My Goggles Broke 200 Meters In. But What a Volunteer Said Changed Everything ...

Years ago, I trained for months to compete in a triathlon in Key West. I was ready. Focused. Excited.

Then, just 200 meters into the 1600-meter swim, my goggles broke.

And I panicked.

I wear contacts, so putting my face in the water without goggles wasn't an option. I couldn't see. Swimmers were splashing everywhere around me. So, I grabbed onto one of the kayaks floating nearby, the kind that are there to help if someone gets into trouble. The volunteer asked, "Are you okay?"

Tired, but not broken. Ready to jump on my bike and crush it!

I told her my goggles had broken. And what she said next changed everything ...

"Well ... you're not going to quit, are you?

That one question snapped me back to myself. No, I wasn't going to quit!

So, I swam, with my head above water, dodging waves and other athletes, swimming more than 1800 meters just to stay clear. It wasn't my fastest swim. It wasn't my best time. But I finished.

There are two things I learned that day, and they apply to any transformation.

1️⃣ Sometimes, you just need someone to give you a little nudge in the right direction.

We all get stuck. We all have moments where fear, frustration, or overwhelm take over. And in those moments, it’s amazing how much a simple reminder can shift your perspective. Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a stranger cheering you on from the sidelines, support matters.

That’s why I do the work I do. Because I’ve learned how powerful it can be when someone believes in you, especially in the moments you’re not sure you believe in yourself.

2️⃣ With the right mindset, you CAN and WILL succeed—no matter what comes up.

Life will throw curveballs. Your “goggles” might break. But success doesn’t come from things going perfectly. It comes from how you respond when they don’t.

That’s what mindset is all about. It’s not just positive thinking—it’s about building mental resilience. It’s about reminding yourself why you started and what you’re capable of, even when the path forward gets murky.

If you’re working toward better health—especially if you’re managing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes—mindset can be the thing that keeps you going when things get tough. But here's the truth: you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a starting point. A small step. A belief that change is possible.

My husband, Rich, and I both finished!

Ready for your nudge?

If you’re looking to take that next step, I’d love to offer you a free resource I created called the WholeLYFE Blueprint.

Now, I designed this with people who have diabetes or prediabetes in mind—but the truth is, the lifestyle levers inside (things like mindset, nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management) are powerful for anyone looking to take back control of their health.

You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit. If you're ready to create sustainable, lasting change in your health and your life, this is a great place to start.

👉 Grab your complimentary WholeLYFE Blueprint here.

With hope, love, and encouragement,

Coach Marsha

Certified Health Coach | Plant-based Nutrition Specialist