Perspective

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." -Albert Einstein
"A life not lived for others is not a life." -Mother Teresa

A couple of weeks ago saw me turn another year older. I still cannot believe how many people wished me a happy birthday. It really meant a lot to me and has really made me think about the quotes above. The fulfillment you can get from making someone else feel good is far more rewarding than anything we do solely for ourselves.

Well, I said that I might try to post a little more frequently now that my life is not consumed with triathlon training. One thing that I have certainly had more time to do lately is think. Sadly I haven't been able to find the same type of clarity that can come from a 2 hour long run, but I have been able to start running with my trail group a little. That is a god-send. I wish I could do more and train harder, but at least it is running.

Recently, I have been pondering my love of comedies. Or more specifically, my lack of desire to read or watch dark books and movies. Every time I look at the news there are plenty of stories of human suffering and loss that when I watch a movie or read a book, I don't want to feel that anymore.

On a different note - I am back to working at the golf course and have started playing a bit more golf. I am still a long way from where I was, but it is coming back. In many ways, I probably have a lot more potential as a golfer than I do a runner or triathlete, but I do miss training incredibly. Oh well! I guess I will just have to take that intensity to golf.

In the mean time; run friendly! -T

A wave goodbye...for now

After my first half ironman in November of 2009 I came down with
pericarditis. Essentially the lining of my heart gets inflamed and it
makes everything much more laborious. Since then it has come back a
few times an lately it has become more frequent and the attacks more
painful. There is no evidence that says intensive exercise causes the
flare ups, but it cannot be ruled out. So, my doctor and I have
decided to take a year off from triathlon and intensive running.

I have no intentions of completely giving up running, but I don't yet
know how much I will be allowed to do. Luckily I have golf that I can
fall back on as something to fill my time. While I am home I can get
pretty excited about golf. And when I am on the course, all the more.
But right now, I am writing this from a log on the side of the Barton
Creek Greenbelt Trail. Watching the trail runners go by is killing me.
Especially as I stare at my trail shoes not being able to do more than
walk. We shall see how this all goes.

I'll try to post more as I apparently will have more time to write.
So, this is goodbye for now to training. But also a timid hello to
whatever awaits around the corner. Run friendly!