Victor Michael Belh, of Glassboro NJ, shares one of his favorite quotes -
"I love to be alive. I love the gift of life. Never have I felt more alive than when my heart is beating, my lungs filling and my muscles pumping with life - in pursuit of a goal. I'm not in it for the T-shirts, or the "Wow, you're a triathlete?" admiration conveyed by the gaping mouth of the spectator.
Each of us has within ourselves the desire to move from spectator to participant in our own lives. A key to becoming a participant in life is to set specific, measurable and worthwhile goals, and then to pursue these goals with all our heart. Committing oneself to a triathlon is a very special way to set these goals, and to love the pursuit.
Deep down inside everyone of us has a place of terror. This is the place where we doubt ourselves, where our self-confidence dwindles and where our dreams are called into question. During a race, and through this magnificent sport, people have to pay a few visits to this place - at mile 17 of the Ironman run or even at the bike-to-run transition of a shorter race. People go to Doubtsville, and then they return. And you know what? They leave this place behind and come back with a golden smile. For with every heartbeat during a triathlon, we pound away acres from that land of fear, anxiety and doubt.
Through triathlons, I have gained a greater capacity to give and to love. I can feel my soul glow a bit brighter, my smile stretch a bit wider, my self-confidence grow a bit stronger and my happiness penetrate a bit deeper.
It's a way to hug life, to participate in life, to search deep inside and to let life flow through you at 168 beats per minute.
There is a spark to the people involved in this sport. Triathletes are here to pursue a dream, to reach deep inside and to discover how we can all break though false limits." Author Unknown
ViF note - Victor Micheal completed his first Ironman at
Ironman Kentucky - August, 2010
Congratulations Micheal you are an "IRONMAN"!
All of the above is true. The only thing I'd like to add is that another "hook" for the great Sport of Triathlon is the inherent culture. Of all the sports I've ever competed in or coached, Triathlon has a culture unlike any other. Like Running, everyone from 1st-timer to Pro competes in the same race. However, unlike any other sport, "competitors" are immediately "comrades" and helpful towards one another. For instance, if someone's tire blows, forgets their goggles, helmet, performance drinks/fuel..., people willingly step forward to offer assistance so that the other "competitor" may still race. This I noticed at my very first Triathlon, and each and every race that ever followed - no matter where in the World it was held. This is one additional aspect that makes Triathlon such a wonderful Sport and lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteCoach Todd Parker, M.A., M.S.