appetite

I have a large appetite for life.

Being here in Coeur d'Alene at the Ironman event is feeding my desire to do this event again next year. Taking the next year to be more disciplined and achieve the goal of finishing under 10 hours. Thoughts of doing the Ultraman are once again dancing strongly in my mind. I want to be doing that, while at the same time devoting myself fully to my work in SF where I feel a deep sense of calling and "true" vocation. The question I wrestle with is "can I do both?" and still maintain a balanced life in relationships, etc. One voice says - you bet and yet another - impossible. Oh the battle that wages, and the fun wrestling match that comes with being overdriven and ambitious.

I often wonder if it's a selfish motivation to be spending so much time to training, etc. And then I meet Damon, a local to Coeur d'Alene, who watched the event last year and was so inspired that he said "you know I've got to figure this thing out and give it a try" and this year he's participating. You could see by the sparkle in his eye and the cheek to cheek grin that Damon was excited about the opportunity and I'm sure the life transforming training that took place. Then there's my friend Chad who's been saying until about a year ago that he'd never do an Ironman. When I signed up to Ironman New Zealand he was glad for me but said he'd never do it, his body just couldn't handle it. I'd like to believe that by me signing up and pushing on with my desire to compete Chad saw the possibility and is now this year participating. Moving beyond what he once thought possible. I'd like to believe I played a part in that. In some ways it reassures of the voices in my soul. The ones that inspire me within but sound beyond reason to people around me. To those reading - listen to those voices, those desires and dreams that seem impossible. Be courageous.

On the note of being courageous, there is a man who has had both legs amputated below the knee participating in the race.