PossAbilities and K Swiss HQ

K Swiss T ShirtSo I am back in LA and getting ready for another race.  This time we are changing things up a little and starting with the run and ending with the swim.  Some would call this a death trap but I look at it more like a challenge.  On Sunday I will be competing in the 7th Annual PossAbilities Reverse Triathlon.  PossAbilities is a non-profit organization run through Loma Linda University that creates opportunities for people ith physical challenges to do things never thought possible.  It is a great organization.   I met the PossAbilities staff while attending the Paralympic Nordic training camp in Sun Valley, ID earlier this year and loved their mission.  The race this Sunday was just going to be a fun little race, that is, until I found out that $2,000 goes to the winner and they pay 5 deep.  Knowing this, the tables have turned and I have my game face on.  Well, I don’t really have my game face on yet but it will by Sunday.

In the meantime, I am spending today (Friday) hanging out with my favorite K Swiss peeps Ivette Ramos and Erik Vervloet.  For lunch we went to some Italian place in Malibu but its not sitting so well with my stomach.  From there I followed them back to K Swiss HQ to catch up on all that is going on for the future of K Swiss running and triathlon.  They’ve got some killer new stuff coming out and I am super excited.  Also while here today I plan on designing some new clothing designs for the 2010 lines.  I am sure these will go over very will  with them.  Although my designs probably won’t get past the drafting and initial cut stage at least the groundwork will be set for the greatest fashion line the world has ever seen.Later today I wll go catch up with my good friends the Talberts in Calabasas, hopefully go for a dip in the pool and then hang out with my guide and former MSU triclubber John Severin  The weekend will be great and I will have more details come Monday when the race is over and I am hopefully $2,000 richer.

Breaking Out of the Comfort Zone

Over my years, I realize that we as humans create  a pattern of life in which we are comfortable and satisfied.  The thought of change spurs on anxiety and discomfort.  Although this comfort zone feels good at the time, it is not the path to success nor will we ever fulfill our full potential.  Success comes to those that break through the comfort zone and endure initial discomfort in exchange for life long success.  I found this poem that I believe explains this better than I ever could. 

 

My Comfort Zone

Author: Unknown

 

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn’t fail.
The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much.
I said I didn’t care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I’d never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you’re in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.

Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you