I realized just now that my 2009 season is coincidentally bookended with races in Texas. I'm traveling to Houston tomorrow for a marathon this weekend. My legs are not feeling fresh because of training but that is to be expected. When I put my race wheels on my boots last night and gave them a spin, it made me smile to see the wheels spinning so fast yet so quietly. Skating on some cheap greased bearings for the last month, this sure is a welcomed change.
BO and I have an on-going friendly (well, I hope it's friendly anyway) bet that I'll beat him at a race some day. As can be expected, part of the fun is all the smack talk. I have my own cheerleading section including coach SZ who will "make sure that happens". Girls are every bit as competitive as boys! I recall post-race chatters when girls would non-chalantly talk about how they beat their boyfriend at the race. Well, I'm not really the non-chalant type but I suppose bringing out the streamers and balloons is not the most appropriate form of celebration either...when my turn comes.
It's all fun and games, right? Not so! Apparently it's a bigger deal to guys than I previously thought. I asked a few guy friends for their opinion on this matter and their reactions range from grounds-for-break-up (a little over-reaction perhaps?) to denial (oh that's not going to happen) to bruised ego (ok, that's reasonable). Interesting indeed!
Of course, there is a bright side to all of this. Whether I'm on the bike for some killer intervals or legs shaking from low walking, all I need to do is picture the triumphant moment and I feel a surge of motivation. Being the more level-headed one, BO put the issue in perspective more eloquently: I'll be disappointed in myself if you beat me in a race. I'd also be disappointed if you don't try to make it happen.
I'm not some stupidly competitive person...really. Ha, who's going to believe that one!
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