I love this story! So true. Having done 2 Hawaii Ironman triathlons, I couldn't agree with him more! Both Ironman races were some of the best days in my life!
Many thoughts cross your mind one hour before the beginning of an Ironman Triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). Can I finish? Was my training plan sound? Did I do everything I possibly could to prepare myself for the day? What if I get a flat tire on the bike? What is my nutrition plan for the bike and run? Self doubt is natural.
As I rode down the hotel elevator one hour before the beginning of Ironman Wisconsin, I overheard the following conversation between strangers:
Stranger 1 - "Good morning. How are you?"
Stranger 2 - "Best day of my life."
Stranger 1 - " What"?
Stranger 2 - "Young man, make this the best day of your life."
These simple 5 words from an anonymous stranger stayed with me for the next 11 hours 37 minutes and 12 seconds to the finish line. They were spoken without hesitation or rehearsal. They were spoken with wisdom, passion, and gratefulness.
Ironman Triathlons have a way of magnifying yet simplifying life. There are only so many things in life you can control. You are 100% in control of your attitude. Your daily 'self talk' can be negative or positive. The choice is yours.
Stranger 2 turned out to be Frank Farrar, the former Governor of South Dakota and 79 year old Ironman Triathlete. Frank has competed in over 30 Ironman distance Triathlons and continues to compete.
Thank you Frank for these words!
1 comment:
Michael,
Thank you for posting this story. Everyday we are faced with a myriad of decisions. I think the decision to make today the best one yet is a great one. Shelley MacDougall and I talk about the black dot on the middle of the white page as a metaphor for how a lot of people view life. The bad things or the things that constitute the black dot are pretty small in context to a whole day or a whole life. Yet a lot of people focus on them until the dot gets a lot bigger. The kind of thinking you are highlighting here is in the white space! We know you and Dale as positive thinkers who focus on possibility! Thanks for the comments on your blog!
Kevin MacDonald
Clarity Success Coaching Ltd.
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