So I wrote an article a while back in Triathlete about when to know if you should say “no” to that race on the calendar. Decisions, decisions.
As I was thinking about Chattanooga 70.3 (coming up in three weeks), I began to wonder what in the world I was doing with planning to race that. After St. Anthony’s last weekend, which was amazing, I realized that I needed to just bypass Choo 70.3, and work towards Rev3 Williamsburg on my calendar.
In making this analysis, sure, I asked the questions in the article. And even with the first question (is my heart on fire for this race), I knew… eh, not really.
But I had a conversation with my coach, and we talked through some more things.
- Life is hectic
- Overall quality of sleep and exhaustion blows right now
- I know I can survive the race, but who wants to just survive anything
- Longest ride is not long enough and not recent enough
- Neck and hip issues
- Heart is not in it
- Long game is what matters to me
- I can sherpa the Expert
- I can “woman” the Club tent at the race
- I can drink smoothies
SO. On and on.
In making decisions like this, the little things stack up. And become big things.
Racing (compared to life and love and happiness) is not a “big” deal–even though when you’re racing, sometimes it feels all-encompassing, and the only deal.
But for me, racing is the least of my worries right now.
The end game is what matters. Overall health. Overall life wins. My family. Overall hardwork and dedication to what matters.
Also knowing that I don’t need to stoop low in order to succeed at life. Knowing my value is right where I stand or sit. And also knowing that I don’t give a flying rat’s arse about what other people think, and I’m not a quitter.
[Minor details. That kind of thing.]
When you know where you belong and the places you can call HOME, then it’s easy to make these decisions. Yes, the “easy” ones like “I am not racing” (even though those things feel hard sometimes.)
But most definitely… I can handle the hard decisions. The hard work. I can do those things.
I have been called “bear” since a young age.
My dad started it. My friends in weightlifting back in the day continued it.
And what is a bear? Well, I am glad you asked.
A bear is a real animal who is big, loves fish, will fight when necessary, and takes care of its cubs–near and far. Bears are also very gentle and extremely tolerant animals. Bears also believe in karma (okay, I made that up).
Bears also routinely roll over huge rocks and logs in search of food.
Ummmm….
Bears have been known to bend open car doors and pry open windshields in their search for food.
Yeah yeah, I get it…
Regardless of our food flaws, I think a bear is a good animal to be.
#ValuableAF
#Don’tBlink
#BeABear