For those of you who have followed me over the years, you know that my wife Shelly and I have participated in the 3-Day for the Cure. It’s an annual event that supports breast cancer research and each year we’re required to raise a minimum of $2,300.
I won’t try to convince you that walking 60 miles over a weekend is easy, but I will say that throughout the years it’s become easier for me.
Since we started in 2001, Shelly and I have walked over 1200 miles – and have raised more than $100,000 for this noble cause. Funding breast cancer research will always be close to our hearts, especially since her aunt and grandmother are survivors.
Like All Good Things, They Must Come to an End
It is with great sadness that I tell you last year’s 3-Day for the Cure will be our last. While the event has meant an incredible amount to us, it’s time for us to move on. We’ve had some wonderful memories walking, and I’ll never forget them.
But there is a law which says something about diminishing returns. From a challenge standpoint, the 3-Day isn’t hard for me anymore – it’s too easy, as a matter of fact.
When Life Becomes Too Easy, Throw in Some Pain
It wouldn’t be any fun to throw in the towel without entering another ring, would it? Almost a year to the date, Shelly and I ran the Las Vegas Rock’n'Roll 1/2 Marathon.
It was my first endurance event. And I went the distance.
Since then, I’ve run two more 1/2 marathons and we will be running another this January in Phoenix. The returns are diminishing again. And I still want more.
Nothing Great Comes Without Great Sacrifice
If you don’t believe that statement, watch the first two minutes of this video:
And when you’re done reading this post, go ahead and watch the rest of that video.
On Sunday, July 15, 2012, I will be participating in the Racine 1/2 Ironman event. It’s a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and then a 13.1 mile run. 70.3 miles in total.
I can assure you that there will be some pain. I don’t expect this to be easy – especially because I haven’t swam (nor owned a bike) in years. But I’m drawn in.
I love what Ironman champion Chris McCormack says:
Ironman racing, it’s the only time that you’re really true to yourself. It’s the only time that you actually face yourself.
This will be something that will redefine who I am. I cannot deny the gravitational pull I am experiencing – the subtle voices of “I can” and “I will” keep whispering my name.
In all actuality, if I’m honest here – I want to face myself, and to see what I’m made of.
So I’m Throwing in Some Pain, Because, Ya Know – Life’s Too Easy
I’ve watched Shelly train through (and finish in extreme heat) two Chicago Marathons.
To see someone you believe in accomplish something so incredible, is an incredible feeling in itself. I’ve never been more proud of her than those two October mornings when I watched her finish the 26.2 miles.
And I want some of that.
Over the next 7 months, I’ll be focusing on climbing my own personal mountain. One that years ago I would have only looked at from a distance.
I don’t think endurance events are for everyone – but I do think that throwing challenges at yourself when things are coasting in your life are a must.
Otherwise, you’re left without great accomplishment.
And what fun would that be?
Going the distance is the spice of life, my friend. It varies widely, but from what I’ve grown to know about you the last 3 years, you’ve found your spice.
Onward!
Thanks Jesse – appreciate the words of encouragement. Like I said, endurance events aren’t for everyone.
I believe that everyone has their own “ironman” event that they’re left to choose whether or not they want to sacrifice and see if they can accomplish something.
To everyone else reading this… Onward!
You should feel blessed that you have to throw in pain voluntarily! I’m kind of dumbfounded. But leaving a comment anyway. lol
There’s bad pain, which we almost never throw in voluntarily.
Then there’s good pain, which we throw almost ALWAYS in voluntarily. For me, this time around it’s the latter.
I’m glad to see someone pushing themselves no matter what they’ve already accomplished! This encourages other people to do the same…and really…in more ways than just running/fitness. I think this applies to business, fitness, etc… So many times when people achieve a goal, they say “I did it! Now what?” Well…there are more goals, and higher achievements, and things we can aspire to that are greater, better, more challenging, more difficult, more rewarding… Everyone seems to strive to reach “the end” or reach a “goal” or finally find ultimate success and happiness. But once you’ve reached the top, there’s no where to go but back down – right? So constantly pushing yourself is something I hope to do until the “end” so to speak. Okay, that was the longest comment ever and I probably dissected it far more than necessary…I’m feeling inspired today? Ha!
Hey April – great that I can inspire you today!
Yes, I agree – that the title of my post can really apply to anything in life. Endurance events, business, parenting… practically anything.
My blog really has become a place where I can teach what I’ve learned – both with my personal and business adventures!
You go! I’m so excited for you in your new challenge. I’m writing about the post-1/2 marathon blues on my site tomorrow…your huge new goal is super inspiring. There is something so amazing about pain, effort, goals and accomplishments! So excited for you, Brian!
I completely agree with you. Pain + Determination = Glory!
Good luck with that! I often do cycling challenges myself, and am up for a 100 km long one this month. Truly is a great feeling after you have done it.
Life is about the challenges — good and bad — and whether you choose to embrace them — or not. Only when you are challenged do you know truly what you are made of, right? Being one of those you mention who have followed you over the years, I can’t help but wonder what comes after Ironman — because you *will* conquer that as well!
Hi, loved the post. Its always nice to get appreciated by having your post put up for general reading on other site(s).
One quick unrelated text though, love the page layout and was looking at your Popular Tags widget. I was just wandering, is that a widget or is it something you coded. And if is a widget is it available and what is it called. Right, I’m off to read some more of your blog posts
Hey Sean, the Popular Tags section is a widget using a Custom Menu that I’ve targeted to style via CSS. Here’s the code I used.