Heroes and Role Models...

I bought Ultra Marathon Man Dean Kanazes' newest book a week before I went to Clearwater.  I made myself wait to read it beacause I knew once I started it I would not put it down.  Also, I had hoped it would be a great way to pass the time on the plane and help keep me off my feet on the day before the race.  The book is "5050", Dean's account of his successful bid to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days.  

Now, think about that for a second. FIFTY marathons.  I walk around thinking I am and acting pretty "tough".   I know I am.  I try to be.  If you knock me down I'll get back up.  If you mess with me or someone I love, I'll knock you down and you WON'T get back up.  I have done things that are hard, I have endured testing times personally (like everyone), but 50 CONSECUTIVE marathons?  I sat and tried to think about how I would get through that.  Life is full of regrets.  Dean came trough Portland Maine on his tour and I really wanted to run with him.  I didn't step out of my comfort zone and go down to to Boulevard to run alongside him.  I regret that I missed  that opportunity.  It was one of those things in life I'd do differently.  I'll keep this book.  I'll keep it beside my bed and I'll reach for it when I need a little extra motivation from time to time.  Below is a quote from the book that kind of stayed with me, made me bend the page over and go back to it.  

"While heroes and role models can help us make small steps forward in the never-ending journey of becoming our true selves, they can only take us so far.  Once you pass a certain point in the journey, you have to stop becoming more like the people you admire and start becoming your own unique self."

I'm not sure why this quote made a light bulb go on for me.  All I know is I keep referring back to it.  Maybe it's because I'm getting a little older.  And maybe I'm coming to that point in the journey.

Anyway, it's a great read.  I enjoyed it and am thankful for the motivation I got from it.  It will help me press on the next time I want to throw in the towel.  

Lace 'em up tight, take no prisoners.

Bobby T