We are IN THE THICK of summer. July 4th has come and gone. Many of you have competed in a race or two. Some of you have your very first race coming up. Here's the critical question: Are you having fun yet? If you are, congratulations you're doing it right. If you're NOT having fun, STOP, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
Greetings Athletes,
We are IN THE THICK of summer. July 4th has come and gone. Many of you have competed in a race or two. Some of you have your very first race coming up. Here's the critical question: Are you having fun yet? If you are, congratulations! You're doing it right. If you're NOT having fun, STOP. YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
"But DelMo, how is this supposed to be fun with all of the responsibilities I have as a (Fill in a Blank with your excuse for why you're not having fun HERE)?" WHOA, WHOA, WHOA. Deep Breath. Exhale. Now listen.
We're all 'busy.' None of us have time. None of us always 'feel' like doing the work and that's ok. Remember this critical statement: Triathlon, or endurance sports in general, are here to help ENHANCE YOUR LIFE, not detract from your life. If at any point in time you feel completely and totally stressed out because of YOUR training schedule then stop it. Stop it all immediately. Trust me, EVERYBODY goes through this at some point. There is no easy road to achieving your goals and dreams in endurance sports. For some of you, the idea of finishing a race will give you the same satisfaction as a person who wants to win the race outright. Whatever your idea of success is be certain that 'idea' is in alignment with YOUR LIFE at this moment. For once in your life be honest with yourself and say "Yeah, just had twins, now might not be the best time for my first 140.6," or, "Just started a new job, wanna get off to a great start, let's ease up on racing commitments so I can place more focus on ACCELERATING AT WHAT PAYS THE BILLS." Are you feeling the message here?
Here's a perfect example of adjusting on the fly: I had (and still do) dreams of being "40, Faster, & Happier" in 2017. I was going to make a BIG COMEBACK in 70.3 racing by showing up to Eagleman 70.3 on June 10th and beat my time from 2001. Well, that grand plan, which I decided to put on video for all to see and hear, went up in smoke within 4 weeks of my announcement. Injuries have derailed my seasons goals BIG TIME and guess what? It's totally fine. I'm ok with it. I've adjusted my goals for the 2017 season and I'm DOING WHAT I CAN WITH WHAT I HAVE... and enjoying myself during the process :).
If you're not having fun in 2017 it's your fault. You made that decision. You have the ability to embrace anything you want and if it's dissatisfaction then so be it. The question is, do you want to change that? If you're looking for the perfect environment to do so, then you should seriously think about joining the DelMoSports family of athletes at the 7th Annual Atlantic City Triathlon Presented by Inspira Health Network on August 5th or the 14th Annual Tri the Wildwoods Triathlon, 5k, and Kid's Race Presented by Inspira Health Network on August 26th. If there is one takeaway you will gain by attending these triathlons it is that PEOPLE ARE DEFINITELY HAVING FUN!
There it is. It's summertime folks. Remember when you were kids and summer ROCKED EVERY.SINGLE.DAY? Well, it still does, it just depends on what you decided to dwell on... or decide to celebrate daily.
Race with Gratitude and Rest Easy,
Steve DelMo