August 13, 2013
At the Rev3 Dells event this weekend I had an amazing experience which I won’t soon forget.
Yes… I had a good time. I’ll post a race report later this week about the race itself. Yeah I did 57.2 miles (HalfRev Aquabike) and I do “ok” in my mind. The swim was fairly normal and the bike was probably the second challenging I’ve ever ridden but my time was just fine.
During and after the race though, I had a few experiences though that will stick with me a while.
Makes me realize and appreciate how much things have changed since I started my journey in 2004 at 322lbs.
At this race I stopped to help 2 people who were stranded on the bike and get them back on the road again. By spending just a few minutes with them, I can change their day from “done” back to “fun”. And isn’t that what it’s all about? I mean really, 99.9% of the people at the race will not win an award. Most of us are there to better ourselves. But you know what, bettering your body is one thing – but what about your soul? That needs a workout too.
I almost got hit by a Duck (car/boat thing), which makes me appreciate my bike handling skills and attention to all-things-traffic. Mountain Biking and Cyclocross absolutely played a part in keeping me upright on a scary situation. I also learn I can have a potty mouth during high-stress events like this. Oops.
Almost 5 hours after my race I welcomed in the last place finisher (Robert) with the rest of the Team Rev3, Volunteers, and Staff. He was touched everyone stayed. There was still a finish line for him! One of my Rev3 teammates (Oiler!) walked with him the last 8 miles (this is after he had raced… and worked an aid station! and found me out on the bike course to say HI!). I got to speak to Robert and his journey mirrored mine – he’s just a few years behind me. Although my journey certainly isn’t complete it made me remember how far I’ve come and that made me smile. Once I get permission I will link over to his blog so you can read more about him.
When the exceptional becomes normal it can be hard to appreciate how far you’ve come.
Enjoy your journey but remember the past.