Imagine what it would be like to do 162 Sprint Triathlons from April to October for 17 straight years.
You don’t have to win, or even podium, but you have to show up . . . and finish. Could you stay healthy and motivated enough to do it?
My slew of injuries got me thinking about longevity and consistency, which led me to Cal Ripken and his 2,632 consecutive games streak. Talk about an Ironman.
I know what you’re saying, “It’s only baseball,” but let me tell you, I played baseball my whole life and it is very similar to triathlon. You are constantly battling nagging injuries that beg for a day (or week) off.
Ripken should really go onto the triathlon circuit and speak about preparation and mental toughness. I’m guessing his major theme would be to “stay within yourself.”
He didn’t dive for every ball, and didn’t risk hamstrings by over-extending for infield hits, he stayed patient, because just like Ironman, the Major League Baseball season is a grind.
His lifetime batting average was .276, which is basically 1 for 4. Every night, he was one for four.
He studied opposing hitters more than any other shortstop and his defensive position was impeccable. He saved steps and energy by being prepared.
Ripken wasn’t overly flashy, he just kept grinding his way toward the finish line. He managed pain and stayed with his game plan, regardless of who may have criticized his effort.
I am certain there were times in June when he “could” have swung for the fence to end the game with a dramatic home run, or dove to stop a ball from the outfield, but he knew that would put the end-game at risk. His comfort pace was 9 minute miles and he rarely dropped to 8:30 early in a race.
I was a Brewers’ fan growing up and rarely liked opposing players. Ripken was no different. He was the enemy and often hurt my favorite team. He was always there and I truly got sick of seeing him.
But now I can easily say he is one of my favorite and most respected athletes of all time. Tons of guys put up better numbers and won more awards, but Ripken’s consistency is unparalleled. And really, when you’re talking about racing, teammates or friends, what is more valuable than consistency?
Ripken understood one of the most valuable principles: 90% of life is showing up.
Or, maybe he carried Yogi Berra’s famous quote on his glove: “Baseball is ninety percent mental, the other half is physical.”
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