The 31st Annual Kampeska triathlon was held yesterday. There were 65 participants. You start off by doing a 1/4 mile swim along the shore line of Lake Kampeska out by City Park, then go for a bike ride around the lake, 14 miles, followed by a 5K run. It can be a challenge, because everybody has a weak point in at least one of the events. I was still able to participate with my injury…just had to slow it down a notch. These events are not always about who you can beat, or how fast you can go, but mainly to be able to participate! Every body out there has different goals, and a different agenda, and that is OK. We are all unique anyway. The spirit of being able to participate is the really enjoyable part. I was glad I was doing well enough to participate, as I had already registered prior to getting hurt. This is one of the highlights of the summer, so I really wanted to be doing it. Sometimes, we have to contend with weather. It started to sprinkle when we were swimming, and then came down heavier during the bike ride, but then quit during the run. We always have to keep the weather in mind with adjustments made as needed. But, what we don’t always factor in is if we get a flat tire on the bike while riding. Yesterday was what I call a bad day for people in regards to this, as 5 people had a flat tire. Some of them lived close by and walked to their house and grabbed a different bike, and one even carried his bike 3.5 miles walking to get in, and then went running. If you get helped, you disqualify yourself from placement, or even having a time. Sarah was one of those who got a flat tire, 3 miles into the race. She got help, and was driven back to the start where she got her tire changed, but had to relinquish her chip for timing. It did not matter to her…she wanted to finish. Her goal…I started this, I wanted to finish it. So despite being in last place at this time, she jumped back up on her bike and took off again. She was feeling more down by the time she came in to start the run portion, because she was mainly by herself. It still didn’t matter. She took off and ran, and I met her about a 1/2 mile from the finish and ran in with her. It was not about the time. It was not about how she placed. She was happy she was able to participate, and she was going to finish anyway. Is that not what life is about? We get thrown challenges, curve balls, “flat tires”, and we have to figure out how to overcome these challenges, and push on. You make the most out of every situation, and make the best of it. She had a goal to finish this event, and she did! Many of the other ones with a flat tire did the same. They were out to finish, regardless of the final time. Never give up on yourself! Life is too short as it is. Take advantage of those good days when they come, and make the best out of the days that may not be as good, or turn out the way we want them too. You are in the driver seat to determine this. Your attitude says it all! Here are some pictures of the event. I am running the last stretch with Sarah coming into finish, and then several of Sarah getting ready prior to the event, and then Sarah being congratulated for finishing by another friend, Jill, whose brother Steve also had a flat tire, but kept going and finished as well. Good job you guys! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2844
