Fear Is a Liar

Each and every day we are faced with an important decision - get out of bed and face the day or stay tucked under the covers and hope the challenges away. For most of us, we decide to plop one foot on the floor, then the other, and attempt to tackle the day ahead. While our mind may play tricks on us, telling us the day is going to be too difficult, there will be people we don't want to see, or there's no way possible you can accomplish all of that, we must cast aside the fear of failure and be determined to become all we choose to be.

As we continue to embark our IronMan journey, undoubtedly we will face many moments of fear. As a team, we faced one of those moments yesterday as the news of Summer's knee injury continuing to linger rose to the surface. This news, which will prevent her from completing the marathon portion of our race, was saddening indeed. While fear of ever running again has set in for Summer, I can imagine fear set in for Captain Tom as well. Will he still get the chance to become an IronMan? Who might replace Summer? Will they fit in with the team? It's not easy to just go and find someone that is willing to run 26.2 miles. And while any one of us could let fear take over and control our emotions, we managed to support one another through laughter, confidence, and faith.

I really shouldn't be surprised by this reaction though. I have seen the same from countless Captains from myTEAM TRIUMPH, as well as the leadership group of this amazing organization. I have no doubt Christian already has a plan in mind, a person or two in mind, and will support our team and Captain Tom every step of the way! After all, he's been nothing but supportive and motivating through the training and planning thus far.

Training for the events of the IronMan can be daunting and fearful all on their own. Early morning rides, strength training sessions, swimming sessions, long runs, and planning the summer event list. Some might look at the demand, work, and dedication needed and decide to run the other direction. Ironically, I'm starting to enjoy the training and work required to be able to bike 112 miles around Madison. Waking up at 4:30 am isn't as daunting anymore. It's become a lot easier and something I actually look forward to.

Jana continues to push herself in the pool, reluctant to allow anything to hold her back. She eagerly awaits a formal training plan that will push her to max capacity and prepare her body for a grueling 2.4 mile swim. Tom has even joined in on the training by strengthening his core and using his stand up chair more frequently. Their son Zane continues to support his parents in this adventure, swimming with Jana and assisting Tom when he is able. Pretty darn courageous for a teenager that probably has lots on his mind.

No matter how you look at it, this team is beginning to make progress and starting to gel. We are determined to not let fear define us. We will all endure pain in some way on this journey. We will choose to wake up the each day and ask for more, what's next?. We are aware this opportunity will not only build a life-long friendship, it will help each one of us identify who we are, what we believe in, and that fear is a liar!

(Fear Is A Liar - By: Zach Williams)