Thursday, July 12, 2012

GRAND CHAMPION



BeReal Writing Event
A few months ago I started running again. I hadn't run since I did track and cross country three years ago, and assumed I would be able to do a six minute mile like I could back in the old days. I started out with a 5k, raising money for our local nature center. Going in I was completely confident, and thought I would be able to finish with a time of about twenty minutes, but realized after the first quarter mile that I hadn't prepared enough for this kind of run. I had to deal with the humiliation of being beaten by my mom, and promised myself that from then on I would never let that happen again. 
I started to run again, but would get tired, and end up stopping to walk. Since I wasn't doing my best I wasn't improving, and with out improvement I saw no need to run, and therefore quit after the first few weeks. 
Just that day, when I woke up, knowing I should get out of bed and at least take a short jog, the second Edge CD was delivered. My sister and I popped it in and listened to the stories of Orrin selling his candy bars, running laps on the track, and encouraging "Ice Adidas" as he played basketball. He talked about how when he couldn't sell any candy, he realized why he couldn't, and instead of giving up, he problem solved and achieved his goal. I knew the reason I wasn't improving on my runs was because I wasn't running my hardest. Whenever I would get tired, or get a cramp I would stop and walk. I made the decision to start again, and to not to quit, even when my entire body was aching in pain. For a week I would go out in the mornings or evenings and do my best, and eventually it got easier and easier. The CD encouraged me not to give up, but to figure out what was making me quit and run until I hit my goal. I would tell myself I could do it just like Orrin did to the young basketball player. 
June 2nd came up. It was the annual church race they held every year. Last 5k I made a promise not to be beaten by my mother. It would have been easy to give up on my goal, and have humiliated myself further, but instead I trained, and came up with a far better time than last (while beating my mom). I'm glad I heard the positive information that kept me going. I look forward to the CDs every month, and appreciate the time that the leaders of Life have put aside to create them for us.

9 comments:

  1. What an amazing transformation of this young man's thinking. Way to go! Whoever comes into contact with him better look out, with a determined mind he will be out to not only run races, but win in many other areas of LIFE! What an inspiration!

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  2. Awesome story. The information on the EDGE CDs are Vital information to everyone. Just imagine, the more LIFE information we share with people the more we can make a difference in people's life's:
    Again, What an awesome story! Way to go for taking this information and making a decision to use it and make it yor own.

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  3. Three Cheers for Tom! When the going got tough, you got going. Your story will provide you (and many others including myself) of a lesson for a life time. Success is always on the other side of convenience, but the rewards are worth it. Great job in beating your Mom! I know her well and know that she would never give you a victory you truly didn't earn. You've got a lot to be proud of and I'm proud to work with your parents and to know you and your sister! The Wrights are a family of WINNERS!!

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  4. Great job, Tom! You'll teach many others with your story.

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  5. Wow what an Awesome story about a young man who set a goal and refused to let any obstacle get in his way!!! I know he has taught me a thing or two!!! Way to go Tom!!! GREAT JOB!!!

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  6. Way to go Tom! Thank you for sharing how the LIFE materials are being used in YOUR life!!

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  7. Great job on using the information to NOT give up on your goals. So of you and the way you applied tge EDGE Series to your life to achieve fantastic reaults. Keep up the good work.

    Mike

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  8. Wow! Awesome story, loved it. Always gotta keep on moving forward

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  9. WOW, congratulations! You are leading from the front! I have new resolve for my own struggles reading your story =) Keep up the great work.
    Farrah

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