The elusive time, weight, score or opponent taunted you from just beyond your reach. The personal record (PR) was yours, and yours alone to achieve. Did it keep you up at night? Were you angry that it continued to dance beyond your ability? How did this drive you to train harder?

Saying no, to more sleep and yes, to rolling out of bed for the early morning workouts. Saying no, to the office donuts, bagels, and cakes. Skipping the late nights of drinking and movies to get up early for training. Rebuffing the families disbelief and wagging heads as you pursued the goal. Grateful for those that understand and support.

Confidence grows as progress is made. Plateau's are overcome. The points increase, the weights get heavier and the seconds drop. Feet move faster, mobility increases, muscles grow and lungs inhale more of the world. Ever closer, but not attained.

At last, the goal is achieved.

The accolades come. Be it a cheer from the FaceBook video post, or a medal around the neck. The loudest cheer is screamed internally as the heart swells with satisfaction.

Done.

Congratulations on your achievement, it is yours.

Going Further: How did you determine to pursue this PR? What were your particular struggles during the pursuit of this PR? Who did you count on for support? What were your darkest moments? What helped you get through the dark moments? What did you change during your pursuit to achieve the PR? What did you think and feel as you reached this goal? How did you celebrate?