I had an interesting afternoon.

While working from home after an appointment with Da Chick, I started thinking about my diet, health and the changes I had made in a desperate attempt to get my iron back up.

Then I looked at my skin and the itchy eczema-like rash that came back after I started reintroducing meat into my diet and I reflected on how sluggish I’ve been feeling – something which has really affected my training…  so I made the conscious decision to return to my plant-based diet and carefully monitor my nutrient intake from now on.

This evening, while helping Da Chick stick little flowers onto her birthday invitation, she asked me why I was exercising so much and what I was training for.  So I decided to show her a few video clips of the actual race.  In between the “oohs” and “aahs”, she turned to me and asked if I will win and bring home a golden cup.  I looked at her and said, “no, mommy won’t win.  But mommy will finish.”

And, just like that, it’s like my brain switched into a different gear.  Seeing these clips made what I’m trying to do very real.  This isn’t about being last in the run or the worst swimmer in the group; it’s about doing my best, overcoming my fears and achieving what many people think I won’t be able to achieve.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pprf3FEMT74]