WEEK 9 – February 22, 2016 – February 28, 2016
com·mit·ted
kəˈmidəd/
adjective
feeling dedication and loyalty to a cause, activity, or job; wholeheartedly dedicated.
On Friday I was doing my planned run on my normal route through the nature preserve when I saw the following written in sidewalk chalk on the trail spaced apart by about 100 feet:
11-11-16
WILL
YOU
MARRY
ME?
N♥
Well, I guess the sidewalk chalk proposal was not as successful as the proposer had hoped. But it got me thinking about the commitment involved in being married and how lucky I am to have someone that I am committed to and to share our lives together.
But marriage isn’t the only commitment in my life, for I am surely committed to running, triathlon and this current Ironman pursuit. If you have the strength to right click on the application submit button, you have certainly become committed.
Commitment seemed to be a theme this week as a friend from my high school class and friend on Facebook pondered whether or not to sign up for the Chicago Marathon. She has had some experience as a runner, but the marathon distance is very much new territory for her. She had lots of doubt about being able to run the distance. I responded that I believe anyone can do it if they put forth the effort and train with purpose. Everyone always fears the distance the first time, and I would be lying if I didn’t get nervous race day eve, and morning. But when you put in the work, the light at the end of the tunnel gets closer and closer. She committed.
As I learned from finishing my first Ironman in 2013, the hard work was done in the 29 weeks, six days leading up to the race. The race was a complete joy. If you commit to the work you can reap the reward.
For Week 9, the commitment was certainly evident for me. The weather was up and down, with a few outdoor runs that were damp and cold, and a cold and windy ride of almost three hours on Saturday. Balance all of that with the family obligations and commitments as well. But when the week ends and the last workout is in the books, I can look back and know that I did the work.
I am committed.
WEEK 9 TOTALS:
Swims: 2 total, 1.75 hours, 5000 yards
Bikes: 3 total, 4.5 hours, 68 miles
Runs: 7 total, 4.5 hours, 34 miles
an amazing run 
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