The Lowdown
MY MID-TRI CRISIS I
By Jeff Matlow
was never one of those guys who talked about the parallels between triathlon and life. Honestly, after
two decades of participating in this sport, I never saw any real life lessons. It wasn’t for lack of trying. In fact, for months after I finished my first Ironman, I analyzed my attitude in daily activities and tried hard to find parallels with triathlon. I really wanted to understand how doing that race was going to make the rest of my life better. But, alas, nothing. Triathlon was just a sport I enjoyed. Like ping pong, but usually more painful. Then somewhere along the way, I started wondering
why I keep participating in this sport. You see, I don’t really love biking. Never did. And I definitely don’t love long bike rides. In fact, forget loving them, I barely even “like” them that much. They are a mindless slog. Come to think of it, I don’t like swimming all that much
either. I love having gone swimming, I just don’t really get my jollies out of the actual swimming experience while it’s happening. I don’t even love competing. It’s very nerve-racking
for me. I don’t like having a restless night’s sleep only to wake up super early in order to purposely inflict pain on myself. When I think of “fun,” I’m not sure that’s it. I love running, that’s for sure. But there are a lot
of running races out there, so why must I put myself through swimming and cycling just to get in a decent run? You can imagine my dismay when after two decades
of this nonsense, I finally realized that I don’t even enjoy two-thirds of it. Clearly I was stuck in a mid-triathlon crisis. So what the heck am I doing?! These are the exact words I asked myself. And that’s when the life lessons hit me like 10 pounds
of chain rings in a 5-pound bag. Yes, I love being in shape, but that’s not why I race triathlon. Yes, I love having logged many miles before most people even get out of bed. But that’s not it either. What I realized is that the main reason I participate in triathlons is because it gives me strength. Not just physical strength, but the emotional and mental strength to make me a better person. Despite years denying it, triathlon is the engine that powers my life. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. If it weren’t for the tens of thousands of miles I’ve ridden on the bike,
72 USA TRIATHLON WINTER 2014
incessantly slogging through one pedal turn after another for hours on end, I wouldn’t be the father I am. I’ve spent countless hours in the middle of the night trying to soothe my crying baby daughter. Many new fathers I speak with complain about that. Not me. As I stand rocking back and forth, I’m in the Ironman mindset. I understand what it’s like to not only fall into monotony for hours on end but to embrace that monotony and know that it is strengthening me. A few hours swaying with my daughter? Heck, that’s nothing. I keep it slow and smooth and stay in my zone. Next thing I know, she’s fast asleep in my arms and I’m feeling great. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Those cold,
early morning hours in the pool, going back and forth in a seemingly endless loop, have built in me the tenacity and determination to focus on success with laser-like concentration. For me, quitting is not an option. Giving up isn’t even in my vocabulary. In 22 years I have never DNF’d a race, and I have never given up on a goal. Sure, I may have to walk or limp to the finish, but I get there. One way or another, I finish. So when times are tough at work I know that I can always push forward. One more lap, one more set. Sure, I may not enjoy everything I do in my life, but triathlon has taught me that I don’t need to suffer. It’s not about the time it takes to get from the start
to the finish, it’s about the time you have in between. When times are tough, when the light at the end of the tunnel seems to have faded, I know that it is an opportunity to make me stronger. It’s not about avoiding those tough times but embracing them. It’s about knowing that there is no finish line in life. There are hills that are tough to climb and some you can sail on down, screaming and laughing along the way. They all make up the journey and they all strengthen the person that you are. The secret is to enjoy the journey, regardless of how difficult it may seem. Smile, be grateful and be present for all the feelings and experiences you are fortunate to have in the process. Thank you triathlon for teaching me about life.
Jeff Matlow finally understands. It took long enough.
JeffRuns@imATHLETE.com or
twitter.com/IAmAthlete
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