In a sport that's ruled by the clock, freeing myself from the minutes and seconds that define success was liberating. I was now free to run when I wanted, without the gnawing obligation that comes with a competitive pursuit. I no longer have an interest in running "against" anyone. Rather, I'm often looking for someone to run "with," and it's the camaraderie, rhythm and ritual that continue to hold my interest.
Tom Ratcliffe - 2:14 marathoner
"Running Past the Finish Line,"
Running Times, 2010
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I like to think of this as living the moment and not dwelling on time/performance every second of your training. The old saying "stop and smell the roses" may seem cliché; however, if you're only ever out looking at the road and your devices, you're missing out on so much. I ride (as others run) for exercise, performance gains..., but also because it's my release and respite. Out on the road, climbing that familiar climb or hammering that familiar stretch of road, I often come across a deer, fox, raccoon, or some scene right out of a postcard. It immediately brings me back to how insignificant I am and how this moment is one of life's snapshots for the memory bank. I always see doe; however bucks are fairly rare. Yesterday, an 8 Point Whitetail bounded across the road 15 meters in front of me. If I'd been looking at the watch or Power Meter, I'd surely have missed it. He flew across the road with such grace and power, and yet it all happened in a flash, and he was gone as quickly as he came into my view. When, I come across Life's Moments like these, I am so glad I wasn't looking at my watch!
ReplyDeleteCoach Todd Parker, M.A., M.S.