Suffering Day

A couple weeks ago I heard Kurt Warner speak about the characteristics it takes to be a champion. He sited examples of world class athletes like Michael Jordan, Mohammad Ali, even himself. The one example that sticks in my mind, however, is Lance Armstrong.

The characteristic: sacrifice. Example. During Tour de France, Lance spiked a temperature and became quite ill, causing doctors to suggest he drop out. He rested after each day, took meds to relieve the symptoms/fever but continued.

One morning after a rough night, Lance awoke to see it raining. It wasn't just rain, it was heavy rain driven by a strong wind causing the rain to hit objects from the side with great force. To top it off, it was mountain day; steep mountain grade that was grueling even in the best of conditions.

Most, given his health condition and doctor's suggestion, would have dropped at that point. Instead, standing at the window, Lance smiled and muttered, "suffering day." Apparently when asked to explain, Lance said that the difference between great athletes and champions is the amount of suffering/sacrifice they are willing to endure to achieve their dream. That day, Lance took the lead in the Tour de France and went on to win the title.

What is your dream(s)? What do you want to accomplish and will sacrifice to achieve it?
Our goals for the next few months:

• Pat's Run.  4.2 miles.
  - finish under 50 min.
• Grand Canyon. 
  - See Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls on trip down North Kaibab
  - Enjoy day hikes on floor
  - Hike out without major struggle
• Starting with next Saturday. Papago. Run the stairs of the amphitheater constructed by the CCC (picture right). 

That said, it's time for real suffering to begin.  We did better this week with getting a little training in nearly every day. I won't discount the effort. I will aim to exceed it.