I read recently that as soon as you say never, there you go nevering like you never nevered before. Ten years ago, 2015, I found myself nevering like I could have never imagined when confronted with the end of my marriage and the world I knew amidst my husband’s horrific infidelity and unimaginable choices. I knew my marriage would never end. And, yet, there I was, nevering like never before and was completely broken. Yet, with the overwhelming support of my family and friends, putting one foot in front of the other was somehow possible. After several weeks of hibernating, I was able to get back to cycling and running which had been my therapy for years.
During that time, it ocurred to me that I had toyed with the idea of doing a half-ironman triathlon in the past but had put that idea away some time before all of this happened. But. WHY NOT??? I remember clearly thinking, “WELL, IT’S DEFINITELY NOT THE HARDEST THING I’VE DONE THIS YEAR!!!”
I probably wouldn’t be writing this now if I hadn’t made the decision to why not??? I met Jason through triathlon training, and here I am….why notting. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” I think Carson must have shared that mentality with his why not attitude, and it is contagious, inspiring, reassuring, and uplifting. Who wouldn’t want to embrace that?! I made the decision and registered for Augusta 2016.
So, I trained, forged amazing relationships, survived the detritus of my divorce (a word I said would “never” be in my vocabulary), and completed one half ironman and the cycle/run portion of a second half ironman.
Yes, you can…..you CAN why not yourself into an achievement or dream. Whatever it is. I am blessed and privileged to know Jason and Nicole, to be touched by their mission, to keep Carson’s dreams alive, and to keep achieving my Why Not.
Susan Black
