When I was getting ready for last weekend's ride I worked on my bike in the kitchen (doesn't everyone?) and had HGTV on in the adjacent family room. I don't watch much TV but when I do, that is my go-to low brain bandwidth choice (no offense, HGTV).
Anyway, while I was messing with the bike I heard yet another "house hunting" couple with a very modest budget lament how they couldn't possibly live without granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. With my bike leaned up against my laminate counter in my white-applianced kitchen, I laughed. Would I rather have granite countertops or my beloved bike and all the miles I have enjoyed upon it?
That bike, along with my running shoes and goggles, have been conduits for much discovery and adventure! Can a countertop do the same?
Yeah OK, triathletes including me can get caught up in triathlete "stuff" but by and large I think the sport reminds us that the most important, the most memorable, the most valuable things in life aren't "things" at all. And they can't be bought.
Related to this, today I read this old post from TriFuel called, "So you wanna be a Triathlete." It begins with a sobering list of the difficult things about the sport but then it finishes with the following:
"You start to realize that this sport called triathlon could become a life-long adventure. Many people settle for things in life. They settle for a crappy job, marriage, friends, food, place to live and overall fitness and health.We choose not to settle.
Those who desire more or those who want more out of life than a drive-thru window and boring sitcom, will choose triathlon or an activity that makes them happy. An activity that will change their life. Triathlon will change your outlook on life, your career, your marriage, your goals, your friends and many other things you thought you had figured out. It’s not just crossing a finish line or a boring finisher medal. It’s the countless hours that got you to that point."
I'll take the bike, thank you!
