A little over a year ago, I was in Argentina, in a room, with the countries most notorious bank burglar waiving a gun at my head claiming that "he was going to splatter my brains all over the wall," at least that's what the translator was saying.
I got the point that he was mad, holding a gun and I was in trouble. As he ranted and raved in Spanish bringing the gun closer and closer to my head, I never thought "hmmm, I really regret not doing every workout my coach gave me last week, or man I can't believe I didn't PR in the Chicago Triathlon."
It's not like the movies where my life flashed in front of my eyes. Many things went through my mind, including " I wish I knew the words for "calm down" in Spanish," but never once did I think about any sort of endurance type endeavor.
I think that's the point. For most of us, this is a hobby, a passion yes, but still, something we try to squeeze in, between work, family and sleep. That day, I re-learned very quickly what matters in life.
Do I want to do well in every race, of course, but it's not going to kill me, if I don't. Do I still get really grumpy when I don't workout, yes, but I also realize that I am lucky to be able to workout and tomorrow is another chance.
As I learned this year "forward is a pace," if you are able to move forward, then quit reading this lame ass blog, let outside or to the gym and get moving.
This coming year I have set some lofty goals and some not so lofty goals. The one thing these goals have in common is my mind set. I am lucky to be here, I am lucky to be doing what I love and when it's all over I am really lucky to go home to the people that I love.
So train, race, PR, qualify for Kona, win Le Tour, do it all!!! Make sure to enjoy it as well. As
you're heading toward the finish line in first or last, take a second and enjoy it.
As far as the bank burglar with the gun goes. Long story short, he put down the gun, we had a few bottles of great Argentinean Malbec and I lived to tell this story.
Have a Happy & Safe New Year.
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Tags: @sportsfront, Bank Burglar, Chicago, Chicago Triathlon, david wallach, New Year Resolution
Well said Dave! Happy New Year...time to rock 2010 out!