new boundaries

Life never stops moving and changing - mostly challenging us to understand a new reality. This week has been especially difficult. More to come.

“The truth is, you cannot be healthy and happy without discipline. In fact, if you want to measure the level of happiness in your life, just measure the level of discipline in your life. You will never have more happiness than you have discipline. The two are directly related to one another.” —Matthew Kelly

It’s been a whole month since my last post, seems much longer.

Today is the first monday of the new year. A time of renewal, a clean slate to write a new chapter. I’ve spent a lot of time the past few weeks thinking about goals for 2011. I’m still thinking about them actually. I seem to be in an extended period of transition. While I consider myself to be in a great place in my life - I still seek “something” that is at times elusive. I can only best describe it as “the perfect balance.” 

I’ve been reading a new book by Matthew Kelly - Rediscovering Catholicism. So far I’ve truly enjoyed it, and an optimistic it will bring me some clarity about my approach to a number of things (maybe all) in life. He writes about living an “authentic life” - this is something that resonates with me - and perhaps provides a framework to find the balance that is right for living a good and purposeful life.

I was especially struck by these words …”Discipline the faithful friend who will introduce you to your true self. Discipline is the worthy protector who will defend you from your lesser self. And discipline is the extraordinary mentor who will challenge you to become the the-best-version-of-yourself….”

… and don’t we all want to be the best versions of ourselves?

Sitting at LAX waiting for the return flight home. Been out out here in Cal. to observe focus groups on NDs brand/positioning. Rare business travel, and first experience with this facet of marketing communications. Lessons learned: alumni are extremely well informed and connected, parents of current students love the family at ND that cares for their kids so far from home, and non affiliated S. Cal people see strength in our brand at a national level.

Very interesting to watch people from behind mirrored glass, when they know they’re being watched.

Thanksgiving day 2010. So much to be thankful for this year. Seems I say that every year… and yet each year it has more meaning. Wonderful family, amazing friends, a great job, and good health. All in all - life is pretty good. The only thing I miss is my fitness, but it will come back. 

Ran my first mile post tibia fracture yesterday. Not too bad. Green means go.

The most intense experience on 2 wheels, surpassing single-speed bike racing in Bloomington, a tri bike survival in Kona, and 80 mph on a Harley outside of Milwaukee. As my pal Chad phrased it yesterday - it’s “a strange mix of fear and joy.” 

Well said.

Rode my bike yesterday for the first time in almost 2 months. Leg feels stronger by the day, but there is quite a bit of work to do. My “friends” let me have it, but were kind enough to wait up for me in the end.

Pay-backs always provide great motivation.

This morning I was supposed to be waking up in a hotel room in Kona, and heading across the street to enjoy a nice pre-race ocean swim in the Pacific. Instead I woke up, put on my cycling shorts, and heading to the basement to spend 30 minutes on my bike trainer. Not quite an even trade, but I’ll take it. I’m just happy to be able to do something physical.

My leg is progressing well I think. It is weak - no doubt, but for the first time since the injury - almost 7 weeks now, I am confident I’ll get back to where I was just a couple months ago. It’s going to take some time, but I will get there. 

I read a blog post over the weekend by a guy who’d qualified for Kona in 2006 at Arizona with a 10:15 race. He quoted a famous writer with a line that was similar to what I’ve been telling myself to help “get over” the missed opportunity again this year… and that is “the reward is in the achievement” of “qualifying” - and not the prize “racing at Kona.”

Well, maybe. I guess it depends in how you look at it. That same guy went on to finish his first trip to Kona in just over 12 hours - he detailed how badly he suffered, and was ill-prepared to compete there. Not much of a prize. 

I think many who work so hard to get to Kona end up with a similar story. It’s understandable - there is no pressure - except for what comes from within. This is the heart of the matter for me this time around. I was on track to really go after it at Kona this year - but only for me. To test my mettle against the best in the world - and on the sports grandest stage. Post-recovery from a rough day at Placid - my body was coming around - a new training plan just gaining momentum. I was amp’d  for a great new story in Hawaii - capping my yearly goals. 

Clearly, not everything in life goes according to plan. 

But - having goals, testing yourself, pursuing your passions - all these and more - sure make for a life worth living. Maybe this is the meaning in it all. 

So, back in the saddle it is.

I get to learn how to walk again this week. I’ve never been more humbled by my physicality.