A journey can lead you to many places. Sometimes to a geographical location. Sometimes to a very special place located somewhere between your dreams, your heart and your mind. That’s what Chris Martin and Joe DiBella taught me when they first led me through the amazing highways and byways of their journey to personal success.
Martin is the senior director for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations. DiBella also works for Universal as the Senior Manager, Marketing. Both shared their amazing stories of fitness, friendship and finding themselves in the Spring 2022 issue of The Compass magazine.
I was so inspired by their courage, strength and determination and whatever “secret sauce of commitment” they seemed to have discovered, and I was left wanting to know more.
Fast forward one year – it was time to check in. How were these accountabilibuddies persevering? Is the healthy body = healthy mind, which enables you to power through whatever headwind life puts in front of you, philosophy still alive and well? You bet it is! But, in two very, very different ways.
Martin set a goal for himself to take part in an Ironman challenge – and successfully finish. No small undertaking. Accomplishing this meant swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles. His training was rigorous and torturous, getting up before work to ensure there was enough time. Too tired? Skipping a day? Not an option. Working out. Going to work. Making sure evenings left enough time for family and personal events. Carrying on with the end goal in mind kept him moving forward. Eye on the prize.
On November 20, 2022, in Cozumel, Mexico, the Ironman challenge took place. The race began bright and early, and at first, it was easy. After a few hours in, it was excruciating. Painful. But this is what he worked so hard for. This was his goal. He had come so far. After finally crossing the finish line, Martin was overcome with emotion.
“Nothing prepares you to accomplish a life-long dream. In one moment, all the pain, suffering and sacrifices you made to get to the start line collide with the pain and suffering you pushed through on the day. And then you hear the announcer say, ‘Christopher Martin, you are an Ironman,’ and a torrent of tears and emotions stream out of you,” Martin said. “I screamed ‘yes, yes’ as I crossed the finish line crying. The volunteer who put the finisher medal around my neck asked me if I needed a hug; I did. Then I rushed to find my phone to video call my girlfriend and family.”
That day meant the world to him. He proved something very special to himself. He made it to his very special, personal destination. A place that will live in his heart forever.
He also inspired a very special lady to take on a challenge of her own: his mother, who plans to participate in a triathlon. She’s training now, and on race day, he will be there, competing right alongside her.
DiBella embarked on a different journey. After completing his first 75 Hard challenge in November of 2020, he continues to use the steps as a guide. However, with all journeys come setbacks, and an obstacle presented itself when DiBella was participating in a mud run with some friends.
It was a fantastic day for the event, but partway through he hurt his knee. The pain was tremendous, and after an ambulance ride to the hospital, DiBella learned that his injuries were quite severe. He endured surgery, rehabilitation and months of physical therapy. The hardest part was being unable to participate in his normal workout routine.
After being given permission to resume his physically active lifestyle, DiBella went back to his aggressive workout regimen. He and Martin continued to motivate and support one another. Accountability was key. Every day mattered. Each was working toward his own destiny. DiBella’s knee had been giving him a little grief, but he was strong. He was sure everything was fine. Right?
One afternoon, DiBella again found himself unable to put any weight on his leg at all. Ambulance ride number two led him back to the hospital for a diagnosis he feared the most. He had reinjured his knee. This time, aggravating it worse than the time before. More surgery, more rehabilitation, more pain.
How do you recover from this setback? Why did this happen? According to DiBella, this is part of his journey. After more months of physical therapy, DiBella is now recovered. He worked hard. He persevered. He adjusted his workout to accommodate his body’s abilities as it was healing. His mind and body are stronger and healthier from this experience. And, he too has proudly reached a new destination in his life.
