Friday, September 9, 2011

You can't fix crazy.....

"We are all a little weird. And life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." -Dr. Seuss


Several months ago Jason told me that his friend Kellie had signed up for the Epicman triathlon. When I asked what it was he said "A 7.2 mile swim, 336 mile bike, and a 78.6 mile run." It's a triple Ironman that takes place in Oahu, Hawaii. My first reaction was WOW! That is awesome! You should apply for it! It's limited to 20 participants and it's invite only. I knew Jason's race resume was great and he would get in if he really wanted it.


I know what you are thinking. That a triple Ironman is totally nuts. You are probably thinking that anyone who wants to do something like that is totally crazy. Well, I might be a little off my knocker too, because I thought it was a wonderful idea.


Why support something so insane? Well, let's face it. If the person you love has the courage and guts to apply for a race that has a SIXTY HOUR cutoff then you really have no choice but to support them. Because they obviously have a mental disorder and need help.


I learned a long time ago that you can't change people and you definitely cannot fix crazy. Jason is stubborn and hard-headed, and has more ambition and drive than most people I know combined. He refuses to quit. He has an incredible work ethic and NEVER skips workouts or cuts anything short. Personally he's my multi-sport hero and I try my hardest to support him in every way possible because he does the same for me. I think that ultra distance racing is mostly psychological, and you cannot be successful without a support network. It's not an easy lifestyle and having a partner that totally understands and supports you makes reaching your goals that much more achievable.


Some of you reading this may be the spouse or partner of someone who is "crazy". You might be widowed by the sport and not a happy camper. I get that. My advice? Do something crazy yourself. I decided to ride my bike across Florida.


If dates on a bike aren't your thing here are some other suggestions for how to go crazy:


- start yelling "stranger danger" when people you don't know talk to you


- take up "reverse crosstitching" make a stitch, reverse it, repeat.


-become a skittle separator. Refuse to allow anyone to eat colors out of your specific order preference


-before you meet new people, pop an alka seltzer in your mouth. Proceed.


-play tag in Wal-Mart. Fitting room lady is base.


-Attach signs to water fountains that say "Free water today!"


-visit your local animal shelter. Lay down and say "pick me! pick me!"


ENJOY!