In the latest edition of USA TRI magazine, USA Triathlon CEO Victoria Brumfeld penned an article entitled “Ignite the Spark.” The article is both a celebration of the Multisport lifestyle and community and a call to encourage others by igniting the spark in others to join those of us who live and love multisport. Brumfeld invites us to join her in “Celebrating the resilience, determination, and dedication of the entire multisport community.”
As I reflected on Vic’s words, I recalled one of my favorite quotes by the late reggae performer Bob Marley, “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.”
The essence of the quote is that how we choose to experience adversity is often in our own control. Endurance athletes, both long-time veterans and the newest athlete to line up for their first starting line, learn to take this thinking to heart. To be a part of the multisport community is to embrace the challenge of pushing our bodies and minds to be our personal best. In doing so, we have the collective power to encourage others to step out of their previous space and join those of us in the multisport community where, as Vic says, we must lead by doing three things: “find community, race often, and don’t let expectation define your experience.”
I encourage you to read Vic’s words. Consider Vic’s charge and take up the challenge to become a leader in helping ignite the multisport spark in others so they, too, can learn to feel the rain and not just get wet.
Mark Turner (aka Coach MarkT) is a Houston, Texas Metro area based Coach who is a USA Triathlon Level II and Paratriathlon Certified Coach, IRONMAN University Certified Coach,VFS Certified Bike Fitter, and Mental Strengths Performance Coach. Coach MarkT absolutely loves coaching and helping athletes achieve their dreams. MarkT is also a US Veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps. He is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. In addition to endurance sports, his interests include history, science fiction, and cooking. He can be reached at markt@teamMPI.com.