So, after completing the ironman two weeks ago, the only exercise I have come even close to doing, is watching it on TV.
I have had some things to do and also allowed myself some ‘down time’ from sport and exercise.
I could get use to this! I do realise that if I leave it too long I could really get out of the habit, easily.
Most of the sport I have watched has been ok, but, it hasn’t inspired me to get back on it!
That was until I watched the Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. It began on Saturday at 5pm with the pro’s setting off first followed by the age groupers. It was amazing to watch, I was glued to my iPad whilst trying to watch England forge a result over Malta at the same time.
What astounded me was, that when I woke up on Sunday morning (7am) it was still on and people were still running the marathon. The final person to complete the event, within the time allowed (17 hours), was Jennifer Tait in 16 hours 57 minutes and 51 seconds. However, there was still one person out running and, although she was not going to be classed as an ‘Ironman’ the crowd cheered her on to her final finish time of 17 hours 7 minutes. She completed the same distance as everyone else and, at 74 years of age, got the biggest welcome from the crowd and all of the staff at the finish line.
She has inspired me again. I feel motivated to look for another challenge for next year and to get back in the gym, in the pool, on the bike and out running this week.
That’s the thing, I think everyone needs something to motivate them to do something tough. We need inspiration from others to click on the switch and light a fire in our bellies. I use sport to get me going when it comes to physical challenges, but I also use things like TED talks to motivate me to do other things, YouTube to inspire some DIY or creative thinking and I even get inspired by TV programmes that challenge my thinking about cooking!
No matter what it takes for you, sometimes it needs to come from another source. A positive mindset will get you so far but tapping in to other energy sources, for support, will get you further. Joining groups of like minded people helps and builds momentum, offers support and drags you along – sometimes kicking and screaming!
So my challenge to you is to find something that you have always wanted to do, but never have, and find a few people that want to do it as well or have even done it already. Tap into their energy and learn from their experiences, get out and commit to taking action.
2017 is a great year to achieve big things. I still have to identify what my challenge will be but I’m looking now to give myself enough time to get ready.
What will it be for you?
It would be great to hear from you, it might inspire me to do something different!