Starling Fitness: Daily writings on Fitness, Diet, and Health

Zen Habits has a great article about what he learned about life from training for a triathlon. You can see the whole entry here:

• Six Life Lessons Learned from Triathlon Training | Zen Habits

Here is his list:

• Get started – If you are thinking about making a life change; a new job, a trip around the world, or launching a small business…don’t wait. Get started today!

• You have to do the miles (yourself) – If you are studying at university or trying to run 3 miles for the first time it’s not always easy or pleasant, but being persistent and doing homework or running when you don’t feel like it WILL payoff in the long term

• Some days it’s going to rain – actually, it might not only rain but you might get two flat tires at the same time, too. Pursuing personal goals is not always “flowery” and perfect. In fact, some days are going to downright suck.

• Take a break – If you’ve been working hard, don’t be afraid to take a break and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back or to reflect on your goals.

• When you reach a hill put your head down and take it one step at a time – Even though it is not always the solution sometimes you just have to put your head down, take what comes, and plow ahead one-step at a time.

• Find sources of inspiration – Whatever your goals, there are people out there who have overcome and triumphed in the face of adversity and have done what you would like to be doing. Seek them out when you are feeling overwhelmed.

All of these are great ideas for life, especially “You have to do the miles yourself.” You can’t sucker anyone else to do this for you and if you don’t do it, it won’t get done. Having a workout buddy, a dieting partner or a helpful spouse is great, but they can’t stop you from eating and they can’t run for you. Only you can do it.