Aloha Athletes and Friends,
It seems to me that athletics have gotten more serious these days, even amateur athletics. What do you think? Granted, over 50 years ago when I was playing Little League baseball, the parents would throw a fit over nothing. Other than the embarrassment they caused us kids, I thought that was hilarious at the time and still do. But today, even in amateur athletics, success is measured by performance. Did you win? Trust me, winning is more important than it was 50 years ago. So please Don, what are you getting at?
When I started running ultras some 8 years ago, only two things mattered...finishing and having fun. The entire journey was fun...learning the sport, spraining ankles, having leg cramps...ya, it was a blast. But, let's face it...we are a competitive bunch. One day you wake up and finishing isn't enough. We love to win. We love to "reel-in" the runner in front of us. That's fun too. That too makes us happy. Either way it's happiness. Well, let's throw in "expectations". An entire book was written about expectations. Regardless of whose expectations it is, yours or someone elses, if you fail to meet them, someone won't be happy. I can tell you, even as a back-of-the-pack ultrarunner, you have great expectations and therefore great disappointments. Frankly, I was happier a few years ago when neither I nor anyone else expected a certain level of performance from me. Hey, I'm going to return to the good old days !
I'm really looking forward to the challenge at Badwater. Going into the race with an injury, and being severely undertrained, along with my normal problems, should make me...how did Leon say it?..."savor crossing the finish line even more". Yeah !! After all, like the old happy days, Badwater will be about experiencing something new and exciting...finishing a tough challenge and having fun along the way.
I'll leave you with this thought (sent to me by a very wise friend):
Happiness is a journey, not a destination, So work like you don't need money...Love like you've never been hurt...and...Dance like no one's watching. Don
and man oh man, can Don dance!!!
Posted by: cheryl | June 15, 2007 at 07:30 AM
'Walking with a Limp' that was a very timely lesson & I'm glad you have taken that to heart! Do not underestimate the power of prayer! You can always tap-in to the ultimate power source available!
Enjoy the Journey & Cherish the Moments.
Posted by: Ernest | June 15, 2007 at 08:10 AM