Shedding Skin and a New Journey Begins : trifuel.com

Shedding Skin and a New Journey Begins

Source: Paul Lieto

Ran this morning. Forty-five minutes. According to the weather site, it was a ripe 1 degrees (or I guess degree) when I got home. It was cold for sure, but I didn't think it was that cold. If I had checked before the run I probably would have skipped it and missed a cool and unique experience.

Immediately stepping outside my lungs contracted and I started coughing. The Air perhaps too crisp and pure for my lungs. Lungs that have been exposed to the unpure at times — in their 37 years of supporting me. It was like taking in a drag of a cigarette down by the creek behind the school when I was thirteen. The immediate recoil of my lungs stated emphatically,

get the hell out - don't need that stuff.

I must say it hurt a little when my lungs rejected the purity of the cold Air this morning. Almost stating,

This is too good, you don't deserve it. Go back inside and sit on your butt.

Fortunately I forged on, the mind battling the body. And after a few minutes the lungs accepted the oxygen and sucked it in deeply and with vigor. And the Elements knew I was for real, not to be taken lightly.

I ran along the River, which immediately brought to mind my theme/motivation trailer for this year's Ironman. The River was flowing, but flowing with hundreds of ice formations breaking apart and reflecting the morning sun into my eyes. A smoky mist was rising off the surface, like a scene from a movie — the morning mist, smoke coming off the marsh, soldiers on horses (and Triathletes on bikes) — silouettes coming through the fog.

The Air I breathed out forming condensation on my two-week growth beard, then freezing. Mini icicles burrowing into my facial hair. The slightest change of facial expression causing a crackling effect, I could feel it break free from literally freezing.

I journeyed beneath an underpass, on the River's edge. The sun reflecting off the water and ice and radiating through the opening on the other side. Like a train's bright light coming out of a tunnel, at first startling — then I just paused and marveled at what I have access to. The Universe itself pulling me forward, making training and the long, hard journey to becoming an Endurable Athlete an experience that is special and memorable. As if it was speaking directly to me, saying...

It's o.k., the journey will be long and hard, but if you pass the tests and forge ahead I'll give you moments like these to keep you going. We're in this together. Have faith.

As I continued, and rose above the River, it gave the appearance of a snake — long and winding. Steam coming off it's back as it basks in the sun. The ice formations breaking and flowing off down River — the snake shedding it's skin and sliding out of it — preparing for a new year. Starting fresh and beginning a new Journey.

I too am that snake, shedding the old skin to build a new, stronger me. Basking in the sun, enjoying the pureness of the morning, how good it feels to breathe in fresh air — to start anew as 2007 begins.

Another endurance journey is afoot — and you reader are encouraged and more than welcome to join me!

So, to quote myself...

We are endurable! Get pumped boys and girls, 2007 is going to Rock!