Is it worth it?

Pro's:

* I started to exercise once again.
* Everything seems to be falling in place with my new workout schedule.
* The swim has been the easiest thing to go back to, which is a huge surprise.
* I started weight lifting again twice a week.
* I'm taking long bike rides on the weekends with my father.
* I am eating much healthier than I was.
* I dropped 4 pounds so far, 11 more to go.
* I feel proud of myself for jumping back into the life of a triathlete.

Con's:

* My whole body is sore. Especially from the weight lifting.
* My spin classes aren't easy, not that they ever were but I'm still struggling a lot.
* I feel like my day doesn't start until 12 by the time I get home and showered.
* I don't sleep.
* Running has been the biggest challenge, again a huge surprise.
* My leg is hurting again. Same spot, same pain. 9 weeks off wasn't enough.
* Having a goal of a 1/2 iron man can sometimes be overwhelming.

So I take a look at this list and wonder is it worth it? Some days the answer is no. But those days are far and few between. I think getting past those bad days is as challenging as the next workout. Becoming an athlete is as much mental as it is physical. I never realized that until I started training for my first marathon years ago. I do consider myself an athlete, albeit a not in top form one. I have those mental battles everyday. That's when that con list rears its ugly head and starts playing with me. Like today as I spent 3 hrs working out.....6 mile run, over an hour on the elliptical and a 50 min weight class I thought about how my leg hurts, that I was still sore from Tues, that I'm tired, I wish I slept better last night...etc etc. But when I was done it was all worth it. 2000 calories burned and a stronger body and mind to show for it. That's when the pro list shows up and makes me smile. It's absolutely worth it. The pro's by far outweigh the con's. I just need to keep reminding myself of that until I cross the finish line of my first 1/2 iron man in June.