This upcoming week I will be participating in one of the largest and most difficult events that I have ever been involved in. The Kennedy Space Center is hosting the first ever Rocketman Triathlon on May 5th, 2013. This Triathlon will begin in my hometown of Titusville, FL with a one mile swim in the Indian River before cycling over the new Max Brewer Bridge heading out towards the Kennedy Space Center. This 33 mile bike ride will take the triathletes out past two of NASA’s Shuttle launch pads, and then around the Vehicle Assembly Building before coming up the coast and heading back to Titusville. After the 1 mile swim and the 33 mile bike ride, I will finish the race with a 6.2 mile run to the finish line. This is likely to be the greatest physical accomplishment of my life, If I can survive.

When I found out about this event, I thought it would be incredible to take part in it. I had competed in a few Sprint Triathlons up to this point, and thought that it would be something that I could finish. After some consideration and a pretty solid training plan, I decided to do my first International (Olympic) Distance Triathlon. Here is where things get exciting. I spoke with my mom about possibly joining me for the Triathlon, (mostly in jest) and she mentioned that if I could talk her sister into registering then she would do it as well. I immediately contacted my Aunt Roanna Wilson and began to work on convincing her to agree to do the race. The next day my Aunt Roanna and my mom, Rachel Zinzer, both agreed to do the Rocketman Triathlon Sprint +. Since that time almost six months ago, we have stayed in contact, encouraged one another and motivated one another to train hard for this day. This weekend, my Mom and my Aunt will join me at the starting line of this exciting race and we will accomplish something exciting that we have been training for over the last six months. I am so excited about this event and the opportunity to see my family come together in this way.

A triathlon is a multi sport event which emphasizes endurance. It is so exciting to work hard for something and then experience the results of your labor. Many times while physically training, I am reminded of the spiritual analogies that scripture shares with us. When I run hard, swim hard, and bike hard, everything in me wants to quit, but I have to make a constant decision that no matter what happens, no matter how hard the exercise gets, I will endure. I am often reminded of two major passages of scripture in regards to this need for spiritual endurance.

I Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Know ye not thatthey which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 Andevery man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain acorruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, notas one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us layaside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience therace that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the righthand of the throne of God.

As Christians we must endure, no matter how hard this life gets, and no matter how much we want to quit, we must keep our eyes on the finish line. A triathlon is a great physical reminder of the spiritual struggle that every Christian faces. Maybe you should register for a triathlon so you can experience that great and powerful reminder too. If you do, here are some pointers that will help you out.

1. Start with a Sprint Triathlon (This is generally only a 400 meter swim (1/4 Mile), and 14 mile bike ride, and a 5K run (3.1 Miles)

2. Get accountability and/or a training buddy. (This is especially important on those days that you do not want to train, which seem to come often)

3. Pick up a good book. (I recommend THE 12-WEEK TRIATHLETE)

4. Find a local triathlon and begin training. (ACTIVE)

Comment Below and share any other tips or let me know if you are doing a Triathlon!