I was reminded last night of how truly mind boggling the last 9 months have been. HOLY COW! It has ONLY been 9 months! To be completely honest with you, last April, I was just sitting around waiting to die. I was tired of having MS. Tired of the pain. Scared to death of going to the mall to shop for Christmas presents because I dreaded not finding a handicapped parking place. I hated that the word handicapped was associated with me. (I never park in handicapped spaces anymore!) My goal was to be able to function long enough to see my sons get through college. WHAT A PATHETIC GOAL AND HOW LIMITING!
Then, my heroes were put in my life and my goals changed. At first, my goal changed only for me. I would get healthier. Then Team Inspiration was formed as one by one people began supporting and encouraging me. They told me that if I could do a triathlon, then so could they and that they would do it WITH me. High school students, doctors, lawyers, engineers and a myriad of others. Folks of all ages and backgrounds, now numbering over 50, registered to do the CB&I with me. With each person, my strength and I think theirs grew. It is amazing when a high school super jock calls and wants to train with you. It is amazing when they wear their team t-shirts to school and pass out hundreds of Team Inspiration wristbands. It is amazing to see how excited they are to be a part of this. The power of this amazing group of people has exploded and now reaches out and touches so many. I am so thrilled that a goal simply for me has become one to help many. We get a steady stream of emails and thanks from those who this blog has touched.
This started with a baby step, and not a very strong one at that. It grew through the power of positive thinking and Faith. It grew with an attitude of I CAN.
It does not matter if your first baby step is a weak one. Mine certainly was. JUST TAKE IT. PLEASE! Know that Team Inspiration is here for YOU. Let us know how we can encourage you to take that step. Let us celebrate with you when you take it and encourage you to take another one. Our strength grows exponentially every time we hear that our message helps someone. Oh. And make your goals POSITIVE!!! When I did, my life changed!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Success
I came across an interesting quote by basketball hall of fame player Michael Jordan..."I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I was trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." I highly doubt anyone would ever call Michael Jordan a failure and the point is not that he thinks he is a failure but that he recognizes that there will be many failures or set backs in life. How we handle them is what shapes who we are and what we accomplish in the life we are given.
I also attended a funeral over the weekend for a 9 year old girl that lived her life with Cerebral Palsy. So much grief tied to a parent having to let go of a child. She was not ever able to run and jump or even try to shoot a basketball. She knew what it was to live life with constant failures yet she had every bit as much of an impact on people that she encountered as a MVP. Simply an amazing story yet far too brief. In this time of grief there were incredibly wise words shared by a number of people and a line from the program that resonated within me. And as I allowed it to sink in I realized that this is a message that Team Inspiration carries and a good reminder for us all....."I am who I was born to be".
Chances are you may not be able to do everything that you want to do or accomplish all that you envision. If you learn to live your life knowing and using your gifts and talents then even though you encounter failures which we all will, you will know that you are who you were born to be. That my friend is as close to perfection as we can get.
I also attended a funeral over the weekend for a 9 year old girl that lived her life with Cerebral Palsy. So much grief tied to a parent having to let go of a child. She was not ever able to run and jump or even try to shoot a basketball. She knew what it was to live life with constant failures yet she had every bit as much of an impact on people that she encountered as a MVP. Simply an amazing story yet far too brief. In this time of grief there were incredibly wise words shared by a number of people and a line from the program that resonated within me. And as I allowed it to sink in I realized that this is a message that Team Inspiration carries and a good reminder for us all....."I am who I was born to be".
Chances are you may not be able to do everything that you want to do or accomplish all that you envision. If you learn to live your life knowing and using your gifts and talents then even though you encounter failures which we all will, you will know that you are who you were born to be. That my friend is as close to perfection as we can get.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
WHAT IF…..
What if I get an illness or disease that dictates what I can and can’t (there’s that word I hate again) do? What if I am not qualified enough to get that promotion? What if I am not strong enough to finish a triathlon?
I have wasted so much time questioning myself with “what ifs”. Really, they only limit us and do so on a daily basis. They prevent us from achieving our dreams and goals. We do not know how much time we are Blessed to be on this earth so shouldn’t we cherish every moment? I am not suggesting that we should not grieve or feel badly when we think that “bad” things happen to us. (Remember the farmer in Zen Shorts?) Shouldn’t we make our lives something that can inspire others to be the best they can be, even in the face of adversity? It has taken me almost 48 years to learn something. Do not regret yesterday. Do not over plan tomorrow. If you do, you might miss the joy that is TODAY. Experience TODAY. Enjoy TODAY. Make TODAY your best day ever. Make TODAY something that you are proud to share with others. LIVE TODAY and experience the euphoria that it is. The attitude may surprise you with how you confront and ultimately conquer your challenges.
To the person who inspired this: Stay strong and have Faith. I love you very much, as do many.
To everyone:
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
I have wasted so much time questioning myself with “what ifs”. Really, they only limit us and do so on a daily basis. They prevent us from achieving our dreams and goals. We do not know how much time we are Blessed to be on this earth so shouldn’t we cherish every moment? I am not suggesting that we should not grieve or feel badly when we think that “bad” things happen to us. (Remember the farmer in Zen Shorts?) Shouldn’t we make our lives something that can inspire others to be the best they can be, even in the face of adversity? It has taken me almost 48 years to learn something. Do not regret yesterday. Do not over plan tomorrow. If you do, you might miss the joy that is TODAY. Experience TODAY. Enjoy TODAY. Make TODAY your best day ever. Make TODAY something that you are proud to share with others. LIVE TODAY and experience the euphoria that it is. The attitude may surprise you with how you confront and ultimately conquer your challenges.
To the person who inspired this: Stay strong and have Faith. I love you very much, as do many.
To everyone:
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Monday, January 10, 2011
PROGRESS REPORT AND REMINDER ABOUT BABY STEPS
I wanted to give you a progress report but first I want to remind you about the importance of taking baby steps.
I do not want those of you who are following this blog to think for a nanosecond that I was able to do a even a FRACTION of what I am doing today when I started this last May. If you read this from the beginning, you will see the progression. As Nathan pointed out last week, I had to work up to taking a break at 1.55 miles. When he and I started walking, I could barely make a half-mile (or less) before I had to stop. And riding my bike KILLED me, even for a short distance. Importantly, even minimal physical exertion frequently caused me to have to rest for the remainder of the day or longer. I am just a weak man made strong by the support of AMAZING people. They have helped me to get where I am. And we have done it by taking baby steps and learning to be patient. I encourage you to go back and read this from the beginning so that you may see what I have learned.
Now for a progress report!
Saturday, Pete and Heather and I went for our weekly bike ride. I rode 15.25 miles WITHOUT TAKING A BREAK EXCEPT FOR SHORT WATER BREAKS AND WITHOUT GETTING OFF OF MY BIKE! When we got back to Villa, Heather insisted that she stand next to me as I got off of my bike. (I have gained MANY mothers and fathers in this process!) Perhaps that was because in the past, getting off of my bike usually consisted of me falling to the ground where I had to remain until I could stand. Even then, my walking was pathetic. Not Saturday! Heather says that I swung my leg up and over the bike like a pro. Better yet, I was able to stand straight and strong and even walked for some time! Could I have done any of that last May? NO WAY! And I tirelessly ran errands the rest of the day!
As you saw in yesterday’s blog, my walk with Nathan was a stormy one! But despite the temperature and driving rain, I was still able to beat my previous time for the 5K!
Make a start! Take baby steps, surround yourself with amazing and positive people who tell you that you CAN, and (to steal the Nike slogan) JUST DO IT!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
I do not want those of you who are following this blog to think for a nanosecond that I was able to do a even a FRACTION of what I am doing today when I started this last May. If you read this from the beginning, you will see the progression. As Nathan pointed out last week, I had to work up to taking a break at 1.55 miles. When he and I started walking, I could barely make a half-mile (or less) before I had to stop. And riding my bike KILLED me, even for a short distance. Importantly, even minimal physical exertion frequently caused me to have to rest for the remainder of the day or longer. I am just a weak man made strong by the support of AMAZING people. They have helped me to get where I am. And we have done it by taking baby steps and learning to be patient. I encourage you to go back and read this from the beginning so that you may see what I have learned.
Now for a progress report!
Saturday, Pete and Heather and I went for our weekly bike ride. I rode 15.25 miles WITHOUT TAKING A BREAK EXCEPT FOR SHORT WATER BREAKS AND WITHOUT GETTING OFF OF MY BIKE! When we got back to Villa, Heather insisted that she stand next to me as I got off of my bike. (I have gained MANY mothers and fathers in this process!) Perhaps that was because in the past, getting off of my bike usually consisted of me falling to the ground where I had to remain until I could stand. Even then, my walking was pathetic. Not Saturday! Heather says that I swung my leg up and over the bike like a pro. Better yet, I was able to stand straight and strong and even walked for some time! Could I have done any of that last May? NO WAY! And I tirelessly ran errands the rest of the day!
As you saw in yesterday’s blog, my walk with Nathan was a stormy one! But despite the temperature and driving rain, I was still able to beat my previous time for the 5K!
Make a start! Take baby steps, surround yourself with amazing and positive people who tell you that you CAN, and (to steal the Nike slogan) JUST DO IT!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday's Super Star
People,
For those of you not in the Houston area, it is 39 degrees and raining pretty hard.
Did that stop Trace and I from doing our walk this morning...NO!
I must say the conditions were pretty miserable but the experience will always be a great , why?
Well other than that Trace and I were soaked, shoes, pants, jackets, gloves, etc. Trace just went out and set another personal best for the 3.1 mile course. Last week was the first week we walked the course without breaks and completed it in 1:17 and change. This week in the cold blowing rain, 1:13 and change.
I am telling you, this guy is a super star. But we all pretty much know that.
Nathan
For those of you not in the Houston area, it is 39 degrees and raining pretty hard.
Did that stop Trace and I from doing our walk this morning...NO!
I must say the conditions were pretty miserable but the experience will always be a great , why?
Well other than that Trace and I were soaked, shoes, pants, jackets, gloves, etc. Trace just went out and set another personal best for the 3.1 mile course. Last week was the first week we walked the course without breaks and completed it in 1:17 and change. This week in the cold blowing rain, 1:13 and change.
I am telling you, this guy is a super star. But we all pretty much know that.
Nathan
Monday, January 3, 2011
NO BOUNDARIES
Life is so strange and wonderful sometimes. Yesterday, after Nathan and I walked, the song sung by Kris Allen came on my radio in the car as I was driving home. For those of you that want to know how long it has been since I was able to walk over three miles without a break, it has been over 15 years. The lyrics follow:
Seconds, hours, so many days
You know what you want but how long can you wait?
Every moment lasts forever
When you feel you lost your way
And what if my chances were already gone?
Started believing that I could be wrong
But you give me one good reason
To fight and never walk away
So here I am still holding on!
With every step you climb another mountain
Every breath it's harder to believe
You make it through the pain, weather the hurricanes
To get to that one thing
Just when you think the road is going nowhere
Just when you almost gave up on your dreams
They take you by the hand and show you that you can
There are no boundaries!
There are no boundaries!
I fought to the limit to stand on the edge
What if today is as good it gets?
Don't know where the future's headed
But nothing's gonna bring me down
I've jumped every bridge and I've run every line
I've risked being safe but I always knew why
I always knew why!
So here I am still holding on!
You can go higher, you can go deeper
There are no boundaries above and beneath you
Break every rule 'cause there's nothing between you and your dreams
Those of you who attend the Team Inspiration victory celebration after the triathlon May 7th will hear this song. That is all that I am saying!
It’s a new year. Make it one with NO BOUNDARIES!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Seconds, hours, so many days
You know what you want but how long can you wait?
Every moment lasts forever
When you feel you lost your way
And what if my chances were already gone?
Started believing that I could be wrong
But you give me one good reason
To fight and never walk away
So here I am still holding on!
With every step you climb another mountain
Every breath it's harder to believe
You make it through the pain, weather the hurricanes
To get to that one thing
Just when you think the road is going nowhere
Just when you almost gave up on your dreams
They take you by the hand and show you that you can
There are no boundaries!
There are no boundaries!
I fought to the limit to stand on the edge
What if today is as good it gets?
Don't know where the future's headed
But nothing's gonna bring me down
I've jumped every bridge and I've run every line
I've risked being safe but I always knew why
I always knew why!
So here I am still holding on!
You can go higher, you can go deeper
There are no boundaries above and beneath you
Break every rule 'cause there's nothing between you and your dreams
Those of you who attend the Team Inspiration victory celebration after the triathlon May 7th will hear this song. That is all that I am saying!
It’s a new year. Make it one with NO BOUNDARIES!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Trace Sherer's Major Accomplishment
Folks,
Trace Sherer walked 3.1 miles today without a break. I will let Trace tell everyone how long it has been since he has accomplished such a fete. As a measure, Trace had never walked more than about 1.55 miles without a break before today. Trace's prior best time for the CB&I 3.1 mile course was 1:28 minutes. Today, Trace finished in 1:17 and change.
It was an extraordinary morning. Not only did Trace surpass every previous mile stone, I think he did something today that he never thought he would do again. I am constantly amazed by this man.
More than a great job Trace.
Nathan
Trace Sherer walked 3.1 miles today without a break. I will let Trace tell everyone how long it has been since he has accomplished such a fete. As a measure, Trace had never walked more than about 1.55 miles without a break before today. Trace's prior best time for the CB&I 3.1 mile course was 1:28 minutes. Today, Trace finished in 1:17 and change.
It was an extraordinary morning. Not only did Trace surpass every previous mile stone, I think he did something today that he never thought he would do again. I am constantly amazed by this man.
More than a great job Trace.
Nathan
Saturday, January 1, 2011
THE BEST NEW YEAR EVER!
Well folks -
IT'S OFFICIAL! At 12:00 am I registered for the 2011 CB&I triathlon! This is going to happen! I am so excited! And I have already gotten emails from members of Team Inspiration telling me that they have already registered! HOW COOL IS THIS!!!!
Thanks to you all for making my life AMAZING!
Have an AWESOME New Year!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
IT'S OFFICIAL! At 12:00 am I registered for the 2011 CB&I triathlon! This is going to happen! I am so excited! And I have already gotten emails from members of Team Inspiration telling me that they have already registered! HOW COOL IS THIS!!!!
Thanks to you all for making my life AMAZING!
Have an AWESOME New Year!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
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