Ironman in Real Life

By Shaun Lockhart (shaun@shaunlockhart.com)

Yesterday I had the pleasure of witnessing hundreds of people conquer a challenge they had practiced months and months for. I was among spectators, fans, friends and family who watched the 2013 Ironman Race. This year, the race began with a 2.4 mile swim through the Ohio River, followed by a two-loop, 112 mile bike which took athletes through pasture land and hills of Oldham County. The race completed with a two-loop, 26.2 mile marathon that led athletes past the University of Louisville and around Churchill Downs before finishing at Fourth Street Live! in downtown Louisville.

I was in awe of a couple of friends who competed this year because watching someone set that kind of goal, stick with it and then complete, deserves to be commended. As I watched athletes cross the finish line, I felt good inside for them because I could relate. Not because I have ever competed in the Ironman Competition (but I plan to in a few years) but because I know what it’s like to believe in oneself, set goals, fulfill them and be rewarded.

The crowd outside of Fourth Street Live! shared a bond yesterday. We all came together in support of the athletes. We cheered as each one crossed the finish line. We turned to one another and gave hi-fives, especially to the ones who yelled, “that’s my son, daughter, wife or husband!” The excitement was incomparable and it led me to think about the pure passion it takes to start and finish something you know in your heart that you can accomplish.

But passion alone is not enough to carry someone across the finish line – in a race or in life. It takes a certain amount of drive, determination, support, love and most importantly, having a great support system behind you. Without the right people in your support group, it becomes hard to achieve dreams, which is why I no longer allow negative people around me. What if these athletes had naysayers surrounding them – bringing them down – giving them poor, unsolicited advice - wishing bad thoughts – trying to sabotage their efforts?

I want to be an Ironman in real life. I want to set goals, compete in life and cross the finish line in my own success. I thank God for having the drive to do so. And you should too! Become an Ironman and only surround yourself with true fans who will always cheer you on, and if you can’t make it across the finish line, they will gladly lift you up and carry you across.

shaun@shaunlockhart.com
www.shaunlockhart.com