Inspiration

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What inspires you? Thinking about how active we all are and what we accomplish, we all get it from somewhere. The music we listen to in our iPods or at the gym, losing five pounds, bigger biceps, running a faster 5K and watching amazing athletes in the Olympics – so many sources of skin-tingling inspiration.

Triathletes know Dick and Rick Hoyt, and the Northwest's own 78-year-old Sister Madonna Buder. Steve Prefontaine inspired runners in the 70s, like Jeremy Wariner and Ryan Hall do now. Lance Armstrong faced and survived cancer and won seven Tours de France; and Sarah Reinertsen shows us that being an amputee is a challenge to do more, not a disability (see her smiling face on the cover of the August issue). Television and books have brought many more inspirational stories into our lives to fuel our athletic fires. If you are lucky, you may have been inspired firsthand, by being part of an event that stirs your emotions and makes you want to run, jump or start something new.

Inspiration can be a strong emotion. At the end of August I participated in the Ironman Canada Triathlon in B.C. When I crossed the finish line I felt a bit woozy from the long, draining effort that day and two volunteers put themselves under my arms and helped me to a chair and a drink. They sat with me for a few moments - getting me something to eat, drink and ensuring I was recovering my strength. My volunteers happened to be from Portland. One expressed how inspired he was by the finishers, the atmosphere and the excitement. He said the energy makes him want to try an Ironman one day soon. I said there was something in the air and the water at these events that attracts people to get an entry form, sign up and make their own journey to the finish line.

After the August issue of Competitor came out I received a few messages from readers about my column on organics, and getting around by bike and foot: human-powered. There were a few good ideas in that note and readers took it to heart, either sharing their same views or writing that the case I made was strong enough to inspire them to try it for themselves. Sometimes finding agreement with someone else validates your ideas and strengthens your beliefs - inspiring you and confirming that you're on to something good! I loved getting the letters from readers; it inspired me!

Far too often a not-so-happy story motivates and inspires us. It is wildly inspiring to see someone facing challenges who can keep that head up and face each day with a smile and determination. Jamie Whitmore is an athlete who was racing XTERRA triathlons at the top of the world last year. Jamie is a world champion, fantastic racer and great person. She started having numbness in her leg and that led to finding a tumor. According to her blog, Jamie's hopes are to walk again, and function normally. This puts things like finishing an Ironman or running a PR in a 5K into perspective. Jamie's drive to get her body and life back are inspiring. Get inspired and wish her luck at www.jamiewhitmore.com. 

Still, one of the most inspiring scenes is watching children running or cycling, playing soccer or dodge-ball. Children are so innocent and they are focused on the game wholly, with mind and heart. We can learn a lot from their focus on the game, ignoring all distractions. Watch your kids play or run the kiddie race and be in awe of it. That's inspiration pure and simple.

There are many forces at work that get us out of bed and to the gym, motivating us. Whatever drives you to work out, compete, live life to the fullest - be inspired in fitness and become someone else's inspiration as a result.

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