I had a conversation with my brother-in-law Stewart about three weeks ago. He had just completed Ironman Canada in Whistler. He is a relatively seasoned amateur competitor, having completed 6 full distance races since 2008, 3 half Ironman, 1 Olympic triathlon and an 84km Ultra marathon, all while maintaining the rest of his life. He inspired my wife to take on the challenge in 2009 and I can say that it is an huge  effort to do the training for Ironman around your daily business. He placed 21st in his age grade, finishing in a blistering 11hrs 25 mins. This time is doubly impressive as he came off some personal trials this past year, he still managed to shave more than two hours off his last time! Are you impressed? Because I sure am. But back to our conversation… I asked him “What is discipline like to do that?”

My question has layers of other queries: How do you schedule time? How do you focus? How do you keep a growth mindset? How do you prioritize? What happens when it goes wrong? There are many other questions. I was mostly impressed with what great shape he was in as I struggle to gain some fitness balance in my like with three young boys. I think I can do better, just need to be more disciplined somehow. Hence my question.

He thought about my question and then told me a story.

After completing the race he had some tough recovery time, not atypical for these types of events. He worked through the recovery and went to the awards breakfast. He was sitting solo at a table eating when a couple of guys asked to sit with him. They struck up a conversation and shared that one had done the full and the other the half distance. They asked my brother-in-law how he fared. He let them know that he finished in 11:25. They were impressed. They then proceeded to ask about his training regimen, his preparation and his work/race balance. Stewart explained he trained in Kamloops when he wasn’t working at a mine up North. That he doubled his swimming when he was out of camp because of the two in two out schedule. They asked what he did at the mine. Heavy duty mechanic. Jaws dropped and they asked: “And you train up there too?” He explained that he’s up at 4am and in the gym for several hours before his 12 hour shift begins. Yoga before bed and never lights out after 8pm. His breakfast mates continued probing, what about diet? He explained that he’d asked the kitchen staff about healthy options and that they now prepped stuff for him early and made sure he got the best sandwiches. The kitchen staff have invested in his success. That kind of effort is contagious. Stew went on to explain his commute via, car, bus and plane depending on competition and training schedules. The half-ironman competitor who was aspiring to do the full distance stated once more, somewhat incredulously, “And, you did 11:25?” As he did, his friend rose, looked at him and said “How bad you want it?” and they left.

This story captured me because it resonated on many levels personally and professionally. If you want something badly, you have to do the work, day in and day out. There aren’t any shortcuts to hard work and commitment. I think this lesson is one to take to heart in the work of education. Children’s lives and success depend on dedicated practitioners who want it, badly. Not only this, determination and grit to persevere through struggle and adversity are crucial for students to learn and embrace in order to navigate the rocky roads of failure that make learning, learning.

Two weeks later I experienced his determination first hand. My wife and I piloted his safety boat as he completed the Skaha Lake 11.8km Ultra Swim. He finished in 4:21. I found the paddle technically challenging as the winds were strong and the waves white capping through the mid section. I had a sore neck and lower back from the  four and a half hour effort. I didn’t share my complaint. We are very proud of uncle Stewart and it was awesome to see his nieces and nephews give him a hero’s welcome as he crossed the line. Inspirational. So glad my kids could be a part of his effort and success and see what it takes.