About a month ago, I was scheduled to run my first triathlon. It was to be the pay-off for 18 months of slowly getting into, out of and back into shape. In January 2008 I started walking. By June 2008 I started running, a few mailboxes at a time. I was losing weight and feeling great. In August 2008 my father passed away and I lost my rhythm and by January 1, 2009 I was at an all time high on the scales at 206 pounds. I started running again.
In July I was to compete in my first triathlon. My wife Debbie inspired me as she competed her first one this spring. The morning of my event came and I was ready. Months of running, riding and swimming had me primed. But an accident with a bungee cord the morning of the race landed me in the ER. While loading the bikes on the rack, the bungee slipped from my hand and recoiled into my eye. Through the mystery of the Vasovagel response I passed out repeatedly and my triathlon day was finished before it started.
And so, after a procedure to repair a tear in my retina, I laced up my shoes, climbed on my bike and got back in the pool and continued my training. And with my "eye" on the prize of completing the race, I finished 368th out of 600 competitors this past Saturday. And oddly, the satisfaction was sweeter for all the bumps along the way.
There's a handful of lessons I draw personally from the experience but perhaps the greatest I can share is to be encouraged in discouraging circumstances that the finish line still awaits and when we falter (physically, spiritually, emotionally...) we can pick ourselves up, ask God to help us get on our feet, and continue on toward our destination.
What's out in front of you that seems to get farther and farther away? Keep on. Tri again.
PS: Thanks to Fishhook's Jenn Stump for hanging out at the finish line. Her husband Brian was competing too and she kindly captured this moment. You need to check out Jenn's blog for her photography business. Incredible.
That's a great pic of you at the finishing line! Really sums it all up: the satisfaction, the triumph and completing a goal!
Posted by: Leanne Shawler | August 25, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Great job, Evan! Did you see the volcano?
John
Posted by: John Angove, Fishers | August 25, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Kathi...I hope to limit my passing out to this occasion. When I went in for the eye procedure, I tried the fighter-pilot trick of crossing my legs, squeezing my glutes and clamping muscles tight to increase blood pressure, and it gave me something to think about besides the details of what they were doing to my eye (which I will spare you from or you may not make it to the end of this comment.) Thanks. And...best of all. I feel great.
PS: the shirtless swim pics don't look nearly so trim. I spared you these too.
Posted by: Evan McBroom | August 25, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Evan...I know all about that vasovegal thing; every time I get the flu, am nauseous for any reason, have a back spasm, etc....dozens of times! Brought a plane back to the gate once by passing out in the aisle! I feel for you, as I've run many a mini...good for you that you've gotten a tri under your belt now! And you do look trim in that GREAT finish line pic!! Congrats!!
Posted by: kathi moore | August 25, 2009 at 12:54 PM