Cathy and RD Shelley Motivate Each Other to Complete a Triathlon

By: Amy Bortnick

“Do or do not. T here is no try” – Yoda

These are the words that helped empower Shelley’s client Cathy to successfully complete her first triathlon. Many people have a physical challenge of some sort on their life-long bucket list but often times it sits there right next to the exotic adventure they never take and the million dollars they have yet to win.  It takes great motivation and courage both mentally and physically to train and complete a triathlon. After hearing about Cathy’s personal victory I was extremely inspired by her and asked for an interview so I could find out just what it takes to put that check next to triathlon on a bucket list. The first thing I wanted to find out from her was when and why she decided to complete a triathlon. She said that the seed to compete was planted around a year ago as motivation to stay physically active.  Cathy and Shelley both watered that seed until they made the commitment together to participate in a beginner’s triathlon this past June. Once she signed up, Cathy bought a gym membership and followed a beginners training schedule she found on beginnertriathlete.com.  She stayed motivated through her training knowing that Shelley and her brother would be at the event counting on her to complete her goal. Taking on a challenge often times has a great impact on the way we view ourselves, for Cathy, she was elated just to finish the triathlon and her accomplishment has truly boosted her self-esteem. When it came to nutrition she said that training for a physical event made her more aware of her food choices so she was sure not to sabotage all her hard-work.  Her most challenging aspect of her goal was actually competing in the event on race day. She took on her challenge with the aid of her social support team cheering her on through each event and holding her accountable to crossing the finish line. She said that the experience was a great opportunity to learn about her physical abilities and in the future she plans to be more consistent with her training schedule to improve her performance. Cathy did not simply check off triathlon on her bucket list and move on; instead she already has plans to compete again in order to stay committed to a physically active lifestyle.  Cathy leaves us with the advice to set a goal, it doesn’t matter how soon or far away it may be setting a goal is the first critical step to getting things done in life. Cathy’s audacity to chase after her goals is a true inspiration that teaches us the power in working hard and dreaming big!

Thanks Cathy for sharing your story and congratulations on your success!