It would feel trite to write something analogizing sports with the current events that have affected all of us. We don’t know where the finish line is, or if there even is one.
2015 Pine to Palm 100. Kadalak coming in clutch with the V8.
If there is anything I’ve learned in my endurance adventures, it’s that they’re not individual endeavors. Whether it’s a big day with friends on the trails or an unrelenting race, these accomplishments are the result of collective effort. The collective effort is a combination of synergy and sense of duty. Synergy because the miles become a little less insurmountable with others. Sense of duty because of the family and friends that are either rooting for you or literally there helping you along. If they’re not, then it extends to the countless encouragement that others provide out there and overly helpful aid-station volunteers,
2016 North Face 50. Parents were at the finish and brother Brit paced me the last bit. Perfect day.
Whenever I’ve raced, there’s this sense of duty that envelopes me late in a race. Whether my family and friends are there helping me in the thick of it or if they’re tracking from afar, it matters.
Some have been out there on the edge with me. They’ve done so voluntarily - catering to all of my needs - and encouraged me through. No doubt has that propelled me through the darkness of night. In those moments, it was about us, not me because me crumbling, complaining, or falling apart would let’s the team down.
Well, right now, we have no idea what lies ahead; but, all of us share a sense of duty and that’s to put others first. I hear people complaining and see many still choosing not to wear a mask to the grocery store. This takes zero effort. Okay, maybe just a little bit. After all, you’ve got to fold it and then tie it and cover your face. I guess, for some, that’s still too much to ask. To not share a smile nor be able to reciprocate one is a bummer. I get that; but this isn’t about you or me.
Humans are remarkable creatures of adaptation. If we weren’t, we wouldn’t be here. Soon enough, we’ll be able to connect with others in person and push each other and get better together; however, not just yet. That time will come just as much as the fact that this time will pass.
Onward.
