I picked up a Triathlon book yesterday and flipped through the pages. The first sentence that I read went something like this: " It would be easy for non sporting people to see the sport of triathlon as masochistic. It can be hard for bystanders to understand that triathletes find training for their events rewarding and fulfilling."
I had to smile. I was instantly transported to a flashback moment, not too long after I had discovered the joys of the endorphin rush for myself. It was about a year after I had started running, when every time is still filled with wonder and the sheer joy of being fit enough to run for pleasure. I was spending the weekend at Mabilingwe Game Resort, near Warmbaths. It was a working weekend, and my function was to facilitate a group of corporates and ensure they challenged themselves on the obstacle course, then followed the clues and correctly read the map to discover their hidden "treasure". I ran from group to group all afternoon, and had the time of my life, encouraging, tempting, whip-cracking and just "playing" in the bushveld with my fitness. (In fact, that weekend, I nearly ran into the back of an elephant!)
What a high I was on! I bounced around like an overgrown, over eager, floppy labrador puppy! With blazing fanatic eyes, I exhorted everyone around me to start running. It transpired that one of the other facilitators was actually a top triathlete, but was no longer competing. I had no idea then what a triathlete actually was, so I wasn't that excited by her being a pro. I just couldn't believe she didn't want to run. She must have been so amused by me!
When I look back at that younger, more novice me, I am still struck by the enthusiasm and the excitement that I managed to find for every new thing that I took on. That was about six years ago, and things were pretty tough generally around that time. Running really changed my life, and it gave me something that I was able to truly focus on, be in the moment with, and it allowed me to just BE.
I still find that peace from a good run - tonight as I jogged quietly along the coast at dusk, I just sank into the moment, and found that ultra sweet spot where nothing else exists.
Earlier, I went out on Rio for a last ride with zipp wheels on and fresh tubes. There was a good fresh north wester blowing, which made the back stretch really fast, but the last 15km into a headwind. It was an easy ride, and I am starting to feel as if I may find my race legs...
Good night from Cape Town! Two more sleeps til I fly!
I had to smile. I was instantly transported to a flashback moment, not too long after I had discovered the joys of the endorphin rush for myself. It was about a year after I had started running, when every time is still filled with wonder and the sheer joy of being fit enough to run for pleasure. I was spending the weekend at Mabilingwe Game Resort, near Warmbaths. It was a working weekend, and my function was to facilitate a group of corporates and ensure they challenged themselves on the obstacle course, then followed the clues and correctly read the map to discover their hidden "treasure". I ran from group to group all afternoon, and had the time of my life, encouraging, tempting, whip-cracking and just "playing" in the bushveld with my fitness. (In fact, that weekend, I nearly ran into the back of an elephant!)
What a high I was on! I bounced around like an overgrown, over eager, floppy labrador puppy! With blazing fanatic eyes, I exhorted everyone around me to start running. It transpired that one of the other facilitators was actually a top triathlete, but was no longer competing. I had no idea then what a triathlete actually was, so I wasn't that excited by her being a pro. I just couldn't believe she didn't want to run. She must have been so amused by me!
When I look back at that younger, more novice me, I am still struck by the enthusiasm and the excitement that I managed to find for every new thing that I took on. That was about six years ago, and things were pretty tough generally around that time. Running really changed my life, and it gave me something that I was able to truly focus on, be in the moment with, and it allowed me to just BE.
I still find that peace from a good run - tonight as I jogged quietly along the coast at dusk, I just sank into the moment, and found that ultra sweet spot where nothing else exists.
Earlier, I went out on Rio for a last ride with zipp wheels on and fresh tubes. There was a good fresh north wester blowing, which made the back stretch really fast, but the last 15km into a headwind. It was an easy ride, and I am starting to feel as if I may find my race legs...
Good night from Cape Town! Two more sleeps til I fly!
