small things.

02/03/2015

Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. -van Gogh

Doing (and loving!) the work, one day at a time… even when it means running at 8:30p, and it’s 11 degrees and the wind nearly freezes your eyeballs. 

Your season isn’t made in a day, and sometimes, it’s not even made in a year. When I think back to starting this sport – just three short years ago – I had no idea what I was doing, swam a 2:15/100yd and thought a brick was a building material. And, though I’m by far no expert today, it’s pretty cool to think about all I’ve learned… about triathlon, obviously, but more importantly about myself (hello, new limits and pain threshold!) and about life. Do the work and focus, and your chances of success skyrocket. And, those small things… they add up and can make all the difference. 

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20 Comments

  • Reply Alyssa 02/03/2015 at 1:06 pm

    I love this! It’s so amazing to me to look back and see how far I’ve come since starting out with triathlon – it’s just like you said, you grow athletically but personally too! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    • Reply erin 02/04/2015 at 6:32 am

      It’s easy to forget where we started, isn’t it?! Good to check in occasionally 🙂

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 02/03/2015 at 1:44 pm

    You are so awesome!! Totally true! It is crazy to look back and see all of my improvements from year to year. My friends ask me when I am going got be done with triathlon…I say when I stop improving and not having fun anymore!! 🙂

    • Reply erin 02/04/2015 at 6:34 am

      That is the BEST answer, Leslie 🙂

  • Reply stephgranlund 02/03/2015 at 8:06 pm

    This is such a timely post for me because I’m trying to focus on the small things this year – incrementally improving things like my nutrition, strength, injury prevention, etc. – in addition to swim/bike/run. I hope I can keep it up throughout the year because I do think all these little things could make a big difference over time. Would love for you to elaborate on all the “small things” that have made a difference for you over the years in a future blog post! Love following along with your blog!

    • Reply erin 02/04/2015 at 11:29 am

      So glad, Steph! Sounds like a GREAT approach to your year! All the food pics on your blog today… drooling. That kale salad! Thanks for the post idea, too… will add to my list and get writing 🙂 xo.

  • Reply Kecia 02/04/2015 at 11:54 am

    I absolutely love this! It is so true to look back and see how far we have come and know that we have so much more yet to learn 😉 I was good to be reminded of this right now as I move forward on a new journey medically…THANK YOU!!

    • Reply erin 02/05/2015 at 10:14 pm

      Hope you’re getting everything figured out, Kecia! Thinking of you 🙂

  • Reply Change of Pace 02/04/2015 at 12:18 pm

    Great quote!!
    Lol- so funny how triathlon lingo was so foreign when we all started! And amazing to see you far you’ve come in a few short years. I’m sure this is your year for Kona.
    I’m already getting itchy for good sweat sessions post-baby (when my body is ready). I’ll really have to keep this in mind so I don’t get frustrated with where I’m starting.

    • Reply erin 02/06/2015 at 8:10 am

      I know, right?! Completely clueless at the beginning, but you have to start somewhere. I hope you’re right about Kona… that’s the goal 🙂

      I’m so excited for you! So many wonderful adventures ahead!

  • Reply ymoshiri 02/04/2015 at 1:58 pm

    You’re wonderful. Reminders like this are important every once in a while!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2015 at 8:11 am

      And, so are you 🙂 It’s so easy to forget where we started, isn’t it?!

  • Reply irinasouiki 02/04/2015 at 2:08 pm

    Heh, 3 years later, I still swim 2:15/100yd… or about there. I must have won maybe 5sec/100? After 3 years I’m in a different spot, ready to throw in the towel. At least I’ve got bragging rights for life.

    • Reply erin 02/06/2015 at 8:13 am

      Don’t throw in the towel! We all progress at different levels… you’ve got five seconds, and that’s something to be proud of 🙂 Just keep swimming!

  • Reply Lectie 02/04/2015 at 2:13 pm

    so very true! What great insight!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2015 at 8:14 am

      Thanks, lady! A good reminder for all things in life, too, not just triathlon 🙂

  • Reply Kristen 02/06/2015 at 10:46 pm

    I am so impressed by how far you have come in only three years!!! For some reason I thought you have been long invested in this sport – I am blown away by how much you have grown and connected with others in such a short period of time. It’s amazing how each moment and each lesson learned adds up into something pretty remarkable!!!

    • Reply erin 02/07/2015 at 9:45 am

      Thanks, Kristen! Nope… I’m still kind of a triathlon newbie! It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon 🙂 Same with you… you’ve made incredible strides the past year! I’m excited to see what this year brings you!

  • Reply the extra mile 10/27/2015 at 6:30 am

    […] runs like this – in the quiet dark of winter – that remind me: it’s the small things like that extra mile that can make all the difference. This is when the season […]

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