Going the Distance

I remember a conversation I had with my uncle some time ago.  We talked about what it was like when we first start dating someone.  He always used to say dating was a young man's domain because people his age didn't have the energy for it anymore.  I chuckled at the humor of what he said but didn't really give it much thought.  A few years later a friend of mine was getting into a new relationship and telling me about how they were spending their time.  It was those stories that brought the conversation with my uncle back and made me smile at how right he was.  At the beginning of a new relationship we will drive for hours just to see someone for a few minutes.  We'll stay out til 3:00 AM on a date only to make it to work by 8:30.  We'll spend weekends out of town, leaving right after work on Friday to barely make it back to work on Monday morning.  It's something we've all done and many great memories and relationships have come out of that effort.  It was in meeting Kevin and Sarah that I found out how much energy it sometimes can take. 

Sarah is an avid runner.  She's done multiple marathons and works hard to stay fit.  Kevin started running longer distances as he got to know Sarah.  It was what helped them bond and get to know each other.  It was their time together.  For Kevin though, he took it a bit further.

Sarah's passion for running eventually became Kevin's passion as well.  With time, marathons weren't enough for him, he started running triathalons.  One led to another and most recently Kevin finished an Ironman Triathalon.  Now those not familiar with the Ironman, it's a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2 mile run all in the same day.  Sarah had already agreed to marry Kevin before he did this so this had to be his own motivation.

I say I was impressed is an understatement.  Any one event is a feat, add them all together and it's a major accomplishment for a non-professional endurance athlete.  But more than the Ironman, I was impressed by how much of an interest Kevin took in Sarah that something she loved became something so close to his own heart.  The best in her inspired the best in him. 

As I write this I can't help smirk that no matter what Sarah has in store for their lives, Kevin will always have the energy to keep up and make their lives as fun and exciting as the first few weeks of a new relationship.

Check out the day at www.dennisleeslideshows.com/sarahandkevin