"I'd rather have nothing than not first." I actually said that in a state of post-hypoxia at the Habitat for Humanity's hilly road race this past Saturday.
I was apologizing to the guy who I selfishly forced to lead me out for the win as we chatted on the podium steps. My first 55+ race was also my first win in 19 years.
After exchanging names, smiles and handshakes I was accosted by Tal who put his hand on my shoulder and incredulously exclaimed, "did I actually hear you apologise for winning the sprint!? What's up with that!? That's what sprinters do!"
It seemed the right thing to do in a 55+ race. There is no money, little adoration (even my kids make geriatric jokes) and certainly no reason to ever be rude.
We're all just stoked to be healthy, competitive and alive. We have the same head movies of glory as a first year pro, but with no illusions of immortality that lead to risky behavior. We all have to work in the morning. We all take a really long time to heal, at least I do.
My first 55+ race was still hard but a little more survivable than other longer-mileage categories. While shorter it was still very animated and painful -just a bit more civilized.
I heard no cursing, screaming or bad behavior. Twice, fading 3/4 woman racers were "assisted" up the hills by kindly gentlemen. When chains were dropped, helping hands kept things going. When scary riders, badly in need of pack skills, bounced around they were just quietly pointed out and avoided - ending up at the back eventually.
How refreshing.
When the final 1K or so sprint loomed two guys from the same team lined up at the front. I latched on. We got a small gap as teammate #1 pulled off. Teammate #2 went hard. When he slowed I countered with 1/2 k to go. He managed to claw back onto my wheel. I pulled a bit then swung off and stopped pedaling. I thought, "I'd rather have nothing than not first." He looked at me and then at the peleton 50 feet behind and put his head down and lead me all the way to the line where I was almost caught by someone who jumped out of the pack.
I didn't get not first.
Hello selfishness.
K-Dogg
5 comments:
You're a good winner, Charlie Brown!!
Good job Kerry.
And the geriatric jokes will continue, Ye Olde Dad.
That's Sir Dad to you Kaitlin-or was it Riona?
Dad
Why would you stop pedaling that close to the line? Easy for me to say I guess.
Does Riona even know what geriatric means?
*eyeroll and general teenage sarcasm*
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