Saturday, February 16, 2008

Awe inspiring

I've participated in a triathlon, but I couldn't begin to imagine how arduous it would be to swim 2.4 miles in open ocean, bike 112 miles, then finish off by running a full marathon in the intensely humid heat of Hawaii. This morning I watched NBC's coverage of the 2007 Ironman World Championship and saw two amazing athletes do just that—one who competed without sight, and one without legs.

I cried when I saw each of them cross the finish line, wept at the triumph of sheer will. Thoreau said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." What I saw today reminded me I can accomplish anything if I believe and then work for it.

1 comment:

aubreyannie said...

i loved that quote by thoreau. i cannot imagine the strength and endurance it would take to do something like that without sight or legs. some people are utterly amazing.