Four Rules. Period.

I get lots and lots of emails asking my opinion about whether or not someone should sign up for their first half Ironman… or their first sprint triathlon.

“Am I ready?”

“Do you think I can do this, SBM?”

“I’m so miserable. I need to change.  I need help.  Can I really do a triathlon?”

I love, love (love) hearing from you guys (always), but I get SO aggravated by these questions. Why? Mostly because I think anyone who sends me that kind of email knows that I am going to get on my super-tight cheerleading skirt and scream, “Rah rah! Yes you can! Just Keep Moving Forward!!!  (And you just want to see me humiliate myself with my pom-poms…)

But also, because there are some truths that must be accepted to get triathlon into your veins, into your life.

And it can’t be Eeyore-like… it must be Warrior-like.

In order to become better people (and triathletes) we must take risks, we must believe in ourselves, and we must (you got it) move forward.  We must must must.  If we doubt ourselves, we are dead in the water (and might as well just take up fishing from the shore in our respective motorized Rascals).

Now, I may not be a nutritional giant (duh), but I can attest to the value and the importance of taking a leap of faith, signing up for huge, crazy races —and starting to focus on those goals. Then putting in the hours (the many, many hours of work).

…And never giving up.

And that’s all you need to do. Truly.  But it’s the combination of those things that makes the magic.

In my book, I talk about Four Rules for the Every Woman who is embarking on triathlon  for the first time… or, who is taking on a big race.

Rule #1
Believe in Yourself.

Rule #2
Ignore Others Who Do Not Believe in You.

Rule #3
Know when to Stop.

Rule #4
Most Importantly, Know when to Keep Going.

These are FOUR fool-proof truths that I have unearthed along my two year triathlon and two half Ironman journey.

These are four truths that I am going to keep pounding in my thick skull, during the next seven months as I train for Coeur d’Alene.  (This morning – my first run back since spraining my foot two weekends ago… 7 miles…like pulling my teeth out one-by-one mile.  But I followed the rule: Most Importantly, Know when to Keep Going. This is the road to Ironman. Keep GOING….)

If you are just starting out …truly begin to digest these rules.

Begin to figure out what it takes to accomplish Rule #1.  That’s the big one.   This is covered  ad nauseum in the book… but the main thing is to keep your MIND in control of your BODY.

Do not let your MIND bully your BODY.

No matter your size, your shape or your ability —- you can finish what you set out to accomplish. You can.  Believe it with every fiber of your being.

Even if you feel like size of whale today…

(I know that feeling)…

You can still accomplish huge things.  Yes, you will have days and moments of doubt – but in the forest of your journey… envision the big picture–success.

Just stay true to yourself. Be brave. Life is short.  Who do you want to become? Take chances, make changes and follow those four rules… to the finish!

You can.

(And a dear thank you to my friend, Jenn L., for pointing out to ME, just a few hours ago, that I needed to stay focused… hence, me writing this post—for your sakes… as much as my own. 🙂 Hugs).

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This Friday, November 30th is THE last day for the pre-order
of the SBM paperback book, Triathlon for the Every Woman. Go here to snag your copy before the public release in February.

www.SBMStore.wazala.com