No One

It hit me the past few days.

I've heard the stories. I've read the blogs. A recent post by Tea really pointed it out.

The many triathletes or runners who have been told by others that they may not reach their goals.

And I realized, one again, how lucky I am.

The chubby grammar school kid occasionally excused from gym class due to asthma who wanted to ride bikes with the neighborhood kids. The pre-teen non-athlete who had kind friends when picking teams during those challenging adolescent years. The girl with just a smidge of dancing background, spending weeks practicing kicks and splits for the high school kickline squad try-outs.

No one ever told me "You can't."

No one.

I was occasionally made fun of. Which may have lead to feeling a bit embarrassed about how slow I was.

But no one ever said "You shouldn't."

I occasionally surprised everyone, mostly myself. I made that kickline squad and became the captain three years later.

And now, as this woman approaching middle age who signed up for some ridiculous sounding race.

No one has said "You'll never."

Over the past year, I've shared my IM goal with friends and family. Along the journey, a tiny few have mentioned their concerns (is the human body made to do this, why would you want to?). But mostly, they've been incredibly supportive. They've checked in on my training and progress. They've cheered my accomplishments, no matter how small.

They've never said "You can't."

They've never said "You shouldn't."

They've never said "You'll never."

I am so fortunate - and so grateful - for their support.