I know this isn’t directly related to Ironman, but bear with me. Last night I watched the end of the Packers/Seahawks game and all of the outrage that followed. I was literally taken back by the level of hostility and it occurred to me that my training has given me a different outlook on competition.
For years I have ranted and raved about football or any other sport if my team got the shaft. I was either furious or bummed or ridiculously elated. I can feel all of those emotions sort of drifting away.
Running, biking, and swimming are all very competitive without the rage. I have especially noticed how runners support each other, and while I’m sure there is always some envy, there is always underlying tone of encouragement. Even I was joining in and it was all very natural.
I was oddly inspired when friends beat me en route to their personal bests. It’s kind of like going to see a band if you’re a musician. If they suck you are inspired because you know you can do better. If they are great, they bring up your game and push you to work harder. Either way you respect what just happened and the band’s efforts. Their drive to “do something” . . . explore life.
Last night after the obvious blown call in the Packers’ game, I read post after post calling for the NFL commissioners head. It was literally like these replacement referees had ruined their lives. It was sad and made me reflect on the concept of controlling your own life and circumstances without regard to what others are doing.
I couldn’t help but think that the Packers (and their MVP quarterback) had a chance to change the outcome and keep the referees out of their destiny. They had the ball with 2:00 left and all they had to do was get a first down and run out the clock. Instead, their running back fumbled the hand off and they lost 4 yards on the first play. Then ran two giveaways up the middle before punting with a minute left. The Seahawks got the ball back at the 50 yard line. I’m pretty sure the MVP quarterback would have relished that situation.
Sure there are bad breaks in games. Blown calls, distractions, brain farts. But the beauty of competing against yourself in swimming, biking, or running is, you can only blame yourself . . . and there is a lot of power there. You are on a quest to be better, excel, and reach something deeper inside, which can be endless fuel if you embrace it.
I played team sports for years and one of the first things I was taught in baseball was, “Never blame the game on an umpire.” This is a hard pill to swallow when a key call is blown late in the game, but life is fluid. You can’t worry or complain about stuff you can’t control. You prepare the best you can and accept the results. There is no reason not to. It’s bad for your soul.
Never quite thought of things this way, Very interesting perspective. My only observance I try to point out is its a game and even the regular refs have blown big calls. There were chance for each team to pull ahead and not rely on one end play, but that is how it played out. As I said, good point, love the comparison.
Yeah, I don’t know. I mean I’ve been there, but when you step back and think about it, we’re totally investing our emotion in a bunch of millionaire athletes who represent a city they likely don’t even call home. Maybe it’s a constructive release of angst for fans, but for me, it has always left a bad taste and seemed to affect my mood for hours or days. Not a healthy place. Thanks for the reply.