Its Not Always About Winning

Ok, forgive me for going all female on you all, gentle reader, but sometimes life is not about competition its about participation. Completely off the topic of websites today, I'm going to share a little something of me - what drives me, what motivates me to get out of bed in the morning, a small glimpse into my psyche - hopefully its not too scary for you.

Now I am not an athletic type, far from it. As a kid in school I was last to be picked for a team, sports day was a misery for me as I couldn't run, and I loathed everything sporty and energetic. I'm a geek, thinking is my thing - my brain is my best friend, and I spend most of my time on my computer. So what on earth could have prompted me to do what I did today and participate in a duathlon? Insanity? Well yes, that too.

About 4 years ago I had been struggling with my weight (again) and had managed to lose about 10kg when disaster struck. I fell down three steps and broke both my feet, one of them very seriously with a Lisfranc fracture/dislocation. (Look it up on Google). I was in hospital for 9 days, had 2 operations over the period of 10 months and was in a wheelchair for 3 months or more. My weight of course ballooned, and today I am left with a foot injury that still gives me some pain. I must confess I did get a little depressed about all this, depressed and pretty mad.

But you see this is the thing about me, I will not let anything beat me. No matter how often I get knocked down I will always get up again and keep on going. I have had set-backs, quite a few I guess, but it always makes me more determined to press on. Who was it said "Don't let the bastards get you down"? Its almost a motto for me, so thank you whoever you are.

So back to the duathlon. I entered the first one last year. The 'REAL' duathlon series is for women of all shapes and sizes, ages, and levels of fitness. There is no competition, no winners are announced, the prize is in participation. I love it. My times aren't fantastic in fact I place close to last, but I get such a kick out of being able to do it. To have the use of my legs - even though they are somewhat feeble. The taking part and just being able to get to the finish line is a massive feeling of satisfaction.
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I'll post a pic - I'm no beauty queen that's for sure, but my face says it all.