As I get older, it seems to me that I need more guidance in life. Not less. And there are situations in my life where I use to think I can do it on my own, I realize I need someone to check my blind spots. I need guidance or at least check on where I am heading in life.
I remember two years ago when I met Darren. A very talented and humble triathlete. I just got into training for longer distance triathlon. I read lots of books and read blogs about training long. Yet, there were a lot that I don’t know. I have some aspect of stretching myself. Yet, there is a lot of I do not know what I do not know.
I trained with Darren. Went up north to his backyard (Orangeville, Hockley Valley, Forks of the Credits etc). He showed me where to train and how to train. He showed me what to expect for the long race. He kept me on my toes. Are you training too hard? Don’t go too hard. Keep the heart rate down. Focus on building a strong aerobic base. Eat lots and drink lots so I won’t blow up on the race.
And with his guidance, I was able to excuted my race in a very well manner. I race conservatively on my first Ironman in 2007. And the results show by my race result. I ran a negative split on the run (a marathon). A negative split is when you run the last half of the race faster than the first. That’s a sign of proper pacing.
Had I do my own thing and go my own way. I would have probably tempted to lean toward my ego side and makes lots of mistake and blow up half way in the race.
And to that, today, the lessons I learn from his experience and wisdom continued to guide me in my training and races.
As lately, perhaps it is a matter of getting older and understand that my perspective might not be right all the time.
A long time ago, I heard of someone saying, ‘as emotion goes up, intelligent goes down’. How true! Be it when I am angry or passionate (or obsess) , my ability to think logically drops way down. And the stronger I am in doing it my own way, the more I need to slow down and have someone to redirect me. Better yet, watch my blind spots so I don’t go astray.
When it comes to Christian living, that’s really what’s fellowship is about. Someone who is willing to watch where I am going without me falling over the chasm of sin. And this requires a lot of work. A lot of humility.
