, when the matador delivers the final sword-stroke to kill the bull.
But I found a definition for this phrase that speaks to my spirit: a crucial moment on which much depends, a very important or significant point in time, especially one when a person or thing is faced with stark reality or is put to the test.
As I re-read this definition, I'm struck by the truth of it's meaning. This is a crucial moment on which much depends.......crucial because of the sacrifice my family has made, allowing me to train for hours upon hours rather than be there with them at dinner, or for missing Saturday morning coffee with my life mate, looking out at the city below, so for her it's crucial I finish. Or for those that care about me and want only the best for me, those that have been my encouragement and support. It's crucial I finish for them. Or for those that might find inspiration in this journey, leading them to reach for their dreams because they see that it can be done...for them it's crucial that I finish. For Eric, who has been training along with me from half way across the country. Who's faced with the reality of an injury that is his wall...for him it's crucial I finish. For Brian, who got it all started several years ago and paved the way for me, who has believed in me when I couldn't and has talked me through so many walls, for him it's crucial I finish. For my brother, who will fly all the way from Idaho to see me compete, because he knows the significance of this point in time, why I'm standing where I'm standing and the hand that he has in it...for him, it's crucial I finish.
And then for me...... because of the number of days, nights and hours spent training when so many other things demanded my attention. Because finishing a significant thing that you start when the going gets hard instead of quitting is as much a habit as breathing. Because people want to know that it can be done, because they are counting on you to show the way and they want to believe, want to know it's possible. Because we are not designed to waste this gift of life, we are intended to live it to it's fullest, as if each day were our last, wringing every drop of energy and blessing it contains, to see if we can do our "Ironman".
Most of all, because I said I would, that's why it's crucial I finish.
And so it is, it's the moment of truth, my truth, and I will be put to the test and I couldn't be more excited about it!
It's race week baby!
4 comments:
Well Pops, I just read your entire blog. As chance would have it, you couldnt have picked a more challenging year to train for Ironman. Your first post talks about how long 36 weeks is and how you'd be challenged.
Now in exactly one week you will be finished and relaxing knowing what you've done and everyone else knowing too.
I just wanted to say a few things while Im here. First, the hard work you've put in has most definately gone noticed by your family; The early bedtimes (of which, I know I give you a hard time for), and everything else too.
Also you are a great example of what people should be. You know exactly what you want and then you just do it.
Thanks for all your sacrifices, thanks for working so hard and moving us back home. And thanks for being cool.
Thats it. Later Pops.
SO proud of you daddy, kncock 'em dead.
Love,
Sis
Good luck with the race Dan. I know how hard you have trained too. I think i even gave you some hard times about the bed time. But it will all pay off and you'll have reached your goal.
Dan, I have been so busy I haven't looked at your blog for a long time. But finally I was able to see it and I cannot even start telling you just how proud I am of you. I wish you the best, because after finishing this, I know you did your best and deserve no less than the best. Incredible effort. Like the chinese say, a 3000 mile trip starts with one step, and finally you got to the end of the road. Way to go!
Celia.
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