Is Finishing Really Winning?

For each person "competition" means something different, and defines whatever sport they participate in its own particular way. So what way do you define "winning"? Is it the PR from your last event? Is it taking home the trophy? Is it beating everyone you wanted to beat? Is it starting and then finishing?

Well, its a tricky response that MOST people answer and then qualify or give a PC response. I say, "be honest." If winning to you means crushing the competition beyond comprehension then "giddy up", OWN IT! If winning means being able to tell people you are an Ironman, a Buckle Winner, a Channel Crosser...then AWESOME. What I ask from you is to think of why you compete and to consider that you're desires and or thoughts of competition might not be the same as others.

This post comes to me after my 2 mile race today. Now happily I can say I ran with NO PAIN....WINNER WINNER TURKEY DINNER! I can also say that I PR'd by 3 mins from my last effort and lastly I can say I received a 4th place ribbon. However, the one thing I am most proud to say is I encouraged a man and a little girl to finish. Obviously, since I'm just starting back in the running game my speed isn't lighting "just yet" but I improve with each race so I'm thrilled. As I passed a man walking and a little girl stop-starting I slowed down to encourage them on.

Why you ask?? Well because before the race started the man's wife was loudly heckling on some level that he was running "just the 2 mile" and asking, "could anyone run with him cuz he's slow?" ( I'm paraphrasing ). I stood their thinking to myself, "what a toad!" I guess I'm just lucky because I have the greatest support system in my husband. He is my biggest fan and makes me a better person by just being around him. I also have some of the greatest friends and family that love, cherish ,and lift me up when I'm down!

BUT....then I thought to myself. "Self, maybe her take on competition is different than most." Don't try to trip her at the race start. ;p Many people would say that people who don't win always say "Winning is Finishing" because they have no chance of a podium. And to those egos I say, "Perhaps you are right". But I will also say that maybe oh just maybe we should try a little harder to support others in all their efforts whether we understand them or not.

I'm running for the first time in 2+yrs, I'm swimming more than I ever have and I can tell you this - come tri season I will be racing! I have big dreams because I know that I can and will do anything I set my mind to!! I will run a 50/100 miler, I will swim the English Channel and I will succeed.....in fact I already have because I know how to dream, I know how to inspire and I love to live.