Having Fun and Living in the Moment

I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but something is very different. Running and triathlon has always filled me with a sense of accomplishment. It has provided me with an outlet for stress relief and a way to ponder and work through the big emotions in life. It has built my confidence and given me a sense of purpose, something to really drive me. But this year, these last 5 months, there is something much more to it. 

Maybe Counting Crows was right when they sang "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone..." Somewhere between 2019 and 2023 I lost myself, and gradually, over these last 5 months I've found myself again. A lot happened over those 3+ years and I'm a different person than I was back then. Life is fleeting, and we never get the years, months, days, hours, or minutes back. Maybe it is this realization that has made me view training and racing in a whole new light.

In the past, I was always looking forward to the next race or the next big challenge to overcome. I enjoyed each race but I never really took the time to slow down, look around me, and be in the moment. I can't explain why, but my viewpoint is so different now. I still spend some time looking to the future and dreaming about what can be and what I want to do, but mostly, I am spending my time enjoying each moment. When I began my run streak more than 530 days ago, I thought that running every single day would eventually get old and boring but it really hasn't. I will admit that their are occasionally days that I don't want to run, bike, swim, or strength train but I am happy to say that they are few and far between. I'm just glad that I'm back at it and I'm feeling more like myself again. 

There have been so many little moments these past few months that have stuck with me. Some of those things have always been there, and others are new, but I'm noticing them all and every one of them is having a positive impact on me. 

Getting out of my warm bed, stepping out the door to feel the frigid winter air on my face each day during winter and early spring was so invigorating. 

All smiles after a bitter cold training run
in March

Toeing the start line and far exceeding my own expectations on race day give me such a fantastic feeling of accomplishment and self worth. 

Excited to finish an early season 5k and
place 2nd in my division

Rediscovering familiar courses and remembering how fun the environment is at some of my favorite races. More importantly, feeling okay with where I'm at and not comparing myself to past-Patrick at those same races. 

Really remembering how great it feels to
push myself during a race

Really appreciating what it means to have great friends in my life who truly care about me. Even better yet, being able to meet each other where we are at and discover new ways of spending time together. 

One of many fun bike rides with Kyle and Adam this year

Rediscovering my love of swimming. How peaceful it is in the pool when all other noise and distractions disappear and it's just me and the water. One of the few times in life that I'm able to just turn my brain off for a little while. 

Enjoying the opportunity to swim again

Feeling a deep appreciation for each person who takes time away from their life to show up at a race and cheer me on. Building a deeper connection with those people in my life who show interest in my races, especially several coworkers who ask how things went first thing Monday morning at work

Soaking in every moment of racing with a cheering section

Understanding and appreciating the sacrifices that my wife and kids make so that I can do something that I love. Even better than that, watching my kids start to take interest in swimming, biking, running, and overall fitness. Getting text's from my wife telling me that Bridget took off running yelling "I want to be like daddy!"

Finding true happiness in my wife and kids
coming to watch me race

Making connections with people at work through racing and training, especially through the Des Moines Corporate Games. Just knowing they understand the sacrifice, hard work, and passion associated with this sport the way that I do. Also, being able to represent my employer once again, fills me with so much pride. 

Feeling honored to represent John Deere
in the Corporate Games

So many other feelings that are hard to describe...

• The butterflies I get the night before a race
• Crossing the finish line
• Having a group of friends on Garmin Connect that push me to be better and encourage me
• The relief of finishing a hard workout
• The feeling of pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible
• The gut wrenching heartbreak of a bad workout
• All of the time I get to spend enjoying time outside
• The drive to get 1% better every day
• Meeting other competitors on race day
• Seeing the same people in my neighborhood out walking and running each morning
• Looking at my medal rack and thinking back on all of those great memories

I know that triathlon is not for everyone, but I hope that everyone can find something that fills them with as much joy as triathlon does for me. When you find it, make sure you make the time to follow that passion and never take a moment of it for granted. 

I am having so much fun right now. There will come a day where I can't do it all anymore, so for now I'm not taking any of it for granted.