It is official! Team Inspiration Texas, a nonprofit organization, now has a website. Thanks to all that made this happen! The website is www.teaminspirationtexas.org. The picture on the top of our website is of our new logo. Team Inspiration Texas has already done some powerful things and will do so for many years to come. This blog will remain with the hope that it is inspirational and the website will be more informational.
It is my hope that this amazing group of people can continue to motivate folks like it has motivated me. Thanks to you all for your encouragement and support. I would not be where I am without each of you!
A short progress report – MY SWIMMING, BIKING AND WALKING JUST GET STRONGER AND STRONGER!!!!!!!! I will be ready for May 7th!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Managing Crisis
I had the privilege to attend a Men’s Retreat over the weekend and there were a couple of things that stood out in my mind and I wanted to share them with Trace and then I realized that there isn’t anything that Trace and I share that we would not also offer to others in hope that it would be beneficial to them a well.
The theme at the retreat was about “Crisis”. Sound Familiar? Fact is we are all either in crisis, just getting out of crisis or about to head into the next crisis. Not the most encouraging news but there is opportunity in each situation. Most of us have a calendar filled with planned events and its probably safe to say that none of those events are scheduled to be a crisis. Life is full of unforeseen events which put us in crisis. The hardest part of a crisis is learning how it provides us with the ability to grow. We still get to choose how and to what degree we grow from that experience but it always has the potential to make us better. I could give a number of examples from the retreat or from my own life but I am sure that anyone that reads this can fill in a crisis from their life which was not planned, extremely difficult, and left absolutely no desire to ever go there again. Yet at the same time, it is those events that make us who we are. Hopefully stronger, wiser, more caring and with a better sense of direction to name a few.
There was an interesting comment made to me that I do not want to get misinterpreted but feel there is actually great comfort in it as well. The comment was that “You can’t die until your work is done”. God clearly has a plan for each of our lives and we need to focus on fulfilling our greater purpose. While it is comforting at the same time that it is unnerving, God does not waste a crisis in our lives and he will always take care of us. Now we can all think of examples of where we think a life was called before its time and someday we can get all the answers but the greatest comfort is that we all have a purpose….each and every day!
I recall thinking last year that riding 180 miles on my bike over the weekend in the MS 150 was going to be a waste of time but it provided me with one of the greatest opportunities of my life and that is the involvement with people who have MS and those that support people with MS. I would have never got there on my own and although riding is not a crisis it shows me that I don’t always have to have all the answers but I do need to be available and willing to work within a far greater plan.
Trace and I feel the same way. The formation of Team Inspiration Texas and the impact it has had on us and others is far far greater than anything else we have accomplished. We also know that is cannot happen alone or in isolation. By coming together on this journey called life which is bound to be filled with more unscheduled moments or times of crisis, we can make a difference in the lives of others but it more importantly enables us to handle the greater transformation within ourselves.
Journey along with us and those around you. Always remember you have a significant purpose so make sure your are working it every day.
Jim
The theme at the retreat was about “Crisis”. Sound Familiar? Fact is we are all either in crisis, just getting out of crisis or about to head into the next crisis. Not the most encouraging news but there is opportunity in each situation. Most of us have a calendar filled with planned events and its probably safe to say that none of those events are scheduled to be a crisis. Life is full of unforeseen events which put us in crisis. The hardest part of a crisis is learning how it provides us with the ability to grow. We still get to choose how and to what degree we grow from that experience but it always has the potential to make us better. I could give a number of examples from the retreat or from my own life but I am sure that anyone that reads this can fill in a crisis from their life which was not planned, extremely difficult, and left absolutely no desire to ever go there again. Yet at the same time, it is those events that make us who we are. Hopefully stronger, wiser, more caring and with a better sense of direction to name a few.
There was an interesting comment made to me that I do not want to get misinterpreted but feel there is actually great comfort in it as well. The comment was that “You can’t die until your work is done”. God clearly has a plan for each of our lives and we need to focus on fulfilling our greater purpose. While it is comforting at the same time that it is unnerving, God does not waste a crisis in our lives and he will always take care of us. Now we can all think of examples of where we think a life was called before its time and someday we can get all the answers but the greatest comfort is that we all have a purpose….each and every day!
I recall thinking last year that riding 180 miles on my bike over the weekend in the MS 150 was going to be a waste of time but it provided me with one of the greatest opportunities of my life and that is the involvement with people who have MS and those that support people with MS. I would have never got there on my own and although riding is not a crisis it shows me that I don’t always have to have all the answers but I do need to be available and willing to work within a far greater plan.
Trace and I feel the same way. The formation of Team Inspiration Texas and the impact it has had on us and others is far far greater than anything else we have accomplished. We also know that is cannot happen alone or in isolation. By coming together on this journey called life which is bound to be filled with more unscheduled moments or times of crisis, we can make a difference in the lives of others but it more importantly enables us to handle the greater transformation within ourselves.
Journey along with us and those around you. Always remember you have a significant purpose so make sure your are working it every day.
Jim
Sunday, February 13, 2011
JARVIS’ SUNDAY RIDE
Nathan and I did not walk this morning and I really missed that time. Instead, I was invited by my triathlon coach, Michelle, to go on a bike ride with the big dogs of her team, OutRival Racing. The routes ranged from 24 miles to 80 miles. Although very tempted to ride 80 miles, I wisely chose the 24 mile trip. I told Michelle that the only way that I would ride was if the rest of the team did not wait for me or give me any special attention and just let me go at my own pace. They did and I rode 24 miles with an elevation gain of about 300 feet. An elevation gain of a foot gave me a great deal of trouble a short time ago. Not today! It was a glorious day for a ride.
When we got back, I told Ana that when I started riding just a few months ago I would go 2 or 3 miles and that was all that I could tolerate. The first time I rode, I could not get off of my bike. In fact, my neighbors were walking by and noticed my obvious predicament and helped pull my bike out from under me. After that, I would stagger in the house and immediately go to the floor. Often, I would have to drag myself around the house on my butt for 2 or 3 hours until my legs came back.
I tell you this to show you that if you try just a little everyday (remember baby steps) and be patient with your progress, eventually it will pay off. I hit a payday today by being able to enjoy an amazing day on a road that I may never have seen or traveled. I can’t wait to see where I can go next but will patiently wait for that joy.
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
When we got back, I told Ana that when I started riding just a few months ago I would go 2 or 3 miles and that was all that I could tolerate. The first time I rode, I could not get off of my bike. In fact, my neighbors were walking by and noticed my obvious predicament and helped pull my bike out from under me. After that, I would stagger in the house and immediately go to the floor. Often, I would have to drag myself around the house on my butt for 2 or 3 hours until my legs came back.
I tell you this to show you that if you try just a little everyday (remember baby steps) and be patient with your progress, eventually it will pay off. I hit a payday today by being able to enjoy an amazing day on a road that I may never have seen or traveled. I can’t wait to see where I can go next but will patiently wait for that joy.
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Friday, February 11, 2011
TEAM INSPIRATION SOCIAL
Some of the now over 50 members of Team Inspiration registered to do the CB&I triathlon with me met for our first social last night. The picture above is of the folks participating in the triathlon as part of Team Inspiration who were able to attend. It was a truly awesome night. I was reminded of the incredible power that this group generates. I was also reminded that sadness, illness and despair are less conditions than they are decisions to see yourself less than you really are. These amazing people remind me everyday to see myself as I really am, to celebrate my life and health and to, as Jim recently shared, “be who I was born to be.”
I will be 48 next week. Last year my birthday present to myself was going to be to make my house more “handicap friendly.” Fortunately, I did not waste my money. This year, my birthday present to myself is triathlon equipment! I like this year’s present SO MUCH MORE!
Give yourself the gifts you deserve – positivity, health, and happiness. It’s party time!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
Sunday, February 6, 2011
HERE IS GREAT HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE, PROGRESS REPORT AND IMPORTANT LESSON
I need to brag on the young men and women of Team Inspiration. They have always amazed me but this weekend it became very clear to me what exceptional youth surround me and gave me great hope for our future. I know many adults that do not show the kind of maturity and compassion that these fine young people do. Heidi (who is tiny) practically carried me through the finish line at the Light the Night walk and always rides very close to me on our Saturday morning bike rides so that she can keep an eagle’s eye on me. Paco (the young man in the football photo proudly displaying his Team Inspiration wristband) called me from Colorado Friday to say that he was so sorry that he would not make spin class yesterday. I forgave him as he was in Colorado signing to play football for Air Force! (Congratulations Paco.) Reid just joined our group and has an incredible work ethic even noticed by our spin instructor yesterday. Tyler had a major knee injury September 2, 2010, which ended his Senior Year football season as quarterback, requiring him to undergo a total knee reconstruction. He texted me excitedly one day from his doctor’s office not to tell me that he would be playing football any time soon, but to let me know that his doctor had cleared him to do the triathlon with me. Thomas and James used to sit with me at home to make sure that I was okay, do chores around my house, grocery shop or do anything else that needed to be done so that I would not overdo things. They have been like sons to me. They are now sharing in the happiness of my health. And then there is Brandon. Brandon in the last couple of weeks, through shear excitement, has raised a great deal of money for our nonprofit. He has gotten friends like Patrick to join our team and to train with us. Yesterday in the middle of spin class, he turned around and told someone “Yeah. He has MS.” I do not know who he was talking to as I was busy at that point keeping my bike at 100 rpm and trying not to fall off! These young men and women have done so much for me and have encouraged and supported me and shown me compassion that is uncommon in adults, much less folks of their age. Their parents must be extremely proud of them. I sure am.
My progress has been astounding. My swimming, biking and walking are improving at an exponential rate. Sometimes, I cannot believe it myself. Fortunately, I do get occasional reminders not to get over confident or let my ego control. For example, yesterday 5 of my super jocks and two other team members went to spin class with me. I really don’t know why, but my mission was to do back to back spin classes. Maybe just to say "Because I can". Two and a half hours on a spin bike. Two of my super jocks did both classes with me. In retrospect, it was probably not smart on my part because I paid for it this morning on my walk. I thought that since I was getting so strong and improving so much, crushing my previous records this morning would be a piece of cake. Wrong! Nathan reminded me that, as my Handler, on race day if he tells me to sit down, I had better not argue with him. He has become VERY proficient at reading my face and body language and knowing what I need, even when I do not.
The lesson I was reminded of is one that I have said so many times on here. Be smart and do not overdo things. I was not discouraged this morning but disappointed in myself for not being intelligent. DO make the effort but DO NOT be stupid about it. Pace yourself, listen to your body and DO NOT OVERDO!!!!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
My progress has been astounding. My swimming, biking and walking are improving at an exponential rate. Sometimes, I cannot believe it myself. Fortunately, I do get occasional reminders not to get over confident or let my ego control. For example, yesterday 5 of my super jocks and two other team members went to spin class with me. I really don’t know why, but my mission was to do back to back spin classes. Maybe just to say "Because I can". Two and a half hours on a spin bike. Two of my super jocks did both classes with me. In retrospect, it was probably not smart on my part because I paid for it this morning on my walk. I thought that since I was getting so strong and improving so much, crushing my previous records this morning would be a piece of cake. Wrong! Nathan reminded me that, as my Handler, on race day if he tells me to sit down, I had better not argue with him. He has become VERY proficient at reading my face and body language and knowing what I need, even when I do not.
The lesson I was reminded of is one that I have said so many times on here. Be smart and do not overdo things. I was not discouraged this morning but disappointed in myself for not being intelligent. DO make the effort but DO NOT be stupid about it. Pace yourself, listen to your body and DO NOT OVERDO!!!!
Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,
-Trace
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