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Need a little motivation this
summer. . .
This last weekend, I traveled to the mountains as a result of consistent
urging from one of my students. I was saddled with a
great deal of trepidation but his gentle and continuous nudging
resulted in my taking part in a mountain bike race. As I walked
to the registration area with my two year old holding onto one finger
and my bike in my other hand, I wondering what in the world
would cause someone my age to do this? Was there going to
be anyone as old as me taking part? Was I going skilled enough
to be seen riding in public? Was I going to be able to finish?
Was everyone going to laugh as if I crashed?
My preconceived notions led me to believe that mountain bike races
are designed for a unique crowd who ride every single day, live
on a strict diet, and risk life and limb to travel along a mountainous
trail that runs along the top of an ominous drop off at ridiculous
speeds. Well, it just wasn't true.
Elite riders are just one component of an eclectic group of people
who enjoy being physically active. There were
kids of a variety of ages watching and taking part and even some
who were older than me. My personal beliefs almost resulted
in a missed opportunity to be surrounded by people, who are just
like me.
So, I learned a couple of valuable lessons. I am not as fast
or as talented as an awful lot of people but more importantly, in
overcoming my fears, I was able to surround myself with others who
enjoy being physically active and who share similar interests.
This weekend sparked a fire in me (and my two year old) that will
surely lead to more time on my bike and a couple of other races
this summer. So, if you are lacking a little motivation to
workout, plan to take part in a race of some kind. I am more
convinced every day that there is something out there for everyone
and events of this nature provide us with those little challenges
that motivate us to continue to be physically active.
Have a great, physically active summer!
KirkMathias
PELINKS4U
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