Back when I swam for Shannon Dunworth, he sat the team down for a "come to Jesus" meeting of sorts regarding our goals and motivation. What he said centered around what he called the 3 D's of success:
DedicationDetermination
Desire
These three have similar cores that give them a similar purpose. Dedication, Determination, and Desire propel you to dig real deep when you are stressed or tested or just plain tired. Some people see it as stubbornness or inflexibility or pride--and, granted, sometimes it is--but mostly there is a force from deep inside you pulling you toward something.
One who is
dedicated knows knows every day is not her best day but that every single day counts. The dedicated student does not procrastinate or cheat or do just enough to slip under the radar. The dedicated athlete does not spend her time distracted or wishing her body felt more able or making excuses. Those who are dedicated are
consistent and reliable. Each night, it is their
fortitude that is rejuvenated through rest.
One who is
determined sets goals with the intention of meeting them. This determined individual knows herself well enough to know her capabilities. Her goal is one step beyond the point at which she knows she will want to give up. Her dedication to herself and her goal keeps her from sitting on the sidelines in fear. Determination holds a person to a higher standard or excellence, not perfection, but excellence. This excellence results from knowing one's capabilities and never settling, for a determined individual knows that
"to settle for less than your best is to willingly surrender a part of yourself that could have been."
One who has
desire knows nothing of complacency. Desire fuels the drive for greatness. For it is
"only those who dare to fail greatly [who] can ever hope to achieve greatly."
In January 2012, I tied on my shoes the same way I've tied them for years but I had a different reason this time. I wanted to see if my body was capable. I was not going to push myself beyond what my body was capable of but I was willing to push myself beyond what my body was comfortable with. I didn't sign up until March 1st because I needed time to listen to my body. I thought I could do it, I listened to my body, and I did it. On April 16, 2012, I completed my first half marathon.
On June 6th, I sat on the couch wondering if I could do more. Still unsure, I decided to, again, listen to my body. I thought I could do it, so I would try. On June 6th, I signed up for the Rock N' Roll Savannah half-marathon which would take place on November 3rd. I had every intention of running a full marathon but I wasn't sure if I was capable. My plan was to start out training for the full but not put my money on it (literally) until I was sure. After a solo 12-miler after 6 hours of work that began at 6am, I was sure and so I did the upgrade. The marathon is in 2 1/2 days and I am struggling to hold on to that certainty. I've trained with all 3 D's but I'm still wondering if that's enough. I was dedicated--I ran when I was tired and when it was too cold and too hot. I was determined--I started the long runs with Kelsey with a plan (finish) and a go-get-em attitude. And I had desire--even after being put in a stability boot with a stress fracture 2 1/2 weeks ago, I've continued to run because I want this. I want this for me. I am proud of myself and I want to finish the job. But I'm scared.
"I'll be there to help
whatever is left of you
at the finish line.
Either way,
you're going to cross that finish line,
even if it's on my back" --Nathan Blair
people say running is an individual sport. Clearly, those people aren't runners.
