Iron Strong Part 86: Focus on the Journey…Not the Destination...

Focus on the Journey…Not the Destination...

In 2012 I journaled daily through my divorce, leaving the Mormon Religion, being a Single Mom, becoming a Marathoner and eventually an Ironman Athlete. This story will be delivered in parts and not really edited down from the original writings in my journal (including some typos and grammar misalignment). I do this to uphold the integrity of the Woman I was when I wrote these, long before I knew this would end up as a full book and even though my writing has evolved in the decade since I wrote these pieces. They read in present day time from a decade ago. These are stories of hope, miracles and never giving up on your dreams. It is a heroine’s journey of shame, secrets and ultimate seclusion to the Finish Line of Ironman Arizona....and then beyond. An Outward Journey to an Inward Destination of Freedom and Liberation, Iron Strong.

Focus on the Journey…Not the Destination...

I can assure you that on the day of your race you will learn a lot about yourself and you will have an amazing celebration.

You won’t be necessarily celebrating the finish line and medal however.

You will be celebrating the miles, hours, months and possibly years of the journey it took you to get to that start line.

The journey begins the moment you are BRAVE enough to believe in yourself and sign up.

Perhaps the best interpretation of the Journey to Ironman can be summed up by my all time favorite movie…Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring…

Gandalf: The world is not in your books and maps. It's out there.

Bilbo Baggins: I can't just go running off into the blue! I am a Baggins of Bag End!

Gandalf: You are also a Took. Did you know that your Great-Great-Great-Great Uncle Bullroarer Took was so large he could ride a real horse?

Bilbo Baggins: Yes.

Gandalf: Well he could! In the Battle of Greenfields, he charged the Goblin ranks. He swung his club so hard it knocked the Goblin King's head cleaned off and it sailed a hundred yards through the air and went down a rabbit hole. And thus the battle was won and the game of golf invented at the same time.

Bilbo Baggins: I do believe you made that up.

Gandalf: Well, all good stories deserve embellishment. You'll have a tale or two to tell of your own when you come back.

Bilbo Baggins: ...Can you promise that I will come back?

Gandalf: No. And if you do... you will not be the same.

The person who signs up for the race and the person that crosses the finish line will NOT be the same one.

That I know for sure.

Ohhh but the stories you will be able to tell are countless and pretty damn amazing!