How Do You Top The Most Amazing Year Of Your Life?
In 2018, I turned 60 years-bold and I did something most told me was impossible. I completed 60 Ironman/Full Distance Triathlons (each consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile marathon). Just to put this journey in perspective, on my way to #60, I passed the current Guinness World Record for most ironmans completed in a year which was 44.
When people hear what I did, most think that I’m crazy. I don’t see it that way. Of course, I usually lose that argument, but that’s ok. If I simply plant the seed that we ALL have so much more that we are capable of, then it's a win!
After I completed this amazing year, I had lots of folks asking, “What’s next?” After careful consideration, there were two things that felt like unfinished business. First, I got the opportunity to talk to some kids and school groups on this journey. The positive impact on the kids has been such a blessing and I want to be able to do more of that in the coming year.
Second, I completed 12 of my ironman events in our National Parks. They were among my favorite races and always left me feeling a sense of awe and gratitude for the privilege to enjoy them. Given that the Parks have been under siege with the current Administration (reduced funding, reclamation of protected lands, a focus on energy exploration over land preservation, etc.), I wanted a way to bring attention to these national treasures.
In 2019, I continued the journey I began in 2018 until I reached 105 ironmans (My goal was to reach 100). The focus was to complete my events in and near our National Parks to draw attention to their beauty and to advocate for their protection.
As I continue to push and challenge myself, I invite you to do the same. Do you have things that get you pumped up and really excited? For me, it’s breaking through my own self-imposed limits and helping others do the same. I hope you will join me on your own journey and explore ways that you can make a difference.
“I have no desire to live an ordinary life. I feel most alive when I’m pushing myself and I believe with every ounce of my being that we all are capable of so much more than we will ever realize. It is our choice to step into our boldness, even when struggle and pain are inevitable and success is precarious and uncertain. Because it is through struggle that we forge who we are, who we can become and the difference we can make in the world.”
- Will Turner, Before The Virginia Quintuple Anvil