The Athlete Files

Themes in sport and life run along the same path. In both instances we are hoping for success. However, all the trappings of life can lead to mediocrity, or living a comfortable life without any real challenges.

We often have utopian views of our goals. We want fame and fortune beyond our wildest dreams.

In sports this is no different. We have goals as well whether they range from just finishing your first 5k to winning the CUNY championships.

Running the risk of sounding like a life coach I am urging you to take on physical challenges, which not only strengthen the body but also the mind.

There is nothing like pushing your body to the limit and surprising yourself. It's not easy, it takes discipline and commitment but the rewards are more than worth the effort.

Without challenges we remain stagnant and waste away, but with challenges you can achieve things you never thought possible. In this regard, I can relate because of a personal story.

In 2010, I had never run competitively in my life. In fact at this point I had only done one race, a rather paltry showing at a 5k, when I was 14 years old. While I always enjoyed physical activity a runner I was not.

Then something magically happened, I just started running! That's the point I am trying to make, no one is actually good at anything until they start doing it.

This may be hard to grasp in a world where we praise natural talents to no end. What we don't see is the hard work and dedication used to nurture that talent.

As actor Will Smith said, "I'm not better than anybody but how I succeed is with a ridiculous work ethic."

From my initial foray into running I have moved from strength to strength ever since, running a total of 20 something races in the past year and half.

Now I am planning to run the 2013 NYC marathon, something I could not even conceive merely two years ago. The best part is, I am in no way a talented runner.

I often finish in the middle of the pack in CUNY and as always I am aiming to improve, but I don't get bogged down in the details at all.

I feel so alive knowing that I am truly challenging myself that everything else seems inconsequential in comparison.

That's my main point, challenge yourself. Life's too short to let it go to waste. If there's a sport you always wanted to try, find a team and learn it.

Don't worry about how you, look just have fun. Push yourself!

If you would like to reach out to me contact me at tross@theticker.org.