Supposed.

"supposed to". what you are "supposed to" do. interesting. very interesting. there is this large collection of "things" in this world....that we knowingly know we are "supposed to" do. whether we do or not is another story. Let me elaborate.

we are supposed to: pick up after ourselves. make our beds. clean our ears. floss. hold the door for people. say thank you. respect our elders. put our napkin on our lap. fart in bathrooms only. do you follow me? get what i mean about things we are "supposed to" do.

Now...with that established...every day we encounter this. we constantly have to make choices. most of the time you know the choice you are "supposed to" make. you know what you should do but you have this other little voice in the back of your head that offers another option...one that is probably easier...more convenient....contrary to what you are supposed to do.

I write about this because I was listening to a story told by a friend. He spoke about how one time he had to give CPR to a man on the street....a stranger. He followed it with "it was just what I was supposed to do."

That story really made me think. If only everyone in this world just did what they were supposed to do. Wouldn't we live in a better place?

Even the little things........like when you go to the grocery store--bring the cart back-don't leave it in the parking lot to blow into some body's car door. When you are at the store and you decide you don't want something--put it back where you found it...don't leave it in the dressing room or on a random rack. when you are walking into a building...look back to see if there is anyone else coming-hold the door so it doesn't slam into someones face. When you are driving in a car--Stop and wait for those in the crosswalk to cross....you are nice and warm in your car and they are out in the cold walking. Don't get mad at people--when you are actually mad at a situation--most of the time it isn't their fault that something went wrong.

Applying this concept to training....if you are supposed to do a 2hr ride. Do a 2hr ride. Don't cut it short because you get lazy. Don't let the other voice in your head cheat you. What goes around comes around....if you aren't going to do what you are supposed to do...don't complain when the outcome isn't what you would have liked.

These things all add up...each day....each episode of life. In 2008, pledge to be more conscious. more aware of the things you are "supposed to" do.

Furthermore...i think we as triathletes have a duty to our community. we are smart....triathletes aren't stupid people--for the most part. so act the part. represent. do what you are supposed to do when you are out in the community. it is contageous. people are always watching. noticing. even strangers that don't even know you are a triathlete. be an example. and even if someone else doesn't notice...you will notice. kill em with kindness and you will empower yourself as a person...you will BE better by DOING better. By doing what you are supposed to do. make momma proud. :)