- Subscribe to my blog via RSS
- Connect with me on LinkedIn
- Connect with me on Facebook
- Follow me on Twitter
Listen to internet radio with RemissionMan on Blog Talk Radio
Archives
- October 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- December 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- November 2020
- September 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- December 2008
- October 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- September 2007
- August 2007
- April 2007
- January 2007
Categories
Tags
50 fit tips bendeka be well philly big climb philly blood cancer brad schoener cancer cancer survivors chemotherapy chesapeakeman chronic lymphocytic leukemia cll crozer keystone cycling endurance sports expo ethan zohn ford ironman world championship grassroot soccer headstrong foundation ing nyc marathon ironman leukemia & lymphoma society liberty sports magazine Lls man of the year marathon motivation nyc marathon Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon philadelphia magazine philadelphia marathon philly health watch racing racing for reasons racing for recovery remission remissionman rituxan running survivor team in training training triathlon two oceans ultra marathon world triathlon corporation-
Recent Comments
- Robert A Mina on Cancer’s Give and Take
- M.L. Sicoli on Cancer’s Give and Take
- Joseph Romano on Cabrini University Healing Mass
- Jim Vail on Cabrini University Healing Mass
- Steve on Funk #9 & All Things Must Pass
The Person Within
Did you ever stop and wonder what sets triathletes apart from other athletes? Or what sets them apart from the rest of society in general for that matter? I think about it all the time. There is something about this sport that fosters an incredible sense of brotherhood and camaraderie unlike any other. Something that is almost viral and infectious in nature. I’m a little unclear if it’s that individuals with particular personality traits are drawn to the sport of triathlon, or if the sport of triathlon does such a great job of promoting that environment that it further defines the individual. Probably a little of both but it makes for a pretty cool community of kindred spirits.
I’ve seen my share of examples of this over the years. I’ve witnessed guys giving up spare tubes before the start of a race. During one race in particular, a friend of mine missed an iron distance PR by 3 minutes, because he spent 10 minutes helping out a stranger struggling with a flat. And they were in the same age group! Days before a big race, how many times have we seen veteran athletes driving around the bike course in cars explaining each little turn and hill to nervous and apprehensive rookies? And how often have we seen chalk inscribed messages of inspiration along race courses meant to motivate the very same people that we are competing against? These are all examples of things we do without giving any second thought. We help out our brothers. We do whatever we can to help them have a good race and a more memorable and positive experience. Even if that means that their finish time ends up better than our own. We want everyone in this family to be successful.
When I think about all of the people that I have met as a result of this zany sport, I’m amazed at how prevalent this invisible thread or common link is that bonds us. The international community at large needs to take a few lessons from triathletes. I have very vivid memories of folks from various discussion forums offering advice, suggestions, and compassion for me as I prepared for my first iron distance race. And some of those same individuals were even more instrumental during race week as they took me under their wing and made sure that I wasn’t overlooking anything and that I had screwed by head on right.
These people were essentially strangers. Brought together only by our passion for the sport, but heavily invested in one another’s success. In most cases I couldn’t even tell you the names of their spouses or what they did for a living. But that never mattered. They were willing to drop what they were doing to help out an iron virgin. To be able to reflect back on a race and have lasting memories of individuals is icing on top of that finisher’s medal or certificate. And a treasure that will last much longer than the finisher’s tee shirt! You simply won’t find this kind interaction among most athletes in other sports.
So, let’s all do our part to keep the good karma alive and regenerating. Let’s all lend a helping hand or a shoulder whenever possible. Don’t forget to thank the volunteers who are sacrificing their time and energy to help you realize your dreams. Celebrate the fact that you have chosen to surround yourself with an amazingly fine yet rare group of positive individuals.
Take a look around before the start of a race and count your blessings and remind yourself of how fortunate you are to have the courage and ambition to even be there. And lastly, no matter what the outcome is, be proud of your accomplishments for what they mean to you, not how they may stack up against someone else. And should you have a “bad day”, make a note, learn a lesson. And move on.