Overcoming Challenges

Life is full of setbacks and challenges. It's important not to let them get in the way of what you want to do.

Here are some I faced on my road to Ironman - none of which could defeat me (although that truck came bloody close... read on...)

Crohn's Disease

I was diagnosed in 2000 with this nasty condition. I haven't talked about it on this blog because frankly, it's embarrassing. But I think there's value in those who suffer from it to know there is life beyond the diagnosis.

I've been lucky in many ways, as despite a few flare-ups my doctor has found a combination of drugs that has kept me healthy for a few years now. I can't help but thing my change in lifestyle provides some benefit too, but that's just speculation on my part!

IT Band Syndrome

I have yet to meet a runner who went from starting running to running marathons without some kind of injury. Mine was ITBS.

This cost me several months of running a few years in a row, many visits to physio, and finally - mercifully - a visit to a podiatrist, who found that I was a severe over-pronator. He prescribed orthotic inserts, and I've been running injury-free since.

Getting Hit By a Truck

I was on my bike, commuting to work, and I got hit by a truck.

He was turning left, I was going straight, he didn't see me and I couldn't stop in time.

The result: a mild concussion, a banged up face, puffy hands (and permanently bent pinky fingers!).

It took me a few weeks to get back on my bike, and even longer to feel like I wasn't about to get smacked again any second!

Kids

I love my kids, but balancing the demands of family life and training has always been a challenge.

Tuck the kids in then head out for a 9pm swim. Wake up at 5am to get in a 20k run before work. Saturday sleep-in? Nope - up at 6am to do 160k on the bike before lunch, so the rest of the day can be spent with the family.

Weight

Lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, gain weight... it's a vicious cycle. If I don't watch my diet I gain weight, no matter how much I'm exercising. I even managed to put on pounds during Ironman training!

And So On...

Ultimately there are a million reasons not to do something hard.

Most will never try. Some will give up. And a few will overcome and succeed.

Which one will you be?