Ever since I started running some 5-6 years ago, cycling some 4 years ago and triathlon plus swimming some 2 years ago I believe I am getting closer to the reason “why?” Of course, at first there was the typical “why do you climb a mountain….because it is there” attitude. Or, “Let’s just see how tough I really am……” However once we allow ourselves to move beyond that primal thinking deeper and more fulfilling exploration takes place.
Over the years I have evolved to now believe that there are at least 3 main reasons for such events/participation. These include: 1) displays of unconditional love that are many times missing (or ignored) from our modern world, 2) personal internal exploration into areas not typically revealed or evaluated in everyday life, and 3) the spiritual pureness and simplicity of the wonders of nature.
Having putting myself through some 20-25 hours of training each week and countless hard races over the years, my best memory is not the completion of the race or winning it but rather the very striking displays of unconditional love that escorted us all through the day. Throughout any event or training session that I've been to, there is just so much friendship, love and respect among all competitors, from the pros to the guy who finishes last. Sometimes, I believe every event and session Ive been to is just a metaphor for community, support, and love. We all work hard and laugh together as a big family!
Every event that I have taken part in, there has been countless number of people willing to sacrifice their day to help make the event a success. Why? Sure they get a T-shirt and have some fun, but the whole day?? and every year???My only explanation is love for fellow human beings and that the "event (eg ironman/marathon)" is simply an organized avenue of expression. What would the competitors do without volunteers, and what would the volunteers do without competitors? This is “community,” “support,” and “unconditional love” exchanged between strangers who have never met and may never see one another again. This display gives a renewed confidence in the goodness of humankind, and the most awesome power of love. What a joy and gift this is to experience!
Most of us have fears that keep us from fully exploring our inner selves. We usually do not fear our limitations - those are known. Rather we fear exploring our furthest abilities - those are unknown. When we take ourselves to our limits, whether it be academics, spirituality, social, parental, and relationships, etc, or in athletics, we are at the same time exposing ourselves to failure, and yet we don’t feel “complete” until we have explored that unknown area. When we do explore, we then develop a peace or calmness that comes from truly knowing who we are, and what we are capable of achieving. When we are tired, hot, hungry, thirsty, scared, and sore and the devil taps us on the shoulder to say it is ok to stop/walk/quit, what do we do and how do we respond? We can either give in and fail to discover our true power, or we can look fear right in the eye, keep putting one foot in front of the other, do what is right, good, and tough. When we persevere we therein find part of ourselves and our true character along the way.
Perhaps the words from Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech in 1994 describe the power we possess but many times are afraid to obtain: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure……There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of god that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” When we conquer our fears we not only become what we can become, we also give others permission to become what they can become. It’s magical!
Perhaps the words from Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech in 1994 describe the power we possess but many times are afraid to obtain: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure……There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of god that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” When we conquer our fears we not only become what we can become, we also give others permission to become what they can become. It’s magical!Yours In Sport,
Yuen
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