When taking on a sporting activity, I sometimes find it a challenge to keep my original goals in mind. At 46, it isn’t as if I’m ever going to become a competitive runner or cyclist, and that’s okay. But I still tend to push my performance rather than focusing on the camaraderie and fellowship that I set out for in each activity.
In running, the temptation isn’t as obvious a problem. All the team runners take the races at our own pace, and it’s just a matter of keeping my training in line with my minimum goal of keeping the pain in my legs to a minimum after a race. A weekly run should be all I need to accomplish that, and mostly short ones with an occasional longer on tossed in should get that mission accomplished. When a run, such as the one last night, results in less than a PR, I need to keep my disappointment in check and remember that I’m really just there to support the team.
But cycling is a little more problematic, especially since drafting makes it more of a group activity and we have such a variety of skill levels. Among our regular weekly riders, I’m probably the first or second slowest, but other group members who ride with us from time to time are slower, and I probable have the worst bike (the Hammer doesn’t count anymore; we miss you Larry!).
Most days, it’s just a matter of riding as well as we can, and that’s okay, but occasionally we have a ride planned that’s more of a group activity than a training ride. On those days, I’ve got to get myself out of "push it" mode, especially when I have more decision-making input. Some days, the fellowship is more important than the training.
It's another example of how a good thing can become a bit of a false god, if we're not careful.
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