I remember many years ago sitting down at my computer on a Sunday in the house and just surfing the internet when I came upon an Ironman website.  After a few clicks on links, I stumbled upon a live video feed of a finish line of an Ironman race.  I marveled at how “cool” it was that I was watching a race occurring at that same moment somewhere in the world.  I thought about how great technology is and how much it’s changed in my lifetime already.  This all seemed too amazing.

But then I started actually listening to this feed.  I kept seeing these athletes struggling across this finish line.  Many were so happy.  Many were crying.  Some were barely walking.  All of them seemed to collapse once they passed beneath the “Finish” banner with the clock continually ticking.  Some crossed with kids, wives, husbands, parents and friends.  And for everyone  that crossed, a man was announcing, “(insert name), YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” I saw in each of them a joyous realization of an immense accomplishment.  All their work leading up to the race, and all their effort during that day lead them to this moment. 

I sat there, in my chair, mesmerized by it all.  I can’t remember if I had started Triathlon yet or not.  I certainly never even entertained thoughts of doing an Ironman.  But on that day, I was so taken with these athletes, really, inspired by these athletes, that I got up, changed and went out and ran.  I’ll never forget the power of seeing that.  And it still moves me the same way today...