Ten Lessons Learned from Completing Ironman

I hope that this journey is more than a medal and fond memory.  I want to carry it forward.  In the Army we followed every training exercise with "lessons learned" to capture what went right and what went wrong.  What we should do and not do.  In my event, I have no regrets.  I trained as hard as a busy married professional father of two could possibly train and finished my race healthy, uninjured and in good spirits.  Here is what I hope to take away: 

1.  You can do anything you set your mind to if you commit, plan and do the footwork.
2.  You will need the support of those around you to make it come true.  You make it happen alone, but you are not alone - no one is an Island.
3.  Train now, find the motivation later.
4.  Show up Every Damn Day and make it happen.  No excuses.
5.  Life will happen.  Adjust.
6.  Realizing a dream is a process and a journey.  Enjoy the journey and learn from it.
7.  Plan your race, then race your plan.  Exercise self-discipline.
8.  You can do more than you think you can.  Dig deep.
9.  Believe in yourself.  Trust the hard work you've done.
10.  When you work and suffer to make a dream come true, there is no joy like it!