You're that girl

I've been thinking a lot (I know, dangerous) after 2 recent conversations - one with Dan, and one with a new co-worker. When you hang out on triathlon & running message boards and read triathlon/running blogs and talk triathlon, running, etc every day with other triathletes and runners ... you tend to forget that it's a very (very very very) small group of people who do what we do.

I've said this before, but sometimes I feel like everyone I know has done a marathon and an Ironman and has qualified for Boston/ Kona/ podiums/ wins. It's what happens when a lot of your friends do what you do, and you live in a city that is a triathlon and running mecca. And while we shouldn't rest on our laurels and our past races and our past PRs - it is, of course, our goals and ambitions that drive us to the bigger and better - we should remind ourselves that what we do is pretty damn cool. And pretty damn impressive. 

Sometimes it's so hard to keep perspective. It seems that everyone around me someone is doing something bigger, better, harder and faster. Sometimes it's hard not to get caught up in that, and not get down on yourself.

Sunday I was pouting after I crapped out early from a workout due to heat. I just couldn't take it anymore and ended the day with 25 miles of cycling, followed by a 2.5 mile run. A far cry from my planned workout. Dan joked that only I would complain about that being a crappy workout; he said for the 'normal' person that would be a big workout that they would be bragging about, but for me it was a crappy one. I didn't really take condolence in his words because he's my husband and has to say those things (ha!).

But then at work we had a new intern start with us this week. Yesterday at a staff meeting I went over to introduce myself, and he immediately said "Oh, you're the triathlete and runner. That's so cool!". I smiled and said yes, and asked him how he knew. He responded that someone had mentioned me to him and he heard I the department's "seasoned triathlete and really fast." I was completely taken aback and flattered. And, quick to respond: "Oh, ahh, well I do triathlons, but I'm not really that good, I'm just an average swimmer and cyclist…."

Thinking back on the conversation, I realized that to the people at work, and my family, and my friends who don't do these kinds of things, and everyone else not out there every day I am THAT girl. The girl who does those endurance races. Who works out all the time. Who gets up at crazy hours of the morning to run. Who eats right (even though I definitely don't, though they think I do). 

I might be disappointed with a crappy workout, but to someone who has never run a mile - I am a rockstar. In the future I need to be easier on myself. And congratulate myself. Just for getting out there and doing it. For leaving it all on the course. Just for signing up and showing up. It's a bigger accomplishment then I give myself credit for.