From Despair

In sports including triathlon, we find no shortage of inspirational stories.   To say that we are moved or motivated sometimes would be a gross understatement;   In the case of Quannita Underwood, her transformation from victim of  sexual abuse to an Olympic contender  is beyond remarkable.  It’s disturbing, awe-inspiring, and leaves me (almost) speechless.   Find below a link to read more about her if you haven’t heard of her.

Very simply, she is the best hope for the US in women’s boxing, making its debut in the 2012 London Olympics this summer.

Very simply, she is already a Champion because she has lived through hell to make it this far.

Many athletes including Lance Armstrong have said that every great endurance athlete is running from something.  Agreed.  But once you figure out what you are running from, what can you then run towards?

Take your next defeat and make it the launching pad for your greatest success.  Take your despair and turn it into something wildly successful.   Make 2012 the year that you notice the great examples all around you, from Jordan Rapp’s fantastic comeback  to  Quannita to Lance, himself, taking 2nd in the pro triathlete field at 70.3 Panama.

Perhaps its time to take your defeats and turn them on their head, into victories.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/sports/quanitta-underwood-a-contender-for-olympic-gold-and-a-survivor.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=quanitta%20underwood&st=cse

Justin Edmonds for The New York Times

her blog:  http://www.livingoutthedream.org/Queen_Underwood.html

But what???

Will 2012 be the year that you kick your BUTs butt???

“I’d like to lose weight coach, but…”

” I was on pace to run ___  but then…”

“I could have been top in my ____  but…”

” I would have made Kona but…”

“I wish I had more time to train but…”

We all love to explain away our shortcomings and are quite skilled at it.  It’s how we protect our egos, recover from disappointment,  and cover up what might be a lack of  preparation for achieving our goals.   It’s part of being human and we all do it.. BUT…

What if this is the year that you listen to yourself and define what are your limiters.  Listen to yourself in conversation with other athletes and listen for the BUT.  Once you do that, you have the beginnings of your 2012 training plan.   If you need an ear, hire a coach to listen for an hour or get yourself a great journal and get started!  ; )

Coach Stacey on the hand cycle:  reconstructive surgery, 8 weeks on crutches, blah blah blah.   Could have eaten bonbons but….

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In 2012, be an athlete who is satisfied but motivated to do more.   Motivate yourself to kick your BUTs butt in 2012.  No more excuses.