Leaving Hawaii positive, optimistic and determined

Stasia Cirricione is one of six CNN viewers chosen to be a part of the 2011 Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge.

"Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time." (Unknown)

This quote summarizes my entire experience in Hawaii. There were many challenges along the way: Heat that I wasn't used to, wind while riding the legendary Queen K highway, a bike saddle that was less than comfortable, and new and frightening challenges like open water swimming in the ocean.

There were times when I'd have liked to have thrown in the towel, but I reminded myself how much stronger I am than when I started, how far I've come in such a short time and how many people are standing right behind me to see me across that finish line.

I've got an amazing support team, I've met so many wonderful people, I've been truly blessed with a once in a lifetime experience and I won't quit. I made it through painful workouts, I smiled through awesome workouts, I completed a mini tri right along side the rest of my 6-pack friends, and I put in all my chips, so to speak.

Coming back from Hawaii and from workouts that were seemingly too hard to accomplish has put many things in perspective and getting back into the pool and swimming was like a walk in the park, running was a breeze and cycling on my bike is a treat.

I'm back into the daily grind of workouts and I'm so grateful for the experience of seeing a beautiful island with so much triathlon history and training alongside some of the greats, Tim and Nicole DeBoom. I'm looking forward to pushing myself out of my comfort zone and being the best athlete I can be.

I am too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated.