Jun 21, 2023

ARE YOU DOING THIS ON PURPOSE?

I SURE THE HECK HOPE YOU AREN'T DOING THIS for the wrong reasons. There are so many, fortunately there are...

... just as many right reasons.

But, let me tell you the biggest wrong reason.

The number one, No. 1, biggest, hugest, ugliest reason is to win some silly trinket.

Take last night for example.

I had an incredible race, and a massive breakthrough...

... I also, got whacked on the final climb by Tommy.

For the first time all series I felt really good. In fact, I PR'd the climb which I've done 19 times prior according to Starva...

... and I felt totally in control doing it.

Plus I had the big breakthrough, and I think I've discovered why I have struggled a few times this season.

I was racking my helmet holder.
What was different? What has changed? Why did I feel like I couldn't breathe? Why was tonight so veryvery good?

The weeks I have felt just awful and battled to finish were the same weeks we were tasked with caring for the granddog. I think it's extremely likely I've developed some sort allergy to dogs...

... and this dog is a massive shedder.

Kids are gonna be sad,
but, dad very glad.

Here's the problem with trinket chasing...

... it's never enough, and is often a killer of mental health.

If winning had been paramount, it's highly like I would have missed so many good things on the evening...

PRd the climb
Figured out the breathing issue
Made some really good biz connections in the vendor area, teams needing new gear
Plus, might have found the perfect fit for a position I've been looking to fill

... there's a secret though.

Rather than look at the trinket that was missed...

... look backwards and see all that was accomplished.

I can see I'm slightly off track here because I'm not listing a few of the reasons to go to the races, beyond the podium climbing...

... which is always a bonus.

Here are a few of the reason I show up to race...

Stay in shape which has allowed me to play with my kids and be most effective at work
Develop friendships and bond with dudes - we need this
Get outside and enjoy nature
Go some place different
Learn how to maintain and operate something in the physical world
Scare the crud out of myself from time to time
Savor the experience of finishing something huge

... don't let trinkets be your purpose, they are a byproduct at best.

Yes, I display and talk about them but that's mainly so y'all don't think I'm completely full of shiz...

... which reminds me of a troll I once had.

He paid me the highest compliment.

I'd gotten so good, so fit, so fast...

... he accused me of cheating.

Now, that is high praise.
Not that I'm into that.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance

Wanna hang out with some cool peeps?