After watching Diana Nyad swim from Cuba to Florida I was pumped for my next 50 mile ride.  I want to harness her energy, so yesterday I rode like she swims, finishing in 3h & 30m.

Loved it.

Before taking off smartness took over.  Unlike my last ride (Hot Weather. Cool Minds), this time I wore a sports bra, put on lip balm/sunscreen, & filled both water bottles.

Luck also helped.  Thank you green lights, tail wind, and minimal traffic.

Double thanks to the Cook’s Corner staff who unlocked the doors so I could re-fill water bottles @ mile 28.  They’re true lifesavers for I only had 8 oz of water left, not enough to hydrate me especially in 90+ degree heat.

Our Mind.  Our Most Powerful Tool.

Someone recently talked to me about our mind, our most powerful tool.  They expressed sadness and fear for they felt their memory was slipping away with age.  What saddened me most about that conversation was their inability to think, to believe, to hope in a productive future.

I didn’t want to get sucked into their downward spiral against age, especially since I’m sitting on the edge of mid-life.   So, to counter their negative energy I watched Diana Nyad’s inspirational TED Talk.  It’s one of the best I’ve seen.

This past week she accomplished her goal.  At age 64 she became the first person to swim from Cuba to Miami without a shark tank or a swimsuit.  110 miles. 52 hours.

On the Key West shore she said, Never give up. You’re never too old to follow your dreams.  Like Diana, I think sports is like a microcosm of life.  It looks solitary.  After all, it is our responsibility to get up, create the “to do” list, and get things done.  Still, like Diana said, “It takes a team.”

What’s the take away?

We’re not alone.  If you are questioning your purpose, embrace your family, friends, neighbors, life, and dreams.  Then, jump in.  Thanks Diana.