He did it! I never doubted he would, but I am happy and proud beyond words for my dear friend. Chris has worked so hard over this past year in his #360to30 journey, with many of you reading his guest blog updates and cheering him on. He knew he had a Badass Army, in addition to his family and loved ones, cheering him on. And when you're navigating water, pedaling mile after mile, and racing to the finish line on dead-tired legs, that Army can make all the difference. Chris has grown as a fitness instructor, a fitness devotee, and as my friend this past year. I see him now and know his future feats know no limits. And now, more than he did at age 29, he can see it, too....Read on.
Well, it's over. I'm 30. After more than a year of focusing on getting in shape and working toward a goal, I'm done.
It was kind of anticlimactic now that I think about it. Months of training and the race was done in under 2 hours (1:49 to be exact). To quote Shannon: "It's like a wedding: lots of planning and buildup, and then the ceremony's just over."
Except it's not. My life has changed, and for the better. I may not be in the best shape of my life (19 was a great year) but I am damn near close. I'm teaching the classes I struggled through more than a year ago. People are calling me for advice in fitness -- instead of asking about where to go for the best happy hour.
I've created some fitness 'monsters' along the way. Friends tell me that I have inspired them to get in shape, that I have convinced them to get off the couch. I get texts and emails challenging me to try new workouts, and friends ask me to run them through workouts to help them along.
#360to30 has become more synonymous with me than "shots at Clyde's."
The best part is that not only has my life changed, the way I look at it has changed as well. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a nice drink here and there (currently enjoying a nice Guinness as I edit this), but it's about how I go about doing things. No matter what, there is no excuse for doing nothing. I am going to enjoy my life, but I'm not going to let the enjoyment get in the way of living it. I made it to 30; making it to 80 will take work.
So, to quote my favorite fictional president, "#whatsnext?" That's the question I have been asked since I crossed the finish line. #whatsnext, now that you have finished your triathlon? #whatsnext, now that you are 30?
It's a good question and something that I've been thinking about. Age 30 is not the end, it is the beginning. The near future will include skydiving, scuba diving, maybe some rocky mountain climbing (yes, I listen to country and love NASCAR), a marathon, other races, and lots of fitness teaching certifications. I plan on running the Ironman Florida Triathlon in 2014. I've been married for almost 4 years, so life may get in the way, but every obstacle can be conquered. As my Marine Corps father yelled during the race, "See a Hill, take a Hill."
You look at things differently when you invest in them, and this is especially true when others invest in you. Friends and family have helped me get this far. When I ran the race this past weekend, from my helmet to my socks, from the swim to crossing the line, this was a team effort. I thank everyone for believing in me. From here to age 80, I will not let you down.
Thanks for coming along for the beginning of the journey, and I hope you continue with me. #whatsnext