Over the past few months, I think we have all learned many lessons and a lot more about ourselves. Who we are, what we value and what we want to achieve. I know I have. My biggest takeaway: things will happen as they are supposed to happen, they cannot be forced or hurried along. Sometimes, we make plans and God has a good laugh.
Most races were cancelled or postponed this year. Some of these being very meaningful events for people. Destination events for some, qualifying races for others and first-time events for newbies. This past weekend would have been a big event for me, Escape the Cape Triathlon and Open Water swim. This would have been my longest swim to date in a racing environment, 3 miles in the bay. Not to mention the best part of “taking the leap” by jumping 12 feet off a ferry to start the swim. In many ways, this race holds a lot of meaning for me.
Many have been upset by these cancellations. Grief, loss of motivation and lack of focused training has followed suit. The way I see it, this has been a good learning opportunity for all. We must train ourselves to see the positive in every situation. This is not the end of the road, nor is it a setback. This is a chance to better prepare us for what is to come. A chance to get in more training. To develop greater strength. To build more courage. To grow.
Most days when I run, I run past the side ferry exit, where Escape the Cape occurs, and make my way through the parking lot to a main road. For the past three months, the gate here has been locked and closed down with additional fencing. To my surprise and delight, I realized on my run this morning, the fencing had been removed and the gates were open. In my heart, I honestly believe that what will be, will be. Everything will happen in the right way and in the right time, generally when you don't expect it. Races will resume, life will progress, leaps will be taken and the gates will be open.
In the meantime, the best you can do is to keep being your best you. Choose FAITH in the process and your training. Choose HOPE that races will resume and life will progress. Choose LOVE for yourself, those around you and the future.
One of my athletes recently posted on social media about Escape. At the end of her post, she said “Keep following your dreams, keep your head up and keep making it happen. Anything is possible.” This is without a doubt what I believe and intend on doing and my hope is that you will too.
See the positive. Anything is possible. Keep being your best you. AME high and ALWAYS rock that amazing smile.