When I think about the last 5 years that I have been participating in the sport of triathlon, unfortunately I don’t any stories to share about taking home hardware or setting tremendous personal records. I do, however, feel that this sport is a constant reminder of some of the most important lessons that translate into my everyday life.

For example:

1. What matters most is how you see yourself.

Whether you just finished your first Sprint, or your third Ironman, chances are high that you felt like Rocky Balboa on the Capital steps when you crossed the finish line. You are giving it all you have, sprinting like a Kenyan. Chances are also high that someone, a paid photographer or a well-meaning friend or family member, was there to take a picture as you crossed that finish line. Trust me on this one…don’t ever look at the pictures. In fact, don’t even open the email with a thumbnail teaser that has a link to the pictures. No matter what the photographic evidence reveals, you will never look as good on film as you did in your mind when you finished that race.

Such is true in all aspects of life. What really matters is that you see yourself as a winner no matter what task you are facing.

When I walk into a room filled with old men all touting the word “Chief” in their title, all that matters is that, in my mind, I am Lilly Tomlin in 9 to 5, revamping the workplace and sending my “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss off to the Amazon. I am Will Smith knocking on the door of my biggest potential client on a Saturday afternoon and inviting myself to a football game because I just know that if I can get my foot in the door, the deal is mine. If that is how you see yourself, then that’s what you will be.

2. There is no shame in losing the race. There is shame in not racing because you are afraid to lose.

Anyone who has ever laid eyes on me could tell you without question that I have never won a race…and I never will. Typically I bring up the last 10 to 20 percent of competitors crossing the finish line, and that’s on a good day. On a bad day, or in a small race, I am lucky if the finish line has not been dismantled before I cross it. When I start to feel down about performance I try to remind myself about those that threw in the towel because they did not feel they would finish in a certain place, or with a certain time that would be acceptable to them. Better yet, I think about all of the people that are still in bed and will not accomplish in their entire lifetime what I have just achieved. It’s true what they say…you miss every shot you don’t take.

3. Persistence is genius in disguise.

The people in my life that I have the most respect and admiration for are those that had to work twice as hard for everything that they have. Whether it’s an athletic achievement in the face of a dire medical condition or financial achievement in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, whatever the case may be. These people understand what most others do not...That persistence is the key.

Sometimes the bike will get the best of you, but you have to keep riding.

Sometimes you will get the door slammed in your face, but you have to keep calling.

Sometimes the person you love will not love you back, but you have to keep loving.

Sometimes just one set of crunches won’t give you a set of six pack abs, but you have to keep crunching!

While none of these are earth-shattering revelations, they are helpful to keep in mind during your grueling summer hours of training and racing. It is worth it and it will pay off, typically in more ways than you may even recognize.