FEATURES
Making it Count....
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Sunday, 04 October 2015 00:10
By Greg Dummer“It’s called truly living your life...you are intentionally living and experiencing something” said my boss. I was in the midst of being extremely chatty and anxious the day before a big race. I was complaining that I was excited, nervous and lamenting how I didn't feel ready. Inwardly, I was wondering "why do I do this?"
I thought about my range of emotions and realized, isn’t this what life is meant to be? Living in the present moment, venturing outside your comfort zones and experiencing passion? I reflected on this and realized that yes, this is one of the many reasons that keeps me coming back to triathlons....
I love racing triathlons. The whole experience brings out the best in me. It invigorates all of my senses, pushes me to my limits, forces me to acknowledge my weaknesses and address ways to improve. It has helped me forge wonderful friendships, kept my 44 year old body in good shape and has given me a wonderful hobby. I am a believer that we are put on Earth to live our life to the fullest. To experience the boundaries of what we are and what we can do. It isn’t to play it safe. Competing in triathlons is a good start to develop this mentality.
There is something magical about “race day” being around hundreds of people with their positive energy and anticipation. Everyone has a personal goal and a story that is special to them. You can’t help but being uplifted by this positive vibe, high expectation, convivial banter, support from fans along the race and the appreciation/gratitude at the end.
Let’s face it, once you start having children, your life takes a monumental change. Life isn’t only about you anymore…you have work, multiple responsibilities (financial and family) and the children’s activities take a larger part of the pie. I believe it is important to "draw a line in the sand" and not give up your identify and passions. I am not saying that we neglect our duties but at the same time this isn’t a zero-sum game. You CAN still be a relatively competitive triathlete with balance, purpose and focus. You don't have to put on hold your athletic passions. In the end, so what, maybe you could have gone one minute faster in the Olympic distance race had you spent a little more time on the bike or completed a track run last Sunday.
From a parenting perspective, I think it is healthy for kids to see their parents work hard towards a goal, put in the time training, experience setbacks and overcome these. I believe it is important to individually have passion and also to share this passion with your family. Even though time is spent away training, explain to them why you are doing this. Impart the lessons that you have learned. Include them. Share with them your goals, victories and defeats. Children need to see and experience their parents working hard towards something that they are passionate about. This is life and it is healthy.
Competing in triathlons isn’t a finite sized pie. Sure, there are awards to the top overall and age groupers, but the majority of people who race triathlons have their own goals, a PR, to get in shape and off the couch. Growth happens out of your comfort zone. This is the true victory of the sport and one that we should all be thankful for. We should congratulation each other.
The reward – it is personal for everyone. It has been personal for me. It has allowed me to achieve balance in my life and become more present. I am a father/husband first, provider for the family second…but let’s not completely lose ourselves…at this point, we have one life to live. Make it count!
