Two-Twelve: Adding the Extra Degree

"The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible." - Rich DeVos

Motivation. We all get it from somewhere...from someone. Often, we (and I mean endurance athletes) have the innate ability to find motivation within ourselves. I mean, seriously, out on the roads training or out on the race course, there are times when we are all alone. No one is there to encourage us, to push us forward. What keeps us from quitting right then and there?

I believe what sets us apart is the fact that we gather and save motivation and support from each other - from other athletes, from our tri-spouses, from our families/friends. Many people think that what we do is crazy - no matter what distance in which you compete. But we do it. We may not necessarily look great doing it, but we do. We have the will to try it, the will to train for it and the faith to believe that we're going to finish...and finish strong.

We are a special breed and I am happy to know that I belong. I am thankful for all of you out there that provide me with that inspiration and motivation that I need to continue to train and compete.

I had a great 18-mile training run on Saturday. I knew I could do it.  Not only because I was with a training group that wouldn't drop me, not only because I'd done this distance before, but because I was motivated and inspired by all of you...all of us.

Sometimes, though, we need more. I find motivation and inspiration from my personal relationship with Jesus. I also know that there organizations out there that put together "training" materials that motivate and inspire. Recently, I was told that I might want to check out 212° the extra degree. The premise here is built on the idea that only a small amount of extra effort can have a big impact on results. "At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And with steam, you can power a train. Just one extra degree can make all the difference."

There is a motivational introductory video on the site too. I checked it out and thought it was interesting...

I can't speak to the whole "training" of two-twelve, but I definitely believe and agree with the notion that the only secret to success is that there is no secret - hard work, commitment and perseverance is all that you need to achieve your goals.